Connect
← Return to Peripheral Neuropathy is life changing: How do you accept it?
Discussion
Peripheral Neuropathy is life changing: How do you accept it?
Neuropathy | Last Active: 1 hour ago | Replies (112)Comment receiving replies
I have peripheral neuropathy - recently diagnosed after an EMG. Because of proprioception issues, I have fallen 4 times over the last two months. I live alone. Everything feels so difficult. I’m feeling very depressed even though I am on antidepressants and meet with a therapist. I cannot seem to find any joy in my life and only imagine it getting worse. I’m working on acceptance, but am full of sadness. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to manage peripheral neuropathy.
Replies to "I have peripheral neuropathy - recently diagnosed after an EMG. Because of proprioception issues, I have..."
Hello, @ogl
I remember when I, too, was full of sadness. And disbelief. I had been having worsening balance troubles since round'about 2012. At the time, I chalked it up to temporary light-headedness. It eventually got to the point where I said "Enough is enough!" and saw a neurologist, who administered my first EMG (I've had another since) and gave me my diagnosis: peripheral neuropathy. That was it in a nutshell at the time: just peripheral neuropathy. I've since been able to refine my diagnosis to chronic large-fiber axonal polyneuropathy. I've balance issues, but no pain (for which I'm grateful!).
Acceptance didn't come, and my sadness abate, until I was able to tell friends––without shyness––that I had a chronic disease. Just being able to say those words to friends made a huge difference. I suppose you might say that what helped me was facing the reality of my disease head-on (just to be able to call it a "disease" helped). It was then I realized that the more I ducked the truth of my condition, the sadder I remained. The more I acknowledged my condition, the sooner I came to realize, "Okay, it's bad, but it could be worse." That's when I started making lists of all the things I can still do (so long as I do them safely). My life began to imrove from about that time. Yours will, too. I'm sure that's hard to believe just now, but your life will improve. Your condition may or may not, but your life will!
Keep it touch! Connect's a great place. Stick around!
Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)
Connect
@ogl - You will notice that we merged your post with another discussion on the same topic so that you could connect with other members and learn what they have shared. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of discussion.
-- Peripheral Neuropathy is life changing: How do you accept it?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neuropathy-life-changing/
I have learned that it helps me get through the day by trying to stay positive and focus on what I can still do, taking each day one step at time. @ray666, @njed and others may have some thoughts that helped them with acceptance also.