Fornutaully all my meds are non habit forming but still have to take especially the nerve pain meds I would not be able to walk without it I have I wear carbon fiber braces in my shoes as it is. I know how you feel diabetes forced me into retirement in my mid 40 54 now. I think sometimes why didnt people just push me off a bridge and I think I did 20 years in the Corps and came home from desert storm and few other places and like you I am a stubborn strong and if you tell me I can do it or it wont work I will find a way to make it work. I once told my podiatrist that if I ever had to have more than the little toe that I had have removed I told him I would be in my garage constructing my own prothetic foot complete with a holster and ammo storage space he believed me. But when I feel down I just look up at the sky and laugh and say couldn't find someone else to mess with. Thats ok bring it on but remember when it is my time to go I am going through the pre-paid line no stopping and checking in with ST. Peter. I am heading straight for the express lane. Lol