Neuropathy and Brain Neuroplasticity

Inow continuing with my habit changes, but as I cannot now sþend time in my gym , I have purchased this yellow trike bik, as pictured , manuel with 6 gears, and will start with short , arounnd the block rides, and hopefully increase distance. Norman Doidge has released a follow up book ' The Brain's way of healing', and it is absolutely brilliant, as it describes many cases. But a warning: you realĺy need to read his first book ' The Brain that changes itself', befòre reading this new book. I have had 2 surprise results in last 2 week. Previously if I had the urge to vist the toilet, it ment I had to visit asap, urgently. Now the extreme urgency has vanished. I still get the urge, but , and I know you won't believe this, but I do not not rush, and actually shout out to my bladder to relax, and it does. Being an old aussie, where most of us have skin problems, due to a lifetime of overexposure to our dangerous
sun, I have suffered from constant itching, especially during the night. In Doidge's first book, chapter 7 on pain management , by controlling my thinking patterns. So now , when I have the need to scratch, which has become a habit, I totally ignore the message, and change brain to me thinking of some previous happy memory. The first day was extremely hard, BUT, the urge too scratch has totally disappeared. SO, I am very excited, but not getting carried away. Best wishes from Australia.

I am reading the second book, did not read the first, but it also explains his theory of developing distracting thought practices while experiencing pain. Dr. Doidge had remarkable success while testing his well-researched theories on himself so I would guess that his methods have validity and worth a try.

They and I are a work in progress. However, I strongly believe you need book one, as Norman constantly refers for us to re read. Chapter 7 on pain in book one is an example, and not only a mmust read, but also a must STUDY. Good luçk and go for it!

Hi John, When reading book two on thee subject of pain, Droidge directed me to read chapter 7, of book one. I did ,, and it was very necessary to understand how it works. I Have a problem with an extremely itching skin. It drove me mad , especially during the night. That night it was extremely bad, and about 3.am I was wide awake, when I thought of what I had read in chapter 7 that day on pain. The princle aim with pain is to ignore it, relax mentally think of something special from, say, your past. I thought I would try it on my itch. I was awake for the rest of the night, and refused to think about it or scratch it. It was very hard going, as was the following day and night.On arising on day 2 all itching had vanished, yes totaly and has not returned. I get the occasion mini itch, but ignore it. Amazing but true, and my balance has improved, though only minimal.

Hi Barry @user_che214927, Glad to hear it is helping you! It's amazing how the brain works.

Hi John.
A long time since my last comment. I have continued with my strick exercise and habit change chain program, with heartening results. Because of the current isolation restrictions in Australia, gyms etc are closed. I bought a second hand stationary bike , and ride it daily to improve my cardio level. My neuroplasticity exercises have given me evidence , that somethig good is starting to happen, but, with a long way to to final healing, which I now believe will happen.. I am walking better with reduced pain; I am sleeping better than I have for years; I have decreased the urgency of needing to have a pee; my balance is improving. Now these improvements are not massively great, but ARE honest improvements. I am now on target to ride an exercis bike for 90 minutes on ,my 90th birthday in January next year. By then I believe my Peripheral-neuropathy should have reduced. Right now I ride my bike for 20 minutes 3 times a day, and will increase time each month til my target is achieved. I control my diet to maintain energy levels. Best wishes to all from Australia.

Hi Barry! @user_che214927, Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear you are still making progress. It's really interesting how neuroplasticity exercises with the brain works. I'm thinking it's evidence that you can teach us old dogs new tricks 🙂 Hoping you have a great day!

@user_che214927 Barry...I am going to print your picture and plaster it on my fridge for daily inspiration!

You sir, are a rock star!!! 🤩

Thank you, and shame on me for not trying harder.
Be well,
Rachel

Rachael, buy the book. It is to studied, not jus read, then take action. Make your own good luck.

Barry, I'm going to buy it from Amazon today! Also, have you read Life After Pain by Dr. Jonathan Kuttner? He is a European Dr and speaks of neuroplasticity, mirroring, creating new neurons and retraining your brain. I will have you know that I use my non-dominant extremities out of necessity when my dominant side doesn't function without pain. For instance...driving with my left leg, eating, cleaning, brushing teeth with my left hand/arm. It"s very inspiring to have learned that these "switch ups" have benefited me by encouraging new neuron growth!!
Be well
Rachel