Hi Barry, thx so much for giving some great examples of your neuroplasticity endeavors! Can you please tell me if you have started one thing at a time and if so, for approximately how long before adding another exercise /change and then so on? Also, is or has any of this worked or been working for you? If so, to what degree of improvement have you had? Sorry for so many questions. Please just answer within your convenience and comfort level. Take good care and thank you for sharing! Many blessings, Sunnyflower

Hi @user_che214927 Barry, I have gotten Dodge"s first book and will start it as soon as I finish the one I am on. Since reading your post a few minutes ago I have tried to change a few things. I am currently typing this with my left (opposite) hand as well as using the mouse that way as well. Boy, this is WORK! Not to mention it takes about ten times as long. I do see how my brain (and left arm) have to work harder. Simply trying to do everything with the opposite limb is a challenge. Thanks. Not sure how long I can keep this up. It's very interesting though. (OK, heading over to the reply button now, hope I make it there.) 😉 Best, Hank

@user_che214927 Congratulations Barry on being progressive with your overall health!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Not only do your changes challenge your brain to create new healthy neurons and help neuropathy but, also for memory, aging and your overall health. Good for you for not sitting around complaining or feeling sorry for yourself! You definitely are a part of my many inspirations from Connect. 😊

I've implemented challenges, some by default, when one limb is paining I use the other, for example, if I want to drive, I must drive with my left leg or switch legs during the trip, but I get it done in short distances with a little more as I can. I could not drive for months and I dont care if it takes me another year or two, I will keep pushing for progress. Also, I eat with my left when need be because my shoulders/arms/hands burn with pain, pins/needles, weakness and numbness. I've been pushing my legs to walk more and more as tolerated. Some days I walk in more pain than others. Instead of not doing it, I do it with provisions. That means I walk very slow, stop to stand and give my legs a chance to "re-juice", as I call it. I rest or sit, or pull my legs up and down or rub them, then keep walking. Last sping my legs began to fail. Coming out of winter I could not walk around my yard without pain and weakness that sent me to the ground. I thought my legs would never carry me to enjoy my flowers and landscape but, with A LOT of hard work, weekly myofascial release treatments and a crap load of supplements, I talk myself through it and keep pushing. I've made great progress since last year when I could barely walk across my living room. I've recently been able to walk through Target again after needing the electric scooter prior. It is not easy and my legs feel abnormal but I manage as best I can. I've pulled myself out of a depressive state filled with fear and realized I've got what I got and I refuse to let it define me. Taking new routes, learning new music or a language, traveling to see new sights, restructuring your day or routine. There are so many possibilities for each person's unique case.

Barry - keep up the good work. 💪🏼👍🏻
Others - please challenge yourselves, as tolerated, and push for progress in some way, shape or form. We CAN'T be defined by our pain and diagnosis(s) unless we allow ourselves to succumb, which is not acceptable. It takes hard work and dedication but..
YOU ARE WORTH IT...WE ARE WORTH IT.

Be well,
Rachel

@user_che214927 Mind is a builder