Temporarily overcoming neuropathy

Posted by jemock @jemock, Sep 14, 2023

Does anyone else find that pleasurable distraction, and especially adrenaline caused by excitement, enables them to temporarily ignore the pain and fatigue of polyneuropathy symptoms? I have seen this many times in my own experience to the point that I can go from feeling awful to functioning at a very high level and then right back to feeling awful again. It can make it appear like the illness is all in your head when in fact it is you can overcoming it in short bursts, much like an athlete can play with a broken foot for just a little while.

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

Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Sep 14, 2023

Definitely, jemock! (@jemock) I could speak volumes on this (I can't because work calls); in fact, I've posted several times on the power of pleasurable distractions. I say that, yet having been with this community for several months, I've learned that many of us are dealing with excruciating pain. That's humbled me, as it should. I'm blessed with having a PN that doesn't come with pain. I've learned to suspect that I'm in a minority of those with PN. I have to watch myself, however; in the earlier days of my painless PN, I was prone to tell others, Oh, come on, just look on the bright side! Now I'm a little chary about saying that. Still, I'm with you 100%: pleasurable distractions––for those of us for whom they work––can do wonders! Thank you for your post! Stay well! And stat pleasurably distracted!!! 🙂 –Ray (@ray666)

anthonyfesposito | @anthonyfesposito | Sep 15, 2023

In reply to @ray666 "Definitely, jemock! (@jemock) I could speak volumes on this (I can't because work calls); in fact,..." + (show)

I’ve posted this many times yes I have burning feet and numbness primarily when I sleep but no pain my biggest problem is stability. I can also feel great one day and awful the next, it’s like a roller coaster. But having read what others have been going through I’m really not complaining, just venting it makes me feel better not to be alone. Hopefully one day they will find a cure, I’m 89 do u think I still have time. GOD BLESS all of YOU and keep the faith.

Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Sep 15, 2023

In reply to @anthonyfesposito "I’ve posted this many times yes I have burning feet and numbness primarily when I sleep..." + (show)

Ah, the rollercoaster! That sounds so familiar. You mention feeling great one day but then awful the next. I've also noticed a rollercoaster effect within the hours of a single day and something of a pattern, too. Not only will I alternate good days with awful days, but I have more difficulty with balance and ordinary walking (around the home) from about 4-ish to 7-ish p.m., the twilight hours; nd here again: some days I'll have this twilight difficult, but then other days I'll not. All part of the mystery, I suppose. Have a wonderful day … a GOOD day! –Ray (@ray666)

crossette | @crossette | Sep 18, 2023

I have not seen others mention it here but a good, tasty cup of coffee makes a difference in how I feel for hours. It seems to temporarily turn down the pins and needles feeling. Anyone else notice this effect?

Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Sep 18, 2023

Hi, crossette (@crossette)

No, I can't say as I've noticed that effect. However, I may pay more attention as I'm drinking my morning coffee. You've posted this just in the nick of time. My PCP would like me to quit coffee. But I love coffee! When my PCP said this, my first thought was: "What's next?" It seems as I've gotten older, my life has been a matter of quitting one thing I love after another. That's why I say your post arrived just in the nick of time. Now I can tell my PCP, "You know, doctor, coffee does great things for me!" (It really does.) 😀

Ray (@ray666)