I know exactly how you and I think most of us feel with neuropathy! I was an outgoing person, enjoying getting out and visiting with others, until this happened to me almost four years ago. I am forced to use a walker now and I am unable to stand alone, so a cane is out! I prefer to remain in my home now where I feel safe and can avoid any embarrassing situations. My hair, too, has thinned and there are days I feel like an old woman. I am far from the person I used to be. My good friends now are those who understand this illness and accept me for who I am now. I know I will never be back to the way I was a few years ago and realizing this, I think, is half the battle. We have to make the best of what life throws at us. What else can we do?