Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?

@patclem Gabapentin …. as far as I know Does Not cure PN. Nothing does. I’m Grateful (for my life) & Hopeful for the future. DD.

I am new to this rodeo as I just had a first chemo two weeks ago. pm is the most significant side effect I am experiencing in finger tips, lips and feet. My deep dive around minimizing and preventing PN is complex. Many say it is a slowly improving situation after finishing treatment. Some research discusses compression and cryotherapy to prevent but with few specific details as to when other than during and immediately after chemo. I found compression knee highs helped with somewhat of the pain for several days.
I have also read acupuncture, message can also provide some relief. Also to workout which has helped for me to a degree.
B6 has some positive effect so I would ask your doctor for more resources and guidance.
Doing balance exercise may also help.

@drummergirl I did the same thing and can't walk now. Did it affect your thighs and glutes? Are you better?

@kindsiren
Yes, fine now. My legs/thighs were never affected. Just a bit of numbness in my feet. So sorry about your ability to walk. That is terrible. Would some PT help? Or might there be another problem? I’m sure your Doctors can try to sort it out for you. Sending hope and prayers.

@niehausfamily4
Consider wearing the ice gloves and booties. My chemo nurses stressed the importance and I did it every time. Hands ok, a bit of numbness in feet, but no pain. I do not find that time changes anything.

@3740 This DD. In fact after three years (after chemotherapy) I thought it was PERMANENT…….. in some ways it is … now I’ve an answer … I’ve been Diagnosed with PARKINSON. 🥲. At least I know why I wasn’t getting any relief from my CIPN. I just started taking “CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA. Stay tuned!! I’ll let you know if it helps.
My Hands are extremely Stiff ( NO fine motor skills) and my Feet … I have No Balance. I’m 83 years old.

@niehausfamily4 re: Vit B6. Be careful, as overdosing or long term supplementation negatively impacts neuropathy. I got neuropathy from paclitaxel in 2023. Now on Enhertu (because cancer came back). I've been on Enhertu for a year and half and I still have neuropathy. I was told by my neurologist that there's nothing that can be done to improve or reverse the condition. However, I am taking Duloxetine for it. After 6 months, I feel there has been a minor improvement, but feet still numb. Finger tips aren't as bad as before.
I'm also taking B12; but I just read that you need to take a available form of it. So, will go look for this today.
This article is enlightening.
https://www.b12-vitamin.com/forms/

I too had chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. After trying numerous medications and full-foot orthotics, I happened upon an option I had never experienced ever ... that being receiving reular weekly manual and electro-Acupuncture treatments from a highly certified Doctor of Acupuncture. These treatments proved to be phenomenal as they helped eradicate my peripheral neuropaty making it a thing of the past. I ensure this via regular monthly maintenence acupuncture treatments provided by my Doctor of Acupuncture.

The earlier peripheral neuropathy can be treated with regular weekly acupuncture treatments, the greater the chance of some relief and success. Not treating your neuropathy as early as possible will likley lead to irreversible nerve damage as your peripheral neuropathy will become permanent and uncurable.

I have not done acupuncture for it yet but will explore it again.