Hello I am D. Nolan. I started having the sensation of puffy feet underneath but there was actually no swelling. A couple months later I was stricken with excruciating pain in both feet. It was diagnosed as peripheral neuropathy acquired from chemotherapy drugs for multiple myeloma. The pain has felt like thousands of bee’s stinging all the way around the lower area of the feet and then it changes to feeling like fire burning. I also get 6 to 8 pins and needles at the same time anywhere inside the feet. I will also have what feels like lightning striking inside the feet. I will occasionally get what feels like someone taking a razor blade circling and cutting around the little and big toes. The pain was so great for 4 months I could barely walk. My feet were so sensitive I could not lay them down on the sheets. My wife could not sleep in the same bed because we were both afraid she would bump against me. I literally had to pull my knees up to my chest and holding them with my are arms for 15 minutes or as long as I could hold them. I would then dangle my legs off the side of the bed and try to sleep for 15 to 20 minutes. I guess I wasn’t getting proper blood flow with my legs dangling because the pain would increase or I would get tired. Therefore, I would have to start over by bring my knees back up to my chest. Most of the time I couldn’t sleep but if I did get any sleep it was on 2 to 3 hours each night. This went on 24/7 for 4 months. Only with the help of GOD was I able to get through it. My Oncologist eliminated the chemo agent that caused the neuropathy. However, I was almost in remission with the myeloma so because my numbers were so good, the chemo was totally suspended to allow my immune system to help out the neuropathy. Physical Therapy, Water Therapy, and Medication have helped to where my pain level doesn’t get higher than 4 or 5. I have gone from not walking to walking but don’t my normal gate or full balance. There is some risk with all chemo drugs causing neuropathy. I just have to hope and pray when I resume it doesn’t aggravate or worsen my current condition. I definitely want to have Scrambler therapy. I haven’t been able to get a clear answer from my insurance except that if it is a Code 0278T it will be denied. As a result, I may have to pay out of pocket and incur airline and hotel expenses. Does anyone know if Mayo will allow a payment plan? Secondly, should all of your chemotherapy be completed before you are eligible to have the Scrambler Therapy? Thanks for your reply?
Blessings and best wishes to all, Stay Strong!