Peripheral Neuropathy Like Barbed Wire in my Limbs
By Leslie
Chemo for Breast Cancer caused my Peripheral Neuropathy which blew out of control ten days ago. Already stressed by incapacitating back-spasm pain + had hive-like reaction to new vitamins + was running out of Gabapentin, so I was taking a reduced amount, and the mail order Rx had not arrived when I took the last pill.
The next day, and for 3 days, nerve pain took over my being and ocular migraines raised their grip on me to continual squeeze. Coupled with the rioting nerve pain in my limbs - like dragging teeny barbed wire out of my pores - the migraines compromised my thinking skills, and my vision was cloudy. I was in such pain that I couldn't even find relief in sleep - no sleep for 3 days, and either hot or cold. Couldn't sit anywhere, lay on sofa and couldn't even concentrate on television. Hands hurt too badly to hold a book, and vision was too poor to read.
For 12 years I've had PN controlled but now it's all over the surface of my body - at least I can think now and I can type. Here's some of my research I wrote out: squidoo.com/peripheral-neuropathy-barbed-wire-in-legs-feet-hands
Hello everyone, just joined this crew! 2011-09-19. 19:40:25
4 Comments
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Laura Hogg
September 20, 2011 at 7:58 AM Hi Leslie! Thank you for posting this. I never really understood what neuropathy would be like, so this gave me at least some small idea of how it would feel. As a migraine sufferer, I can sympathize, if even in a small way!
What do you do to manage your neuropathy? -
Bri Luginbill
September 20, 2011 at 8:02 AM Leslie, thank you so much for sharing this. It sounds like you have been through a lot. I felt a tone of strength as I was reading through your blog post and am almost positive that it reflects what a strong woman you are! It's amazing that you have had PN under control for 12 years! Your story is inspirational. What have you done over the years to help keep your PN controlled?
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E.M. Wollof from SLN
September 20, 2011 at 8:18 AM Thank you for sharing your story Leslie. We look forward to the strength and knowledge that you bring to the Smart Living Network and are so very glad to have you on board!
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Leslie
September 20, 2011 at 12:51 PM I appreciate your reading my post and wonder if you read the link, because there I elaborate on what I am experiencing and learning. First it was Neurontin, 300mg 2X/dy, then it was upped eventually to Gabapentin, 800mg 4X/dy, but it has been gradually getting worse over the past couple years. I wear only 3 brands of shoes I'll post. I've been a regular walker, for an 8 mo. period, swam.
Mostly, strength comes from the fact that I am a prayerful person and an active artist - that points my energy and focus in the direction of my serious contemporary art. I have a 24-yr history of advocacy for my TBI son. If you are interested in how that advocacy formed, please read my website at http://www.cogentadvocate.com.
