1. < Neuropathy

Long Term Neuropathy

Posted by irishpat70 @irishpat70, Mar 31, 2021

Is there anything to be done about Neuropathy or will I (or we) all end up in a wheelchair? I have found nothing to help as it just keeps progressing. I will not be able to walk much longer. I push through getting around with my walker but that too is becoming extremely difficult. I am not diabetic and no direct cause has been found. I have Polyneuropathy and Arthritis. I am on Opioids but they aren't helping much anymore. Just feel so depressed as I have been living compromised for 15 years with Arthritis and about 8 years with the Neuropathy. I have run out of hope and help. I keep wondering if I'm missing something?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 1, 2021

@irishpat70, I know it's not much help but you are not alone. It can be very depressing being in pain and not being able to sleep. If you can't sleep, it makes it even more difficult for your body to even try to get better. What helped me more than anything was realizing that it may not get better and I needed to focus on what I can do to feel a better mentally as well as physically however little that may be. I knew I had to make some lifestyle changes by eating much healthier, doing some sort of exercising or walking everyday, and doing some of the small things I enjoy doing daily. It's what a lot of people call finding your new normal.

I'm not sure if you've seen the discussion where members with neuropathy share their experience and what has helped them but it may be worth reading the stories from different members and seeing if there is something that may help you.
- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/

Another thing you might want to do is learn as much as you can about your condition and what different treatments are available. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some good information on their website here: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/

I would start with the one thing that bothers you the most and then take it one day at a time. What is your worst symptom or challenge with neuropathy?

REPLY
nrivers | @nrivers | Apr 1, 2021

I am so sorry, to hear, Irishpat70, of your ongoing struggle. I empathize, though my symptoms are not yet nearly as bad as yours, they are bad enough, and seem to be progressing. I can only share with you that the two things that have helped me are support groups like this one--listening and sharing with others. And taking the small steps John describes. For me, access to mind/body heath practices calms and instills hope that maybe today will be OK and tomorrow will be a bit better--though evidence seems to indicate the contrary. Things can and do change. You may well have tried this before, but for me, seeing a therapist who is experienced with people struggling with chronic pain also helps. My heart goes out to you.

REPLY
1 reply
wilcy | @wilcy | Apr 1, 2021

Ck out Kratom! It’s helping me! Real good for depression also!

REPLY
cnn | @cnn | Apr 1, 2021
In reply to @nrivers "I am so sorry, to hear, Irishpat70, of your ongoing struggle. I empathize, though my symptoms..." + (show)
@nrivers

I am so sorry, to hear, Irishpat70, of your ongoing struggle. I empathize, though my symptoms are not yet nearly as bad as yours, they are bad enough, and seem to be progressing. I can only share with you that the two things that have helped me are support groups like this one--listening and sharing with others. And taking the small steps John describes. For me, access to mind/body heath practices calms and instills hope that maybe today will be OK and tomorrow will be a bit better--though evidence seems to indicate the contrary. Things can and do change. You may well have tried this before, but for me, seeing a therapist who is experienced with people struggling with chronic pain also helps. My heart goes out to you.

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I have come to view this progression as the new normal

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