1. < Neuropathy

Victories

Posted by rivermaya34 @rivermaya34, Nov 3, 2021

We spend so much time focusing on how to manage our pain, why not shout out praises for small victories and encourage one another to persevere and reach goals? 🙂

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

cookierockwell | @cookierockwell | Dec 21, 2022
In reply to @rwinney "Congratulations @cookierockwell! Very impressive. You knocked my socks off with that BIG victory. May I ask..." + (show)
@rwinney

Congratulations @cookierockwell! Very impressive. You knocked my socks off with that BIG victory.

May I ask how you graduated to a walker from a wheelchair? It must have taken hard work. Good for you!

Finding the right doctors can make all the difference. Way to advocate for yourself in doing so. Do you have more plans towards achieving small victories in 2023?

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Thanks, Rachel. I'm not completely sure why/how I'm up and out of my wheelchair. I have multiple conditions in addition to peripheral neuropathy. I think having doctors who listen to me and treat my conditions with new/different medications and procedures, as well as my daily swimming in warm weather and daily yoga are what led me to being able to use my walker.
I started with walking leaning on my wheelchair as much as possible, which wasn't much at all at first, and then finally decided to go out to a doctor's appointment with my walker. It was terrifying, but I guess I was feeling feisty lol. The scariest part is that the top half of my feet are very numb, and my left foot kind of drags sometimes, but I was still able to do it. I get a lot of pain when I get home and the next few days, but I just keep doing my home pain management and get on with it.
If this doesn't last very long, I'm okay with it. I'll remember it like I remember the first time a few years ago when I did a half hour of laps in the pool using just my arms. It was amazing. Felt like Senior Superwoman lol.

Best wishes to all for victories large and small.
Cookie

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1 reply
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Dec 21, 2022
In reply to @cookierockwell "Thanks, Rachel. I'm not completely sure why/how I'm up and out of my wheelchair. I have..." + (show)
@cookierockwell

Thanks, Rachel. I'm not completely sure why/how I'm up and out of my wheelchair. I have multiple conditions in addition to peripheral neuropathy. I think having doctors who listen to me and treat my conditions with new/different medications and procedures, as well as my daily swimming in warm weather and daily yoga are what led me to being able to use my walker.
I started with walking leaning on my wheelchair as much as possible, which wasn't much at all at first, and then finally decided to go out to a doctor's appointment with my walker. It was terrifying, but I guess I was feeling feisty lol. The scariest part is that the top half of my feet are very numb, and my left foot kind of drags sometimes, but I was still able to do it. I get a lot of pain when I get home and the next few days, but I just keep doing my home pain management and get on with it.
If this doesn't last very long, I'm okay with it. I'll remember it like I remember the first time a few years ago when I did a half hour of laps in the pool using just my arms. It was amazing. Felt like Senior Superwoman lol.

Best wishes to all for victories large and small.
Cookie

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My gosh, Cookie, you sure do inspire me.
"Senior Superwoman" -
I love that!

Thank you for sharing the tools and work ethic which helps you manage chronic pain. What an awesome job your doing! Keep sticking to your home pain management plan and dont forget the important tool of moderation. Ah, that's a tough one for me sometimes especially when I'm in a moment where the physical task is bringing so much joy to my brain. It's all about balance.

This goes to show that if we persevere we can have a better existence living with chronic conditions. I am so grateful for members like you and many others that continue to show grit and determination while persevereing through difficult moments and days.

Best wishes 💕

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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Dec 21, 2022
In reply to @loopielisa "I just got rid of my walker, it was wonderful. I’m still trying to keep my..." + (show)
@loopielisa

I just got rid of my walker, it was wonderful. I’m still trying to keep my balance in check but walking with crutches instead. Big victory for me, hopefully you will be there soon as well! Good for you!!!

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Congratulations!

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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Dec 21, 2022
In reply to @26sabrina "Wow. Thank you for sharing this. I sometimes need to be reminded that I do have..." + (show)
@26sabrina

Wow. Thank you for sharing this. I sometimes need to be reminded that I do have good days, times when I don't even realize that my neuropathy is bothering me. I go on my day and accomplish most of my plans. Each day I am grateful for all that I have, my friends, my cats, my home and my overall general good health. I, too, have learned to take time, turn off the noise and be still and quiet. Learning to meditate was hard for me but I found there are many ways to meditate. Just find your own.
My victory is not letting neuropathy be the only thing in my life.

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You're welcome! I'm with you, I need reminders too. I think we all do because we're only human. Finding gratitude is helpful as is shifting our focus and mindset. @njed mentions his employee being diagnosed with ALS bringing a quick mindset shift.

Sabrina -you and I have something in common. Meditation was hard for me too. It was an acquired taste in the beginning until I found ways of making it work. You say it best - find your own way to meditate. Amen to finding self-resolve, and congratulations on your victories!

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Debbie | @dbeshears1 | Dec 21, 2022

I can walk unassisted a little distance with my PN, but usually use a walker when out. But this morning at therapy I rode an adult tricycle and it was exhilarating! I use Amazon a bit to shop and order things, but my husband is addicted. This afternoon, I picked out a tricycle and put it in his shopping cart. I saw he already had a case of energy drinks in the cart for himself, so I added another tricycle to the cart, this one having a little back seat bench for another person. If he has that much energy, he could go with me and pedal me around if I get tired. So, I don't care where the tricycle comes from, but I know Santa sees it in his cart and maybe do some last minute Christmas shopping somewhere!

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2 replies
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Dec 21, 2022
In reply to @loopielisa "I just got rid of my walker, it was wonderful. I’m still trying to keep my..." + (show)
@loopielisa

I just got rid of my walker, it was wonderful. I’m still trying to keep my balance in check but walking with crutches instead. Big victory for me, hopefully you will be there soon as well! Good for you!!!

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Welcome @loopielisa, you've peaked my interest with your big victory of graduating from a walker to crutches. That is an awesome accomplishment! What helped you get there?

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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Dec 21, 2022
In reply to @dbeshears1 "I can walk unassisted a little distance with my PN, but usually use a walker when..." + (show)
@dbeshears1

I can walk unassisted a little distance with my PN, but usually use a walker when out. But this morning at therapy I rode an adult tricycle and it was exhilarating! I use Amazon a bit to shop and order things, but my husband is addicted. This afternoon, I picked out a tricycle and put it in his shopping cart. I saw he already had a case of energy drinks in the cart for himself, so I added another tricycle to the cart, this one having a little back seat bench for another person. If he has that much energy, he could go with me and pedal me around if I get tired. So, I don't care where the tricycle comes from, but I know Santa sees it in his cart and maybe do some last minute Christmas shopping somewhere!

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YES, Debbie, you go girl!
You cracked me up with your sneak attack addition of a tricycle in hubby's Amazon shopping cart!

Congrats on your victory of riding an adult tricycle at therapy. Good for you and your perseverance - it must have felt refreshing. Who needs an energy drink for exileration anyway!?! I hope Santa definitely considers your wish, and delivers. 🎅🏼

Keep up the good work!

REPLY
NJ Ed | @njed | Dec 22, 2022
In reply to @dbeshears1 "I can walk unassisted a little distance with my PN, but usually use a walker when..." + (show)
@dbeshears1

I can walk unassisted a little distance with my PN, but usually use a walker when out. But this morning at therapy I rode an adult tricycle and it was exhilarating! I use Amazon a bit to shop and order things, but my husband is addicted. This afternoon, I picked out a tricycle and put it in his shopping cart. I saw he already had a case of energy drinks in the cart for himself, so I added another tricycle to the cart, this one having a little back seat bench for another person. If he has that much energy, he could go with me and pedal me around if I get tired. So, I don't care where the tricycle comes from, but I know Santa sees it in his cart and maybe do some last minute Christmas shopping somewhere!

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Debbie - I just read your post and my wife and I got a good laugh! Your story is terrific and above all, sense of humor is great! Now I think I better check my Amazon account just to make sure.... hope I didn't give somebody ideas. I have not tried a tricycle but sounds like a good idea with PN. I did try a regular bike but with orthotics, difficult doing so at ankle bend. You gave me something to try out and thus...the reason for this website helps us all. The idea we try out can sometimes help others. Thanks for your post. Hope Santa delivers!!

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marthamurphysc | @marthamurphysc | Dec 22, 2022
In reply to @bovic21 "2022 has been a tough year for me physically. This year a neurologist told me I..." + (show)
@bovic21

2022 has been a tough year for me physically. This year a neurologist told me I had PN after an EMG test, then I had back surgery and in the last six months I've had three heart procedures.

But now, my back is great, my heart is much better and because of this group my PN is much better.
From this group, John in particular, I learned about taking R-ALA, which has diminished the pain I was starting to get in my feet. And yesterday I starting taking all the ingredients of the Protocol. No doubt 2023 will be a better year!

And like others have mentioned, so many are much worse off than I am. When I start complaining about numbness in my feet and hands, I stop and think about how much worse it could be.

I thank God that he led me to this group. And I pray that others who are struggling with PN will find help here also!

Thank you to all the Volunteer Mentors and have a Happy Holiday season!

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What is the Protocol? I’m rather new to this group and don’t know what this Protocol encompasses. Where does one find that info/

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1 reply
charlotte1944 | @charlotte1944 | Dec 22, 2022
In reply to @bovic21 "2022 has been a tough year for me physically. This year a neurologist told me I..." + (show)
@bovic21

2022 has been a tough year for me physically. This year a neurologist told me I had PN after an EMG test, then I had back surgery and in the last six months I've had three heart procedures.

But now, my back is great, my heart is much better and because of this group my PN is much better.
From this group, John in particular, I learned about taking R-ALA, which has diminished the pain I was starting to get in my feet. And yesterday I starting taking all the ingredients of the Protocol. No doubt 2023 will be a better year!

And like others have mentioned, so many are much worse off than I am. When I start complaining about numbness in my feet and hands, I stop and think about how much worse it could be.

I thank God that he led me to this group. And I pray that others who are struggling with PN will find help here also!

Thank you to all the Volunteer Mentors and have a Happy Holiday season!

Jump to this post

I missed John’s discussion on R-AlA what is it?

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