This is Joan from Napa. I have pretty much every neuropathy around: peripheral; fibromyalgia: small fiber - plus myalgic encephalomyalitis. Add in a 9 level spinal fusion (lucky me - titanium rods broke! My body didn’t grow any support tissue around the fusion because I was on prednisone for other neuropathies - hence the break). So a second 9 level fusion that somehow left me with nerve damage, and I can’t walk more than 100 steps; can’t stand up unsupported more than 10 minutes; and have almost no balance. Permanent. But I had a wonderful active life as a dancer/choreographer/teacher for many decades, and have the best husband in the world, so I have more blessings than problems. But my feet hurt - a lot. Toes and bottoms and they feel like wooden blocks. Would plain CBD oil help, applied externally? I take it from a dropper for anxiety tummy and it really helps. But nothing has helped my foot pain as yet. It’s always there, but episodically becomes unbearable and stabbing. Help!
Good evening @joan5678. What an amazing career! I had two artists in my gallery that had been dancers in their younger days. They were able to transfer their artistic talent to clay and glass. I want to accomplish two tasks in this post. The first is to introduce you to @jenniferhunter. She has knowledge of spine surgery and fusions. I am sorry that prednisone left you without support tissue.
Seems the feet burning rules a lot of folks lives. To get more blood flow to the feet really helps. Nicotine restricts blood flow by narrowing vessels and arteries. Cannabis does just the opposite and expands them. Not trying to get anyone on weed, but a puff or 2 inhaled starts helping circulation in seconds. The lowly weed is also a nausea relieving savior. There are 2 basic kinds. Sativa which revs you up and Indica which calms you. So stick with the Indica and know your product was grown naturally and without chemicals. Treetop
Good evening @joan5678. What an amazing career! I had two artists in my gallery that had been dancers in their younger days. They were able to transfer their artistic talent to clay and glass. I want to accomplish two tasks in this post. The first is to introduce you to @jenniferhunter. She has knowledge of spine surgery and fusions. I am sorry that prednisone left you without support tissue.
@joan5678 Hi Joan. I have always admired dancers and the artistry they can do with their bodies. It's a visual treat that makes me as an artist just want to paint them. I'm glad you have joy in your life even with the struggles. I am a spine surgery patient, and have a single level fusion in my neck, but I learned a lot about other spine surgeries by watching surgeon presentations online and reading literature. As you know, inflammation is part of the healing process that sets the stage for bone growth, and it sounds like that was the issue with your first multilevel fusion surgery that didn't fuse because of the prednisone you were taking. With the second surgery, did you have a successful fusion of the bone? 9 levels is a lot to fuse and I'm sure that made a big change. Bone quality is also very important when screws are holding hardware in place with all the forces that are applied to it in supporting the body weight.
@joan5678 Hi Joan. I have always admired dancers and the artistry they can do with their bodies. It's a visual treat that makes me as an artist just want to paint them. I'm glad you have joy in your life even with the struggles. I am a spine surgery patient, and have a single level fusion in my neck, but I learned a lot about other spine surgeries by watching surgeon presentations online and reading literature. As you know, inflammation is part of the healing process that sets the stage for bone growth, and it sounds like that was the issue with your first multilevel fusion surgery that didn't fuse because of the prednisone you were taking. With the second surgery, did you have a successful fusion of the bone? 9 levels is a lot to fuse and I'm sure that made a big change. Bone quality is also very important when screws are holding hardware in place with all the forces that are applied to it in supporting the body weight.
Hi Jennifer – thanks for your concern about my back. My second spinal surgery is definitely a mixed bag. Between the two surgeries, all of my disk space disappeared, and I lost 3 inches in height. Unfortunately, LOL, those 3 inches of skin did not disappear and are charming looks of “back fat (or front)” that will never disappear. They just don’t shrink, that thick skin on a woman my age. Or I could have plastic surgery to remove that skin, but I have had so many major surgeries in my life (two hip replacements, one knee, a burst appendix, a pulmonary embolism and a benign brain tumor are the major ones) as well as a number of minor ones. There will be no more surgeries in my life if there is any way I can possibly avoid it. During my second spinal surgery, apparently some nerve damage happened. No one is willing to take responsibility, but I have been unable to walk more than 100 feet or stand more than 10 minutes ever since - and it goes on. So I am a semi invalid, and depending on how well I am doing with my myalgic encephalomyelitis, I use either a cane, walker, or if traveling any distance, my little electric wheelchair. Believe me, I have exhausted all possibilities for different types of therapy, medication, even psychiatric intervention. Bottom line is - I am who I am, and I just have to adapt to being this new me. I could choose to be angry or sad, making everyone around me, miserable as well as myself, or I can choose to count my blessings and be happy with what I am able to do, not what I can’t do. I really have told my story to help those who are frantically seeking help that just isn’t going to be there for some of us.
Good evening @joan5678. What an amazing career! I had two artists in my gallery that had been dancers in their younger days. They were able to transfer their artistic talent to clay and glass. I want to accomplish two tasks in this post. The first is to introduce you to @jenniferhunter. She has knowledge of spine surgery and fusions. I am sorry that prednisone left you without support tissue.
Hi Chris - thank you so much for taking the time to give me suggestions that might be helpful. Unfortunately, I have tried all of the things you mentioned. Darn. I actually have begun trying to drive again, and by doing toe and foot rapid repetition exercises, I can actually manage the pedals. I really don’t need to do that much with my feet in a good electric car. BTW, I just can’t tolerate anything with THC. It seems to interact either with my innate system or some medication that I take. Also, you cannot drive with that in your system as you could get a DUI. I am managing. I had a really bad bout of Covid that set me and my husband back almost a month, but other than being really tired, we are back to normal, whatever that is. Thank God we had all our vaccinations, and also used Paxlovid. I also responded to Jennifer, and you might want to read that. Again, thank you so much for your concern - Joan
Hi Chris - thank you so much for taking the time to give me suggestions that might be helpful. Unfortunately, I have tried all of the things you mentioned. Darn. I actually have begun trying to drive again, and by doing toe and foot rapid repetition exercises, I can actually manage the pedals. I really don’t need to do that much with my feet in a good electric car. BTW, I just can’t tolerate anything with THC. It seems to interact either with my innate system or some medication that I take. Also, you cannot drive with that in your system as you could get a DUI. I am managing. I had a really bad bout of Covid that set me and my husband back almost a month, but other than being really tired, we are back to normal, whatever that is. Thank God we had all our vaccinations, and also used Paxlovid. I also responded to Jennifer, and you might want to read that. Again, thank you so much for your concern - Joan
@joan5678 Thanks for the feedback. I know that THC can present difficulties. However, I am wondering why MFR did not help you in any way. It is such a huge part of my "conditioning" to withstand the symptoms of SFN. How did it fail your efforts to have significant freedom from pain and discomfort?
Your response will be helpful to me as a mentor and as a patient.
@joan5678 Thanks for the feedback. I know that THC can present difficulties. However, I am wondering why MFR did not help you in any way. It is such a huge part of my "conditioning" to withstand the symptoms of SFN. How did it fail your efforts to have significant freedom from pain and discomfort?
Your response will be helpful to me as a mentor and as a patient.
Hi Chris - I was chatting recently to another member about MFR and the great benefits you’ve had from it, and how I’ve yet to try it because of locations. I recently moved, now hoping! You had a link to certified therapists that I’m struggling to find; could you possibly share that again? Thanks, Debbie
Hi Chris - I was chatting recently to another member about MFR and the great benefits you’ve had from it, and how I’ve yet to try it because of locations. I recently moved, now hoping! You had a link to certified therapists that I’m struggling to find; could you possibly share that again? Thanks, Debbie
I had a medical marijuana card (legal in IL) to buy CBD/THC balm for my feet and ankles. Since my toes are numb, I avoid them but use freely elsewhere. The combo of THC and CBD offers a few hours of relief from the pain and shooting stabs . It’s fairly greasy so I wear socks, put up my feet and enjoy the sensation of pain free feet for hours. And no high, so major plus.
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Good evening @joan5678. What an amazing career! I had two artists in my gallery that had been dancers in their younger days. They were able to transfer their artistic talent to clay and glass. I want to accomplish two tasks in this post. The first is to introduce you to @jenniferhunter. She has knowledge of spine surgery and fusions. I am sorry that prednisone left you without support tissue.
And now to your question about CBD oil for your "wooden blocks". I know exactly what that means. My feet have a leather-like feel even on their good days. My solutions are these: 1) a 1:3 CBD/THC balm from Papa and Barkley helps me. You can research options at:
http://www.papaandbarkleys.com. They also have a CBD-only site at http://www.papaandbarkleyscbd.com.
2) MFR, myofascial release therapy so that those feet don't prohibit driving. Here is a link to the Connect site:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Welcome to Connect......may you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris
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4 ReactionsSeems the feet burning rules a lot of folks lives. To get more blood flow to the feet really helps. Nicotine restricts blood flow by narrowing vessels and arteries. Cannabis does just the opposite and expands them. Not trying to get anyone on weed, but a puff or 2 inhaled starts helping circulation in seconds. The lowly weed is also a nausea relieving savior. There are 2 basic kinds. Sativa which revs you up and Indica which calms you. So stick with the Indica and know your product was grown naturally and without chemicals. Treetop
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1 Reaction@joan5678 Hi Joan. I have always admired dancers and the artistry they can do with their bodies. It's a visual treat that makes me as an artist just want to paint them. I'm glad you have joy in your life even with the struggles. I am a spine surgery patient, and have a single level fusion in my neck, but I learned a lot about other spine surgeries by watching surgeon presentations online and reading literature. As you know, inflammation is part of the healing process that sets the stage for bone growth, and it sounds like that was the issue with your first multilevel fusion surgery that didn't fuse because of the prednisone you were taking. With the second surgery, did you have a successful fusion of the bone? 9 levels is a lot to fuse and I'm sure that made a big change. Bone quality is also very important when screws are holding hardware in place with all the forces that are applied to it in supporting the body weight.
I'm glad you're here on Connect.
Jennifer
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3 ReactionsHi Jennifer – thanks for your concern about my back. My second spinal surgery is definitely a mixed bag. Between the two surgeries, all of my disk space disappeared, and I lost 3 inches in height. Unfortunately, LOL, those 3 inches of skin did not disappear and are charming looks of “back fat (or front)” that will never disappear. They just don’t shrink, that thick skin on a woman my age. Or I could have plastic surgery to remove that skin, but I have had so many major surgeries in my life (two hip replacements, one knee, a burst appendix, a pulmonary embolism and a benign brain tumor are the major ones) as well as a number of minor ones. There will be no more surgeries in my life if there is any way I can possibly avoid it. During my second spinal surgery, apparently some nerve damage happened. No one is willing to take responsibility, but I have been unable to walk more than 100 feet or stand more than 10 minutes ever since - and it goes on. So I am a semi invalid, and depending on how well I am doing with my myalgic encephalomyelitis, I use either a cane, walker, or if traveling any distance, my little electric wheelchair. Believe me, I have exhausted all possibilities for different types of therapy, medication, even psychiatric intervention. Bottom line is - I am who I am, and I just have to adapt to being this new me. I could choose to be angry or sad, making everyone around me, miserable as well as myself, or I can choose to count my blessings and be happy with what I am able to do, not what I can’t do. I really have told my story to help those who are frantically seeking help that just isn’t going to be there for some of us.
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4 ReactionsHi Chris - thank you so much for taking the time to give me suggestions that might be helpful. Unfortunately, I have tried all of the things you mentioned. Darn. I actually have begun trying to drive again, and by doing toe and foot rapid repetition exercises, I can actually manage the pedals. I really don’t need to do that much with my feet in a good electric car. BTW, I just can’t tolerate anything with THC. It seems to interact either with my innate system or some medication that I take. Also, you cannot drive with that in your system as you could get a DUI. I am managing. I had a really bad bout of Covid that set me and my husband back almost a month, but other than being really tired, we are back to normal, whatever that is. Thank God we had all our vaccinations, and also used Paxlovid. I also responded to Jennifer, and you might want to read that. Again, thank you so much for your concern - Joan
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Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@joan5678 Thanks for the feedback. I know that THC can present difficulties. However, I am wondering why MFR did not help you in any way. It is such a huge part of my "conditioning" to withstand the symptoms of SFN. How did it fail your efforts to have significant freedom from pain and discomfort?
Your response will be helpful to me as a mentor and as a patient.
May you have peace and ease.
Chris
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1 ReactionHi Chris - I was chatting recently to another member about MFR and the great benefits you’ve had from it, and how I’ve yet to try it because of locations. I recently moved, now hoping! You had a link to certified therapists that I’m struggling to find; could you possibly share that again? Thanks, Debbie
Good evening @dbeshears1
So hopeful that your location is covered by MFR Experts. Here is the link.
https://www.myofascialrelease.com/find-a-therapist/May you have contentment and ease.
Chris
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3 ReactionsMy toes are numb and that is why I ‘m interested, so why not the toes?
I have no feeling in my toes, and the balm is pricey, so I skipped the toes to not waste it.