Good morning, fellow PNers!

Ditto to all that Ed (@njed) has said. I did much the same: I went from my diagnosis (like Ed's, also non-diabetic idiopathic sensory/motor PN) straight to learning as much as I could about my disease. (It did take me a while before I'd use the word "disease;" good ol' denial had me using words like "condition" and "situation.") Contact's mentors, like John, directed me to several sites (e.g., the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy) that helped to educate me and lessen my stress.

Something else I've been doing since getting my diagnosis is phoning and sending letters to my legislators asking that they put the full force of their office behind nationwide research funding. Friends have told me I'm wasting my time trying to persuade legislators. That's not the point, however, which my friends only partially understand. The point is to DO something, like educating myself and sending letters.

At first, PN left me feeling helpless. I hated that feeling. I felt like a marshmallow with a disease. I couldn't live that way. I may have to live the rest of my life with PN, but I don't have to live like a marshmallow. I encourage all of us to look for something that can be done, whether learning all you can about your disease (ah, I said "disease" LOL) or pestering your local politicos. It can make a difference. It sure has for me. 🙂

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)