Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

One of my favorite activities for at least 20 years was a brisk 2 mile morning walk. Well, I CAN walk now of course. I could even run if something was chasing me! But the pleasure? That’s gone. It’s more like a grim task. Every tiny muscle fiber from my hips to my toes hurts. And the pain intensifies as I proceed. I finally have to find a place to sit - a stranger’s porch? So I could take a walk in my neighborhood on this beautiful Spring day. But why? Same with biking. I went a year without getting on my bike. I used to take a ride in my lovely neighborhood almost every evening in the summer. I tried it a few months ago. Oh my God. This time not only my lower body hurt, but my hands, shoulders, neck …
So off I go to the indoor pool! I do some pool calisthenics and swim laps. For years I said “please don’t tell me I have to swim for exercise”, yet here I am.

Getting out of that swimsuit can be torture when my hands are hurting (like today). I’ve wondered what would happen if I got it stuck around my face and called out for help! Or maybe scissors ??? Yes, I know I can wear something looser, not even a real swimsuit. But I still have enough pride to want to look as normal as possible. I wear a two piece with a swim skort. Even that is painful when my hands hurt like this.
I belong to a wellness center with an indoor pool, so can swim twice a week year-round. I honestly can’t handle the whole experience (spandex, lane-sharing, chilly locker room, spartan shower) more than that. And that’s okay.

Hi
I have only 1 hand that hurts with nerve pain. Began around 7 years ago in my index finger. Then spread to whole hand.
I can't imagine having this pain in both hands. If it was a foot I wouldn't be walking. I'm still looking for for why. Just had a thoracic MRI this morning. Already had head and cervical MRI'S. I am not diabetic and always ate whole foods. I certainly have empathy for you.

Hi
I have only 1 hand that hurts with nerve pain. Began around 7 years ago in my index finger. Then spread to whole hand.
I can't imagine having this pain in both hands. If it was a foot I wouldn't be walking. I'm still looking for for why. Just had a thoracic MRI this morning. Already had head and cervical MRI'S. I am not diabetic and always ate whole foods. I certainly have empathy for you.

Hello,, my neuropathy started about a year ago, in my feet. They burn. My neurologist just upped my cymbalta, That's not working. I take Turmeric, it helps some. Id like to find something else. I can't take Gabapentin. Makes me goofier lol

@julbpat You find the pool easy? I do too, getting in and doing the exercises. What discourages me is the effort to pry myself out of the wet bathing afterward 🤪. I’m normal size, but with PN affecting my hands, it’s a challenge, even with great suggestions from folks here. But I do take advantage of the outdoor pool where I can sit, rest, and dry out afterward!

Like John, I was wondering if it could be carpal tunnel or other trapped nerve through wrist or elbow. Have they done an EMG of your arm! I hope you consider Physical Therapy regardless to see what exercises might help? Debbie

Welcome @jlnda, Since it's only in one of your hands do you think it might be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603

Hi, Debbie. I read all these posts about the benefits of swimming for those of us with PN, and I can't help but grind my teeth. 🙂 I never learned to swim. I tell friends that (swimmers, each and every one of them), and they say they find it hard to believe. As do I. I grew up a hop, skip, and jump from Long Island Sound and beaches galore. Frustrated with not being able to swim, when I was in junior high, I asked my parents if they send me off to get some swimming lessons. Which they did. But my coach was (or so he seemed) a disgruntled Marine D.I. who our lessons Hell on Earth (a wet, chlorinated Hell, I suppose). It was around then that I got out of the water, never to go back in again. I've got a few regrets these days now that I've got a little ol' PN (little?) that I never learned to swim. 🙁 ( 🙂 )

Ray