Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Have you ever noticed that there are certain motions/activities which wildly exasperate your neuropathy, activities or motions which you wouldn't necessarily think would do so? I found one of them today. Mowing the lawn. I went through the whole week teaching, working out, on my feet much of the day (yes, the pain was always there on some level), but never got one of those astronomical pain spikes.

So I go out to mow the lawn this morning (not a big lawn) with a stand up self driving mower. About three quarters of the way through the back lawn and an astronomical pain spike sets in. I stubbornly finish the back lawn, but soon was brought to my knees. I had to take an hour off to bring the pain down enough to finish the small front yard, and the pain spike took off again. I finished...but JFC!

There was just some certain motion in the activity which set it off. There are other motions/activities I do which seem like they would set if off more than this one. Go figure.

So now it looks like I'm going to have to pay some kid to do our lawn now, and save myself from other tasks.

I have (apparently) chemo induced peripheral neuropathy. Cold fingers with some pain and 90% numb from calves down with no pain but my balance continues to deteriorate. The balance part started about 9 years ago but this last year it’s really gotten bad. I was walking for exercise using trekking poles but now am too afraid of falling. Use cane for just getting around. Wondering if there’s any research on this and possible answers. I’m 73 and chemo/radiation was 12 years ago.

Welcome @frcraig1, Many of us with neuropathy also battle with balance problems. I do like trekking poles for walking any distance outdoors but don't use them often. Finding a good pair of shoes that feel good while not being too cushy has helped me some with the balance but I have learned to shuffle more when it's a little slippery outside. Physical therapy has also provided some good balance exercises that help some. There are other discussions that you might find helpful:

--- Can neuropathy in my feet cause balance problems?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-neuropathy-in-my-feet-cause-balance-problems/
--- Anyone try Tai Chi to help with neuropathy and balance?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyona-try-tai-chi/
--- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chemotherapy-induced-neuropathy/

Have you looked into any physical therapy or exercises to help with your balance?

Hi Colleen, Bcool123 here. I have followed connect for a couple of years now and really appreciate everybody’s input. I saw an ad for something called “neuro socks” … A copper infused compression sock and I wonder if anyone at Connect has heard of or tried them. I’ve ordered other things from ads and just ended up trashing them or sending them back so I didn’t order these socks. Haven’t tried any compression socks at all because tight things on my feet make my toes so cold. So instead of ordering them, I’m asking you all. They look to be about ankle high and open toes. … oh, for a solution for our neuropathy…
Appreciate input from anyone. I think it’s finally spring in Colorado! Bcool123

Compression socks …..tried them for month
Not for me! Did not help

Welcome @sheriff1898, I haven't tried the neuro socks that @bcool123 mentioned but I do wear knee high compression socks for lymphedema in my legs but they don't help my neuropathy symptoms. At the end of the day, it does feel good to take them off. They definitely help with the swelling in my legs during the day though.

Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy?

I have successfully with using Red Light Therapy by Novaalab FDA aproved I bought ON INTERNET directly from them $224 it worked FANTASTIC an my Legss an Feet have been great for 2.months.

Thank you

Thank you, Bcool123

Hello and thank you for this support group!

I have been scanning through the posts to get some much needed help and have found some help that I would not have received if not for the information that I found here.
I am 46 years old and began to experience severe pain in my early 30’s.
I have non-length dependent small fiber neuropathy, erythromyelagia on my face, ears nose, feet, hands and knees.
I have Sjogren’s as well.
I need better medical care because I was referred to Stanford Health but my insurance will not cover Stanford and I am considering making a trip to a Mayo clinic.
I drag my heels on going to Mayo since I already know that there are no treatments available except some palliative ones which I already have.
My neurologist noted no reflexes in my ankles so I do not know why that is since small fiber neuropathy does not involve motor nerves. However, my EMG was normal. So I am perplexed about the loss of reflexes.
My huge struggles are: digestion, fatigue, burning skin (erythromyelagia) severe dry eyes, and pain.
I exercise, follow an AIP paleo diet, I do not drink.
I am in bed a lot from the pain in my feet and legs and I am fatigued a lot like my muscles are weighed down by cement blocks.

Despite the struggles, I have a sunny disposition and laugh a lot. I take short walks and when my eyes allow I enjoy literature and watching anything on PBS.

Thanks again for this group!