@rwinney Hi Rachel, First and foremost, I want to congratulate you for venturing out to Target and using the apparatus they have for you. I think that will help you to feel like a person again. Of course, us people, with our vanity, have trouble with thoughts of wheel chairs, walkers, etc. I think about this all the time. If is go shopping at TJ Maxx for about an hour or less, I come home, and my feet are so weak and throbbing from walking. I have also gone there to buy something, and did not have foot strength to even go in the line and pay for it. I think the only way we really know what is going on is to have an EMG-NCV test every few years, and a complete neuro work up, from head to toe. Let the neurologist hammer, tap, prick, etc., to find how your body is working. Let the doctor tell you, as best he knows, how you are progressing, or not progressing. My PCP tells me that exercises for the feet do not help the neuropathy much at all. However, any cardio and anaerobic exercise I can do, helps to keep my body strong in general. I am not sure any person knows for sure, the progression of disease. I think the more we do, the better we feel, in the long run. However, this is easier said, than done. Sometimes my feet are so damn weak that exercise becomes impossible. I am kind of physically lazy, by nature, which adds to the mix. I wish I had answers to your question. Nothing is for sure. But I do know, that we must stay vital, as best we can, and in all ways. You just try to keep that New Years spirit. Envision yourself in your lovely dress for your son's wedding. Strive. We cannot totally give in to this struggle. Girls generally like to shop. Many of them! Keep trying! Keep doing! We are alive, and we must! Lori
I'm trying, I'm trying. Your support is truly welcomed and very much appreciated! Thank you.