Copper Defiency

Based on the information you provided, your symptoms of interior cold and numbness from the knees down, along with balance issues, are consistent with copper deficiency myeloneuropathy (CDM), which can be triggered by long-term high zinc intake, such as in AREDS2 formula.

Are you taking daily oral copper supplementation to maintain normal levels?

Studies show that while copper replacement stops further deterioration, nerve damage recovery is often slow, and some residual deficits may persist.

Google AI suggests a potential Emerging Therapies: Recent research (Gohil Lab at Texas A&M) suggests that drugs like elesclomol may help deliver copper to cells.
Also be sure Re-check Levels: Ensure your serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and zinc levels are checked periodically to ensure they are holding in the normal range.

You can search for "copper deficiency" or "myeloneuropathy" on ClinicalTrials.gov to find studies focusing on nerve recovery.

When going to my 1st neurologist, my retinal eye doctor directed me to leave him as he wouldn't be able to diagnose and he didn't. My eye doctor directed me to the Mayo/Cleveland Clinics or Henry Ford Health System, here in Detroit (which I chose as driving in a car was excruciatingly painful.) They diagnosed in Sept., 2022, wheelchair bound and I am now using walker (PT for 3 years)now. I also went to the Cleveland Clinic about 2 years ago, and confirmed diagnosis. I continue to see the diagnosing neurologist at HFHS, twice a year, with blood draws as you've suggested; I take 2 tablets of copper gluconate (2MG) twice a day. Copper has been stabilzed since March, 2023. Interestingly my neurologist had her residency at the Mayo Clinic and said she contacted them upon my diagnosis, and as I recall (so use skeptically) no direction or input.
Thank you for your response and any further suggestions, please offer.
Thanks,
Mike