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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Neuropathy | Last Active: 5 hours ago | Replies (6011)

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@ericd47

Beth - I have been fighting my neuropathy for 50 years. Typically, it waxes and wanes for younger people, but it has hit me hard the last ten years. Five years ago, as I was googling the disease and treatments, I came across a study done in Europe that stated success with IVIG. Success defined as less pain and slows the disease down. I showed it to my neurologist and he checked into Medicare coverage. Yes, Medicare covers it. But, very expensive. I have Medicare/TriCare for Life and that covers everything. But a friend here only has Medicare and she cannot afford to have the treatment every month. I spend six hours for two consecutive days each month receiving the treatment at an infusion center. Knocks the pain down from 9+ to bearable 4 to 6. After three weeks, pain starts to ramp up again, which is common based upon my research.
Nerve diseases are extremely tough to treat. That’s the verdict from my five neurologists. Think MS - a nerve disease that gets a lot of money for research. Nothing yet. Treat the pain. I used to be a long distant cyclist, a racket ball player, and a runner. Three years ago I was down to walking several miles per day. Lost that. But I still have my arms and I took up swimming. Legs don’t work in the pool, so I use those neoprene swim gloves to compensate. Park my walker and slip into the pool. Looks funny with my big gloves and my Pull Buoy between my legs, but it works. More exercise = better sleep = less meds at night.

Eric

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Replies to "Beth - I have been fighting my neuropathy for 50 years. Typically, it waxes and wanes..."

@ericd47. You are an inspiration. Never give up. I'm glad your Medicare plan covers your treatment. Do you have the supplement plan?

Wow, you are one strong, tough person. I will mention the IV treatment to my neurologist and see if it is possible for me. The fear is absolutely the most difficult part of this disease. The pain possibly not stopping is the root of my fear. However, I still see value in tomorrow and I hope we all see the day this is truly cured.