her iron was fine according to the blood work. i havent asked her about the space between the thumb nails...but in guessing...i would have to say that there is. she doesnt have high blood pressure or anything of the nature...the only ailment she has is whatever is causing the peripheal neuropathy symptoms...otherwise, she is in good health for her age. the only medications she has ever taken is neurontin, dilantin, and cymbalta (not at the same time)---to try to get the neuropathy symptoms under control...and she just started on them last year. I dont know if those could have created the nail problem or not. she has never had acrylic nails...her nails were always healthy looking and grew nicely...so there was never any need for them. thanks for all the possible thoughts. It really is appreciated.