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Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?

Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 17 5:52am | Replies (571)

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@apgillespie

This idiopathic neuropathy in both feet and up beyond my knees, is really taking a toll on my life! I use a hiking stick for balance but lately I am having a great deal of difficulty walking or standing.

I am in the process of researching a motorized scooter. I have spinal issues (but the MRI indicated that my issues with my feet is not caused by this). The spinal problems would make it extremely difficult for me to place the folded scooter in my trunk, even the lighter ones.

I think we all want to maintain our independence. I am 74 years old and live alone. I still have so much living to do and this neuropathy is certainly interfering with my life style!!

How do others cope?

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Replies to "This idiopathic neuropathy in both feet and up beyond my knees, is really taking a toll..."

Hello @apgillespie, Welcome to Connect. That was my major concern when I first started on my neuropathy journey. I wanted to maintain my independence and not burden my wife. What has helped me is learning as much as I can about my condition and things that I can do to help. I think it's really important to exercise and keep moving each day without over doing it. I also have trouble when I have to stand for too long or when I walk. I work on building my leg strength daily by riding my exercise bike for 30 to 60 minutes each day and also do some exercises to help with my upper body strength. I'm currently 78.

I purchased some Nordic walking sticks so that I could walk more upright and help with my balance problems. I find using two poles vs one hiking stick helps me.

Have you thought about a lightweight ramp you can use to push a folded scooter into your trunk?

Depending on where you live you may be able to get a van or bus equipped with a ramp to take you and your motorized scooter, just like individuals with wheelchairs. Perhaps contact your local senior center or agency.