E:\LETTERS\2019DAR.HTM 

<h3>                 11 December 2019 <br> 
Joy Beeson (15 April 1941) annual check-up 
</h3>
<h2>                 Kyphoscoliosis, sciatica, and meralgia 
                     paresthetica 
</h2> 
<p>                  The oral steroids didn't seem to help much at 
                     first, but I kept improving for two or three  
                     months. 

</p><p>              At present, I notice the nerve damage only when 
                     doing my exercises, mostly during the evening 
                     exercises.   I have felt pain at night, but not 
                     often, and not enough to keep me from getting 
                     comfortable in bed. 

</p><p>              I am accustomed to the numb patch on my thigh. 

</p><p>              I don't feel that the Gabapentin is doing anything 
                     for me, and would like to discontinue it. 


</p>
<h2>                 Peripheral Neuropathy
</h2>
<p>                  Not much change:  "wrinkled socks" when I wear 
                     closed-toe shoes, a sporadic sensitive patch on 
                     the end of the second toe of my right foot, 
                     oddness in the balls of my feet (particularly the 
                     left foot) when I pay close attention.  
</p> 
<h2>                 Thick toenail
</h2>
<p>                  Still a little thicker than the corresponding nail 
                     on the other foot.  
</p> 
<h2>                 Rotator Cuff
</h2> 
<p>                  I still notice it during range-of-motion 
                     exercises, but it isn't interferring with 
                     anything.  A few weeks ago I drove to Spring Creek 
                     and back and my rotator cuff didn't notice.  I 
                     ought to drive more often, but seldom have a 
                     destination and don't like to go in pointless 
                     circles. 
</p> 
<h2>                 Little Blisters 
</h2> 
<p>                  The little blisters that have sporadically 
                     appeared on my hands for the last sixty years got 
                     more ambitious a few years ago, then died down 
                     into patches of rough skin on my fingers, and now 
                     have faded into two patches that I'm not sure are 
                     there.
</p> 
<h2>                 Neurodermatitis 
</h2> 
<p>                  No change in the itchy streaks on my shins.  I 
                     haven't clawed myself bloody since I learned to 
                     keep witch hazel handy.  They appear more often in 
                     the winter, when I wear tights -- I think peeling 
                     the tights off sets the itching off. 
</p>


<h2>Exercise</h2> 

<p>                  I walk to church nearly every Sunday, half a mile 
                     each way, and climb every working staircase in the 
                     building.  

</p><p>              I try to ride my bike at least once a week.

</p><p>              I've been reasonably faithful with back exercises 
                     morning and evening, and put my arms through their 
                     range of motion at least once a day.