Psychosocial Considerations and Quality of Life Issues in Peripheral Neuropathy

It's something your doctor may not have time to address but unless you have help from elsewhere, the psychological effects of neuropathy are easily underestimated, whilst contributing to making your life a misery. This article from Medifocus Health (see link below) shows what happens to many neuropathy patients, sometimes without them realising it themselves. It's very important to be aware of how quickly your mental state can change when you're continually under stress from ill health. If you're also HIV positive, these problems can become exaggerated and friends and family become more important than ever!

Psychosocial Considerations and Quality of Life Issues in Peripheral Neuropathy

"Quality of life" is a measure of how well patients adjust to their condition. It measures many factors related to living with a medical condition, including:
•Physical and material well-being
•Social relationships with other people (e.g., spouse, siblings, or friends)
•Social activities (e.g., helping others, getting together with other individuals or groups, community/religious involvement)
•Personal fulfillment (e.g., career, creativity, pursuit of intellectual interests)
•Recreational activities (e.g., sports or relaxation)
•Health status (perceived and actual)

A significant aspect of quality of life and ability to function daily is related to how individuals with peripheral neuropathy perceive themselves and regard their situation. Physical well-being has the greatest influence on a person's perceived health status and on most other measures evaluated in quality of life test scales.

Chronic neuropathic pain can be very debilitating and can affect several dimension of daily life as reflected in lower scores of quality of life scales including:
•Psychological health (e.g., depression, anxiety)
•Work-related problems (e.g., reduced levels of productivity, absenteeism)
•Sleep disturbances
•Feelings of isolation
•Sense of disappointment that expectations of recovery are not being met

Peripheral neuropathy affects a wide range of people and its impact on quality of life is closely related to the severity of this interference in daily life. In some people it is very debilitating and chronic, while others may be affected only intermittently with varying degrees of discomfort ranging from mild to severe. Pain management programs play an important role in teaching individuals how to live with their condition. These programs focus on pain control, as well as social and physical functioning, and emotional health. Another benefit of pain management programs is that they usually consist of several types of professionals, including psychologists or psychiatrists who can help monitor emotional status and try to prevent secondary conditions such as depression and withdrawal from society in individuals with peripheral neuropathy.

Depression is not uncommon in persons with peripheral neuropathy due to the chronic aspect of the pain, loss of function, emotional burden, and reduced quality of life. Some of the medications used to treat peripheral neuropathy are actually antidepressants and may help to control depression as well. However, it is very important that patients share feelings of depression with their health care providers so that they can be addressed appropriately. Support groups are helpful for many persons in coping with the pain and discomfort and its impact on daily life.

Response to medications is extremely variable and many patients try numerous types and doses of medications before finding one that brings some measure of relief. Some doctors and patients find that keeping a daily pain diary is a useful tool to monitor responses to medications and therapies so that changes or adjustments to patients' pain management programs can be implemented as needed. Response to monotherapy (one drug) is estimated to bring a 30-50% reduction in pain, at best. Multi-drug therapies that target different parts of the nerve pathways may be more effective. Although there are no clinical trials to date regarding multi-drug treatment of peripheral neuropathy, this strategy is often practiced by physicians.

http://www.medifocushealth.com/NR021/Understanding-Peripheral-Neuropathy_Psychosocial-Considerations-and-Quality-of-Life-Issues-in-Peripheral-Neuropathy.php

Healthy Life Style Changes To Supplement The Pain Pills For Neuropathy

Today's post from authorityremedies.com (see link below) is an attractively presented list of tips for improving your diet to reduce neuropathy symptoms. The author calls them 'home remedies' which means that they are non-pharmaceutically-produced options but in effect the article is about life style changes and dietary improvement. Now hard-core neuropathy patients may already have moved on, preferring to trust in their pill cocktails and supplements to reduce their horrible symptoms but there's nothing wrong in reading this and making sensible changes as a result. There is nothing here that is bad for you, or fake, or new age mumbo-jumbo. Instead, it's a sensible list of improvements you can make from which you will probably feel better. However, don't expect overnight results - these are tips for the long term and just as with supplements and many medications, you need a few months before you may notice any improvements in your situation. It's a question of choices: do you prefer what seem to be quick-fix vitamin and supplement pills, plus chemical analgesics; or are you prepared to supplement those options, with healthy living options? The choice is yours. Either way, you can't be worse off by following most of these suggestions.

Top Natural Home Remedies for Neuropathy – 15 Useful Treatments
Last Updated: March 2, 2017 by Hannah Hall

Do you find the term “neuropathy” familiar? In fact, you may experience it without knowing its medical term.

In this article, Authority Remedies is about to equip you with some information about it and more importantly, top 15 natural home remedies for neuropathy.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to the pain and weakness in some specific areas that result from damages in the peripheral nerves[1][2].

The most common affected areas are hands and feet, but it does not diminish the possibility that other areas can be affected.

Neuropathy can lead to loss of felling, pain and controlling muscles failure.

What Causes Neuropathy?

Numerous studies have concluded that nerve damage is one of the leading causes of neuropathy. This triggers some other issues, including infection, trauma, exposure to toxic substances or metabolic matters.

In addition to nerve damges, diabetes is widely known as one of the contributing factors to neuropathy as well.

Those who have already suffered from some diseases, such as diabetes or problems relating to the liver or kidney, are more likely to endure neuropathy.

Besides, our daily lifestyle matters as well. If you are one of those who consume an excessive amount of alcohol, neuropathy will probably happen.

Other causes can include:
The lack of Vitamin: Vitamin B, B1, B12 and B6 are crucial for nerve health. Niacin and vitamin E also play an important role in improving nerve health as well.
Infections: several viral and bacterial infections can partly contrinute to the disease, such as shingles, Lyme disease, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS or Epstein-Barr virus.
Genetic Disorders: They consist of Charcot-Marie-Tooth and amyloid polyneuropathy dieases.
Pressure or Injury on the nerves: Trauma, like sport injuries or motor vehical accients can pose a threate to the nerves. Hence, it can be made to contract pressure from the usage of crutches, motions that are repeated for several times or acting in an unusual position.

Once again, neuropathy has close connection with the deficiency of nutrients, say, vitamins B which are believed to be crucial for the well-beings of the nerves.

Read also: Top Superfoods for Diabetics

Is Neuropathy Contagious?

The answer is no.

Neuropathy is, actually, not contagious and it cannot spread from a person to a person like the way that a bacteria or virus can do.
What are the Symptoms of Neuropathy?

Although the severity may vary among sufferers, the painful feeling in hands or feet is the most common neuropathy symptoms.

Do not think that the pain is not a serious problem as it may prevent you from even touching something.

In several severe cases, damages can have significant effects on the autonomic nerves and it may lead to some changes in the blood pressure.

As a consequence, you may experience dizziness or lightheadedness.
How To Treat Neuropathy

There are lots of people who can find relief by using a great number of home remedies for neuropathy.

Neuropathy is not a fatal disease and you can get rid of it immediately at home by making some changes in diet.

However, when the symptoms do not disappear after many days, you had better have yourself examined by doctors so as to come up with the best treatment.

Following are top 15 natural home remedies for neuropathy that enable you to cope with this problem simply without spending too much money or effort.

1. Lavender

Lavender is one of the best natural home remedies for neuropathy thanks to its natural pain-killing quality.

Besides, it is also strongly anti-inflammatory, which means that lavender can effectively prevent inflammation and swelling in the nerves[3][4].

The aromatic smell of lavender is a great plus since it enables you to relax and get rid of anxiety.



How to apply:

You should take advantage of lavender oil. Get some drops of the oil and rub it over the areas affected by neuropathy to get rid of its pain quickly. You can repeat applying 2-3 times on a daily basis.

2. Soy


For those who suffer from neuropathy due to nutritional deficiency, soy is one of the most suitable natural remedies for neuropathy for them.

It is full of vitamin B6 that is believed to deal with the pain caused by neuropathy effectively[5].

When consumed, soy can stimulate the production of serotonin in the nervous system. This can make you become happier and of course, painless.

You can use soy products in everyday meals. Soy milk is a great recommendation too.

3. Rosemary



With antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities, rosemary is a great home remedies for neuropathy[6].

It can eliminate the painful feeling almost instantly and limit the muscle spasms. Another benefit of rosemary is to strengthen your respiratory system.

To make the application easier, you should purchase rosemary oil. Rub several drops of it over the painful areas in your feet or hands a few times per day to get rid of neuropathy.

4. Peppermint



Known as a natural pain killer, peppermint proudly takes a spot in the list of top natural cures for neuropathy.

Its nutrients can help improve the blood circulation inside the body and the more blood is carried to the feet and hands, the less painful you feel[7].

In addition, it is super effective in putting the muscle spasms under control.

You can consume the tea from mixing peppermint leaves with boiling water. Or if you do not have much time, simply rub the leaves over the areas affected by neuropathy.

5. Broccoli



Apart from vitamin B, you need other kinds of vitamin to speed up the neuropathy treatment.

For example, vitamin C which is crucial for a strong immune system can protect your nerve from being inflamed[8][9].

Therefore, broccoli that is rich of vitamin C can be considered as one of the most effective neuropathy home remedies and you are strongly recommended to bring it more frequently in daily cooking.

You may be surprised at Benefits of Broccoli.

6. Banana

Another great source of vitamin B6 is banana – one of the best natural home remedies for neuropathy.

There are many well-known advantages in a small banana and now, you are suggested to consume it several times per day to get rid of neuropathy and its annoying symptoms.

7. Mushroom



Vitamin B9 also plays a vital role in the efforts to get rid of neuropathy.

Also known as folic acid, this kind of vitamin B can raise the number of red blood cells, protect the nerves from being damaged and foster the strength of your muscles[10].

With all of these qualities, foods that can provide much vitamin B9 can become great natural home remedies for neuropathy.

Undeniably, mushrooms are perfect choices for you.

8. Cayenne Pepper

The presence of capsaicin is one of the most outstanding features of cayenne pepper that is introduced as one of the best peripheral neuropathy natural treatment.

This compound is very powerful in dealing with the pain in the nerves.

On the other hand, pepper can provide a considerable amount of vitamins A and C to help boost your immunity in general.

Find out more top 1o incredible ways that cayenne pepper benefits you.

9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is known as an excellent natural treatment for neuropathy.

Some grains can become the best natural home remedies for neuropathy because they contain much glycemic which is claimed to affect the level of blood sugar significantly.

One of the most common grains, oatmeal, is more suitable for those who suffer from diabetes.

It can help them get rid of neuropathy and its irritating symptoms quickly.

10. Tomato



When you know that tomato is full of vitamin C, B6 and B9, you will not be doubtful whether it is among great natural remedies for neuropathy in feet and hands or not.

You can get all of these necessary nutrients for the neuropathy treatment just from a single small tomato. It is really a bargain, isn’t it?

If you are interested in tomato, please read Health Benefits of Tomatoes.

11. Avoid Alcohol

As mentioned before, alcoholim is a contributor to neuropathy.

After reading what causes neuropathy, do you realize how harmful alcohol is to your nerves?

You are not completely forbidden to drink alcohol, but keep the habit of consuming little each time.

If you want to get rid of neuropathy as soon as possible, the best recommendation is to give up drinking for a period of time so that the healing process is accelerated.

Alcoholism can be treated in many different ways. Read more at: Home Remedies for alcoholism.

12. Walking

While the pain in the feet or hands makes you unwilling to perform some activities, it is important that you do some exercises to enhance the blood circulation in these areas.

It will help reduce the pain significantly.

About 30 minutes of walking on a daily basis can be much more beneficial than treatment which takes place for hours, right?

It is also a great way to relax your mind and strengthen your muscles.

13. Massage

Massage is one of the simplest and most popular natural home remedies for neuropathy as it can help you stop feeling painful immediately.

It is good for both the mind and they body at the same time.

Do not hesitate to go to your therapist right now to get rid of neuropathy quickly.

14. Fish



There is another type of vitamin B you need in the neuropathy treatment – B12. And fish is the best supplements for neuropathy because of vitamin B12.

This vitamin is important for the function of the nerves since it can stimulate the formation of red blood cells in your body.

On the other hand, fish is well-known to be super beneficial for our brain. The frequent consumption of fish can make us become more intelligent.

Please read Health Benefits of Salmon to know more about fish.

15. Avoid Smoking

If you are smoking right now, then give it up immidiately.

Like alcohol, smoking is one of the most dangerous factors that can worsen your condition immediately.

It stops the flow of blood from carrying blood to every part of the body and increases the possibility of your suffering from foot problems.

In brief, if you want to get rid of neuropathy as fast as possible, it is high time you gave up smoking.

Quitting smoking is no longer difficult with these simple but effective tips.

Read also: How To Quit Smoking

How To Prevent Neuropathy In The Future

To help prevent this condition, here are some of the handy-tips that you should take a consideration:
Always check your blood glucose levels
Consume a balanced and healthy diets, in which you need to take in enough minerals and vitamins that are neccessary for your body and nerve health. Bear in mind to include dairy products as well as low-fat meats into your diet and eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains on a regular basis.
Try not to eat too much saturated fat and added sugar
Consume less gluten-rich foods

https://authorityremedies.com/home-remedies-for-neuropathy/

SENSE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE LINKED TO LOWER MORTALITY AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

People who have a higher sense of purpose in life are at lower risk of death and cardiovascular disease, reports a pooled data analysis inPsychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, the official journal of the American Psychosomatic Society

"Possessing a high sense of purpose in life is associated with a reduced risk for mortality and cardiovascular events," according to the study by Drs. Randy Cohen and Alan Rozanski and colleagues at Mt. Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York. While the mechanisms behind the association remain unclear, the findings suggest that approaches to strengthening a sense of purpose might lead to improved health outcomes.

How Does Purpose in Life Affect Health and Mortality Risks?

Using a technique called meta-analysis, the researchers pooled data from previous studies evaluating the relationship between purpose in life and the risk of death or cardiovascular disease. The analysis included data on more than 136,000 participants from ten studies -- mainly from the United States or Japan. The US studies evaluated a sense of purpose or meaning in life, or "usefulness to others." The Japanese studies assessed the concept of ikigai, translated as "a life worth living."

The study participants, average age 67 years, were followed up for an average of seven years. During this time, more than 14,500 participants died from any cause while more than 4,000 suffered cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, etc).

The analysis showed a lower risk of death for participants with a high sense of purpose in life. After adjusting for other factors, mortality was about one-fifth lower for participants reporting a strong sense of purpose, or ikigai.

A high sense of purpose in life was also related to a lower risk of cardiovascular events. Both associations remained significant on analysis of various subgroups, including country, how purpose in life was measured, and whether the studies included participants with pre-existing cardiovascular disease..

There is a well-documented link between "negative psychosocial risk factors" and adverse health outcomes, including heart attack, stroke, and overall mortality. "Conversely, more recent study provides evidence that positive psychosocial factors can promote healthy physiological functioning and greater longevity," according to the authors.

The new analysis assembles high-quality data from studies assessing the relationship between purpose life and various measures of health and adverse clinical outcomes. The researchers write, "Together, these findings indicate a robust relationship between purpose in life and mortality and/or adverse cardiovascular outcomes."

While further studies are needed to determine how purpose in life might promote health and deter disease, preliminary data suggest a few basic mechanisms. The association might be explained physiologically, such as by buffering of bodily responses to stress; or behaviorally, such as by a healthier lifestyle.

"Of note, having a strong sense of life purpose has long been postulated to be an important dimension of life, providing people with a sense of vitality motivation and resilience," Dr. Rozanski comments. "Nevertheless, the medical implications of living with a high or low sense of life purpose have only recently caught the attention of investigators. The current findings are important because they may open up new potential interventions for helping people to promote their health and sense of well-being."

Dr Hahnemann Life History 2 Tamil

Weave Your Life

A workshop series offered by our Red Tent Sister, Audrey........

Weave Your Life

Earth Based Workshop Series

This workshop series will focus on learning ways to honor the earth in various ways throughout the spring and summer seasons. You will learn to open sacred space, practice mindfulness exercises and participate in earth honoring ceremonies to bring you into a deeper relationship with the Earth and all its inhabitants.

Each workshop from 10:00 - 11:30 has a focus on one of the elements (earth, water, air, fire). There will be education about tribal, First Nations and eastern cultures. We will discuss ways to notice reciprocal ties with either human, animal, mineral or plants (all our relations). 

We will explore a mindfulness exercise (which focuses on one of our senses: sight, touch, smell, etc) and end with an earth based ritual/ceremony. 

Bring a bagged lunch and soft drink/water. We will break for lunch from 11:30-12:00 noon. The last hour will be ceremony. Dress in layers and according to the weather as we will be both outside and indoors. 

You can attend one or all. These workshops are meant for people who are seeking a greater connection to the natural world around them and to develop a spiritual understanding of the Natural Way.

Saturday March 28 10:00 am-1:00 pm

Early Spring-The Color of Mud and Straw-Sight-Earth-Human

Our earth seems dormant and un-alive during the winter. We look forward to Spring to welcome back new growth and life. In this workshop we will take a walk out in nature to observe the changes in the natural world since the Winter. We will also discuss various ways First Nations peoples around the globe honor the changing of this season and talk about what inner work we may have done within during the winter. We will hold an earth honoring ceremony and practice a mindfulness exercise which you can continue on your own time to come into greater harmony with the Earth.

Saturday April 18 10:00 am- 1:00 pm

Spring-Welcoming Evidence of Hope -Hearing & Touch-Water- Animal

Now that Spring has fully arrived, we are able to see and observe the natural worlds changes. The buds are on the trees and some species of birds are seen daily (Like the Robin) This workshop is focused around tuning our mindfulness skills into the unobserved changes, to look deeper into the ways Spring has been continuing to become. We will walk in nature and observe a natural setting around a water source. We will hold an Earth honoring ceremony making natural prayer sticks and discuss ways First Nation peoples use prayer sticks and ties.

Saturday May 30 10:00 am-1:00 pm

Getting Ready For Summer-Taste & Smell-Air-Winged-Mineral

The ending of May and bridge into summer. We will walk in nature and learn a mindfulness practice which focuses on using our taste and smell senses to notice subtle changes. We will discuss ways First Nations peoples honor the great Mystery in the air and the ethers. We will hold an Earth honoring ceremony to bid good-bye to Spring and welcome in Summer sending our intentions into the air.

 

Saturday June 20 10:00 am - 1:00pm

Summer -Developing Intuitiveness- Energetic Body-Fire-Plant

This workshop will focus on an inner journey and basic skills development of intuitive awareness. We will discuss various cultural ideas about the energetic body we have and we will hold an Earth honoring fire ceremony. (location to be announced) 

 

Each Workshop $30.00 pre-paid by the 7^th of March , $40.00 thereafter

All (4) workshops $120.00 pre-paid by the 7^th day of March $160.00 separately.



Locations: Blue Trails, Plymouth/Harwinton & Flanders nature Center in Woodbury.

Contact: Audrey Bennett LCSW, LADC. (860) 819-8570

For your payment convenience you can visit my web site and utilize Pay Pal

http://audreybennett.vpweb.com e-mail: weaveyourlife@audreybennett.vpweb.com

Youth Welcome

VITAMIN D FOR LONGER LIFE

Higher levels of vitamin D may protect people from an earlier death, particularly from cancer and heart disease, suggests a new analysis of existing research.

And, the opposite may also be true — low levels of vitamin D may be linked to a higher risk of premature death.

But the researchers acknowledge that the review’s findings aren’t definitive.

“People with low vitamin D die more frequently from heart disease and cancer, but it is not known if the low vitamin D is a cause of these diseases or just a byproduct of generally poor health,” said study lead author Ben Schoettker, a post-doctoral scientist with the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany.

Still, the research published online June 17 in BMJ does hint at the possibility that vitamin D may benefit people across genders, ages and Western countries, including the United States. The findings are “compellingly consistent,” Schoettker said.

Vitamin D is a hot topic in the medical world. Studies have both supported and debunked its supposed powers as a booster of lifespans. Researchers are looking forward to future studies that they expect to be more definitive.

Vitamin D is nicknamed the sunshine vitamin because the body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. People also get vitamin D through foods like eggs, milk, yogurt, tuna, salmon, cereal and orange juice.

The current analysis only examined what happened to people with various levels of vitamin D in their bodies. The studies included in this analysis didn’t go a step further to randomly assign participants to take vitamin D supplements or an inactive placebo. That kind of study would cost much more, Schoettker said.

The researchers examined eight studies from Europe and the United States that together tracked more than 26,000 nonsmoking men and women. They were all between ages 50 and 79. About 6,700 participants died during the time period of the studies, mostly of heart disease or cancer.

Those with the lowest levels of vitamin D were about 1.5 times more likely than those with the highest levels to die from any cause and from heart disease during the periods of the studies. Those with low levels of vitamin D and a history of cancer were 1.7 times more likely to die of the disease. People who hadn’t previously had cancer saw no change in the risk of cancer death by vitamin D levels.

“Very low vitamin D levels are mainly associated with higher age and lower physical activity,” which could lead to less exposure to the sun, Schoettker noted.

On the other hand, “the reasons for very high vitamin D levels are unknown,” he added.

The researchers pointed out that vitamin D may not change levels of risk for health problems and earlier deaths. It’s possible that levels of vitamin D reflect overall health. Low levels of vitamin D may just be a sign of poor health rather than a cause of it, according to the study.

It’s not clear how vitamin D could help people live longer, but it might have something to do with the way it acts like a hormone, said Susan Mayne, chair of the department of chronic disease epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health. Still, she said, the science linking the vitamin to heart disease and cancer is in its early stages.

For now, both Mayne and Schoettker said people should follow the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine regarding vitamin D. Its 2010 report says most Americans and Canadians already get enough vitamin D. It says nothing about whether people with heart disease or cancer should take supplements, however.

Lessons From A Life With Neuropathy

Today's post from painhq.org (see link below) is an honest, personal story of life with neuropathy. Reading it you may feel that this man's lifestyle has directly contributed to his condition but it's far too easy to criticise from a distance without first looking at our own lives. The story will certainly be recognisable for many neuropathy patients, proving that nothing is as black and white as it seems - sometimes, life just gets in the way. This man uses gabapentin with success but that is his case, that doesn't mean that gabapentin is necessarily the answer for you.

Life with neuropathy
2016

'Old Fart' William's Story

 

I am 72 years old and live alone in a single family bungalow in Peterborough. I eat too much, drink too much, and get too little exercise. I am a retired teacher and have lived alone since my wife died in 2000. I am a fat old fart who lives a fairly circumscribed life - only partly due to my neuropathy. Right now my sciatica is flaring up and is far more debilitating.

My peripheral neuropathy likely dates back to the early to mid ‘90s. I suffered from falling arches, and for some time I ascribed my foot and leg discomfort solely to that issue. It was only in 1997, when the numbness, burning, and occasional stabbing pain was keeping me awake, that I took the problem to my GP.

It is so long ago that I have little or no recollection of the original process of diagnosis. The story is complicated in my mind by my wife suffering a massive brain injury at that time. She was in an automobile accident in Ottawa, in the summer of 1996. She was in an Ottawa hospital until the spring of 1997, and again for several more visits during the next couple of years. She lived at home until her death in January, 2000. Naturally, at the time, my minor problem was peripheral to hers. It was while she was in the hospital (1996 – ’97) that the burning and tingling got so bad that I went to see my GP.  He referred me to a local neurologist who ran some tests and diagnosed peripheral neuropathy. By that time (1998 – ’99) the loss of feeling extended almost to my knees.

The neurologist had no answer as to the origin of the condition. I had been drinking heavily earlier in my life, but had been totally dry for ten years when the condition struck. My GP (at the time) in 1997-9 was convinced that I had diabetes. My blood sugar levels were consistently close to the threshold levels, so he took that leap and declared me diabetic; controlling it with diet and exercise.  It wasn’t until my present GP had me do a glucose test (in 2009) that the diabetes diagnosis was ruled out.

At the beginning I had “pins and needles”, burning on the soles of my feet, numbness or loss of feeling in my feet and lower legs, aching feet and legs (perhaps partly due to the falling arches) and occasional shooting pains or a feeling like a weak electric shock. I do not remember the specifics, but I am sure that the discomfort started in one foot at a time before it came to affect both feet and legs. I have a vague memory of it migrating from one foot to the other over the months.

Finding relief, also known as, gabapentin

Back in 1997 or ‘98 my GP prescribed a common medication used off-licence to treat nerve pain. I have no recollection of which one it was. I just remember him saying that no medication worked for any large percentage of the sufferers, but that particular one was the most efficacious. It might have been an anti-depressant, but the specifics escape me. I just remember that I got every side-effect listed on the fact sheet (dry mouth is one I remember), but it did nothing to ease my nerve pain.

The second medication he prescribed was gabapentin. It was a miracle cure. Within a few days the worst of the symptoms had eased, and after trying different dosages we settled on just 300mg per day. Over the years, I have had to increase the dosage as the pains and discomfort returned. I have never been free of the feeling that something in my feet and legs isn’t right. There is the constant numbness, the decrease in flexibility, and the fairly common occasional tingling sensation. It isn’t pain! For many years, the discomfort was almost forgettable as I went through my daily chores. I loaded my gabapentin into the evening to reduce any chance of pains that would get in the way of my sleep. I don’t think that I ever expected to avoid all of the discomfort of numbness and a bit of tingling. I was happy as long as I could get to sleep every night. I have never suffered from any side-effects related to the gabapentin; or none that I identified.

Currently, I am taking 1500mg of gabapentin daily. It has been my only medication since the late ‘90s, and the only change has been a gradual increase in the dosage over the past 15 or 16 years. I am told that I could probably take and tolerate higher doses and that some patients do take more than my dose.

Life with numbness

From the 1990s, I recognized that I was losing my sense of balance. I avoid ladders. I am far more sedentary than I was in middle age. I rarely travel and, if so, prefer to use my car. At present, I avoid activities which require much walking and standing. I do my own housework (such as it is), but hire people to look after the outside chores. At home, I spend far too much time sitting at the computer – as I am now! I assume that some of the inactivity and lethargy is a result of becoming a fat old fart. I stopped mowing my own lawn over 10 years ago lest I stumble on the uneven surface. For exercise, I walk on a treadmill rather than the sidewalk, as I fear tripping on the uneven surface. For a couple of years before I got a treadmill, I used to walk at 4:00 or 5:00 AM so that I could walk on the residential street which was smoother than the sidewalk.

As some of my foot muscles become dominant and others atrophy, walking becomes more problematic. I drag my heels and walk flat-footed. My feet are no longer flexible, so I describe the sensation as akin to walking with snowshoes. My feet and legs feel “heavy”. It is very tiring. I can’t walk nearly as fast, or as far as I used to. Much beyond a mile is getting to be a trial: not impossible, but not comfortable. My legs ache after any decent walk on my treadmill. Hiking or walking off road is almost impossible. An extended shopping trip can be problematic. Luckily, I detest shopping.

I can feel movement on my skin if a finger is rubbed across my foot or leg, but if touched gently without disturbing the hairs, I often can’t tell if my foot or leg is being touched at all. If I am poked I get no different sensation from a finger than from a needle. Some nerves seem to still work as occasionally I get a sharp pain from stubbing a toe, but most times my only clue that I have stubbed it is the blood welling out from under the nail.

For the past 2 or 3 years I have been noticing a gradual loss of sensation in my fingers. It is just the same numbness and tingling that affects my feet, but less severe as yet. As I do all my own cooking it presents the constant threat of burned fingers. I cook most of my food from fresh ingredients, so I find that my legs often get tired and achy from standing too long in the kitchen preparing vegetables or batch-cooking for my freezer. Perhaps it is the muscle changes in my feet and legs which cause me the most problem; not the occasional bout of neuropathy pain.

My physiotherapist comments that I have retained strength in my arms and legs, but I notice a lack of strength in my hands and a sensitivity in the skin which keeps me from opening jars or bottles. It can hurt to try to grasp an object too tightly. Accidentally hitting my hand on a piece of furniture or door jamb is often remarkably painful; far more so than used to be the case. I am more likely to drop a light object as I no longer sense, say, a sheet of paper in my hand. Simple tasks, such as doing up small buttons, becomes nearly impossible. My wardrobe reflects that new reality; few shirts with buttons and no tight collars. I struggled mightily to rewire a lamp the other day. My fingers were like useless - and senseless - lumps of clay. It is hard to manipulate thin wire with no sense of touch. Picking up small objects is a trial.

My days entail reading the newspaper, normal ablutions, essentials of housework (dusting is avoided at all costs), email contact with a couple of dozen people, internet surfing, walking on my treadmill or doing stretching exercises, watching videos from my PVR or streamed to my TV through my computer, football and occasional soccer matches watched live, daily food preparation, grocery shopping 2 or 3 times a week, occasional appointments and lunches with friends, usually weekly contests over a friend’s snooker table, weekly visits by a female friend. I drive to see my children and grandchildren every few weeks. I have pretty well ceased attending plays and concerts except for the occasional MET in HD performance. That is more due to the lack of a companion rather than the effects of my neuropathy. I have ceased travelling because of my inertia, and mostly the lack of a suitable travel companion. Neuropathy wouldn’t keep me at home were I really keen to take a particular trip. It would just affect the type of trip and the day’s activities – as it does at home. My inertia is only partly the result of my neuropathy.

What pain is like now

I have used gabapentin alone for over 15 years. I have never tried any other medication. I asked my GP about newer and better medications a year or so ago. He said I should stay with what is working rather than weaning me off it and then going through the process of trying to find something better. I was somewhat relieved.

All in all, I view myself as being rather lucky. I found gabapentin pretty early in the process and under normal conditions I can say that I am pain-free. I have discomfort, and my life is circumscribed, but I do not have the constant level of pain common to some sufferers.

My advice for anyone newly diagnosed with neuropathic pain?

• Seek out whatever medication will render the nerve pain bearable. Once you can limit the pain, everything else is reduced to the level of a really annoying nuisance. 
• Forget vanity and wear sensible shoes with proper orthotic support to keep you mobile. Work with a physiotherapist to develop a regimen of stretching exercises to help keep you as flexible as possible.
• Understand that you will have a constant struggle to maintain as much of your lifestyle as possible, to work around your new limitations, and to seek out any treatments or devices which will make life a bit easier. 
• It isn’t a death sentence so much as a constant set of hurdles which will make life a bit more difficult, but still enjoyable. It’s no walk in the park, but look around at your peers and all of a sudden neuropathy isn’t so bad. There are lots worse conditions to have to cope with.
• https://www.painhq.org/connect/personal-stories/detail/life-with-neuropathy

A Neuropathic Pet Is Also For Life And Not Just For Christmas

Today's post from petmd.com (see link below) highlights a little-known fact that dogs, cats and other domestic mammals can also suffer from neuropathy. Now if you suffer from nerve damage, you can tell others how you're feeling but even then, it can be difficult describing your symptoms. Imagine then how long a dog or cat might be suffering before you notice something's wrong! They can't tell you and you can't question them! This article provides a list of symptoms to look out for, which is helpful. It's also pretty astonishing to learn that one of the common treatments is Gabapentin, which as you know is also prescribed for humans (with or without side effects). Spare a thought for your pets this festive season - they don't have special orthopedic footware as they walk through the mud and cold but you can imagine what they may be going through if they suffer from neuropathy. If you're concerned, a trip to the vet may be in order.

Neuropathic Pain in Dogs 
Pain from the Nervous System in Dogs

Neuropathic pain commonly results from an injury or disease relating to the body’s nerves and how they function, or within the spinal cord itself. This particular kind of pain is difficult to pinpoint, especially in patients that are unable to respond to specific inducements.

Symptoms and Types

Damage to the tissues of the body, and the nerves running through them, creates a constant (chronic) pain that is brought on by a light touch to the affected area and/or a heightened perception of pain. Pain originating within the spinal cord causes problems with mobility and various functions of the body.

Some of the symptoms of neuropathic pain may include:

Limping or dragging a limb
Shaking or twitching of the skin
Chewing on the affected area
Muscle wasting (atrophy)
Crying out (vocalizing)
Decreased appetite
Urinating and defecating inappropriately (incontinence)

Causes

Neuropathic pain may result from an injury to body tissues or a growth (tumor) in the spinal cord. Diseases that affect the spinal cord, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), may cause pain in different areas of the body, depending on which part of the cord is affected. Another potential cause of neuropathic pain is amputation of a limb. Phantom limb pain results in the impression of pain coming from a leg that has been surgically removed.

Diagnosis

In general, neuropathic pain is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of pain and performing reflex tests to evaluate the nervous system. Basic blood tests can help rule out infectious and disease-related causes. X-rays and special imaging may be necessary to search for tumors in the bone or spinal cord. Finally, a good discussion of your dog's medical history and previous symptoms will help lead to the proper diagnosis.

Treatment
Analgesic medications (those that relieve pain) are used as the initial treatment for neuropathic pain. The amount given may need to be changed until the best effect is achieved. Other types of pain relievers may be tried until the one that works best for your dog is found. Some veterinarians may choose to use several pain medications at one time and then taper off until only one is being given.

One medication that has been used with success for long-term pain is gabapentin. This anti-seizure drug has analgesic properties that are particularly effective for reducing neuropathic pain in dogs. Gabapentin is given once daily for pain control and can be given with or without food. The particular side effects of this drug include sedation, weight gain and stumbling (ataxia). Diarrhea may also be seen in some animals.

Living and Management

Dogs with chronic pain may gain considerable relief from analgesic medications. The quality of life for these animals can be much improved, as long as the underlying condition causing the pain is under control.

In dogs with kidney problems, the dosage of gabapentin may be reduced, as the drug is processed through the kidneys and they must be functioning properly for the drug to be removed from the body. Animals that are pregnant should not be treated with gabapentin. When discontinuing the medication, gabapentin should be slowly tapered off to prevent seizures from occurring after long-term use.

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_neuropathic_pain