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← Return to Extended abdomen after a DIEP
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Women's Health | Last Active: May 18 1:52pm | Replies (17)
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I wonder myself. I said it started after the reconstruction surgeries (there were several due to the first doctor’s malpractice). But the surgery was after chemotherapy and I wonder if it is associated with that because it has been since then. But then I think it would not be because it has been 8 years now dealing with this. So if it were associated or a new cancer I would have had other symptoms by now. I am due for my cancer check this coming month so I will ask - thank you!
Replies to "I wonder myself. I said it started after the reconstruction surgeries (there were several due to..."
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@kkasey
I am totally with you on sort of giving up on doctors helping much. I make more effort to research and understand my health conditions and connect the dots (since I am a whole person and not just parts/separate systems) than my paid providers do.
Chemotherapy can cause small fiber nerve damage and impact skin sensations plus autonomic nervous system controlled organs/vessels. A neurologist can diagnose small fiber neuropathy with a skin punch biopsy as a gold standard. There are not a lot of things available for treatment of symptoms and it cannot be cured. I have this and take supplements which help me (alpha Lipoic acid, Acetyl l carnitine and magnesium). I cannot take gabapentin or Lyrica for nerve pain because it makes me too drowsy and I am afraid of falling.
1. https://oncodaily.com/oncolibrary/neurological-side-effects-of-chemotherapy
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17479-small-fiber-neuropathy
3. https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/causes-neuropathy/chemotherapy-induced-peripheral-neuropathy
4. https://neurogenx.com/understanding-chemotherapy-induced-neuropathy-causes-and-symptoms/