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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 27 5:51pm | Replies (6152)Comment receiving replies
My wife (62) has long-term bilateral peripheral neuropathy in her legs (along with many other issues), is weak, and has trouble walking/standing. Symptoms have increased over the past several weeks, and it appears she is likely to be wheelchair dependent soon. She is on SSDI and Medicare. Especially things you would say "I wish I had known that sooner" Next neurology appointment is in four months. Have requested a script for a wheelchair, and any advice. Trying to find out what issues I need to be concerned with and how best to manage whatever is coming up.
Replies to "My wife (62) has long-term bilateral peripheral neuropathy in her legs (along with many other issues),..."
Good evening @martelig, I would like to welcome you with @johnbishop. Actually, he was my best supporter when I was faced with a diagnosis of SFN (small fiber neuropathy). Even though he has no pain with his SFN, he knows about and has researched the causes of neuropathy and the dozens of ways each of us may find effective and medically therapeutic solutions.
Does your wife do exercises that can strengthen her legs? Before she needs a wheel chair would it be possible for her to use a rollator? I am very happy with mine and feel that it gives me support when going visiting and out shopping. I also have two canes, one with a three-knob base and the other with a single-knob base. I always leave one in our car.....just in case.
Here is another hint that works well for me. I wear Yoga pants with stitched elastic around the bottom to keep me from tripping over wide-leg pants. They also have high-elasticized mid-drifts to avoid struggling with waistbands. About a year ago, I was fortunate to be invited to participate in PT training at Mayo Clinic. I was not only taught how to fall (carefully) but also how to get back up without damage or discomfort.
And finally.....do you have a loving companion puppy dog like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? "Roxie" made a lot of difference in my life. Now, I tame and teach tricks to adorable Chipmunks. They even climb up to look in my window when they think I have had enough sleep.
Thanks for reaching out for creative ways to add some joy and a few genuine smiles to your wife's life with PN. You may also enjoy life together just a bit more.
May you share life's happiness.
Chris
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Welcome @martellg, I know it's difficult trying to figure out how to deal with a condition like neuropathy and not knowing what to expect. I think it's great that you are able to help your wife best manage whatever is next. I think learning about your wife's conditions including the peripheral neuropathy is one of the best things you can do to help. One of the best sites that I have found helpful to learn more about neuropathy and available patient resources is the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - https://www.foundationforpn.org/.
You mentioned your wife has peripheral neuropathy in her legs along with many other issues and has trouble walking/standing. Does she have any pain with the neuropathy or just numbness?