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Neuropathy: Numbness only, no pain

Neuropathy | Last Active: Nov 14 3:29pm | Replies (508)

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@terid

Hi I recently was told I have polyneuropathy but mostly in my left leg and foot. I do not have the pain many people experience so I feel blessed. I have numbness in mostly my left leg and foot and a little beginning in my right foot. I am loosing some strength in my left leg and am concerned I will continue to lose more and also in my right. My neurologist suggested PT . My neuropathy started after chemo from breast cancer. Is this a slow degenerative process? Any suggestions how to prolong the weakness?

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Replies to "Hi I recently was told I have polyneuropathy but mostly in my left leg and foot...."

Hi @terid, Sorry to hear you have chemo induced neuropathy. I think you are already doing one of the most important things you can do to help - learning everything you can about the condition. I think PT can help improve leg strength along with regular exercises and walking. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a recorded webinar that you might find helpful for additional suggestions:

--- Webinar: Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Quality of Life & Treatment Planning for Breast Cancer & Other Cancer Patients:
https://www.foundationforpn.org/webinar-chemo-induced-peripheral-neuropathy/
Have you looked into or started PT yet?

@terid
I wouldn't feel blessed quite yet if I were you.
As neuropathy worsens and you reach later stages, for example I’m in stage four, this is when your nerve damage becomes permanent. Sure the pain improves but your balance likely will get worse. There are other potential serious complications that may develop. Once I reached stage four ED, bladder & bowel problems have evolved.
Here are the neuropathy stages.

First Stage: You Have Sporadic Pain and Numbness.
Second Stage: You symptoms Become More Regular.
Third Stage: Your Pain Peaks.
Fourth Stage: You Have Constant Numbness.
Fifth and Final Stage: You Have A Complete Loss of Feeling.

Here is some information on Neuropathy.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/peripheral-neuropathy
And
https://www.foundationforpn.org/
Jake

There are studies that show acetyl L Carnitine supplements can help nerve regeneration including for Chem induced neuropathy as well as diabetic neuropathy. The improvement was even verified in nerve conduction tests. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6498091/#:~:text=Acetyl%2DL%2Dcarnitine%20(ALC,neuropathic%20and%20nociceptive%20pain%20models.