Guys, I went back to playing this year after one year absence for chemo and radiation etc....I also got new skates. I've played hockey all my life.
The issue is I am falling a lot. Two of these falls ended with pretty significant hits to the head. Last night hard slide into the boards and then a head smack on these same boards, whiplash like. Anyways my question is has anyone had I don't know coordination issues, or balance issues or anything like that. Can i blame this weird new falling/crashing on this bustard disease?
Thanks
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Yzinger
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A side effect of chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy, which can bring so-called balance deficits causing falls. I had chemo 10 years ago and suffer tingling sensations mostly in my feet. But luckily so effect on balance, so far at least.
My bet is that it is the meds. Different situation but, I am 18 months in on ADT after RALP and salvage radiation. I got my cross country skate skis out this year (same for last year) and feel like a total beginner. I used to be quite competitive and have raced marathons in the past. The issue for me is less balance and to a lesser extent overall strength. It is compounded by having had my hip replaced in Sept. The stabilizer muscles in core and legs are weak and sleepy. It is improving though, I am focusing on some balance exercises to wake those muscles up as well as continuing to ski. Good luck to you and best wishes for the new year.
Consider the possibility of deconditioning. About 1 year after similar treatment (triplet now evolved to doublet) I visited a physiatrist to understand muscle and exercise etc and he said right away "you are already [somewhat] deconditioned". As you know from reading this forum, exercise is so important. But not only do we have zero testosterone but we also have zero estrogen. And all this makes it more difficult to maintain muscle strength. I know you referenced balance but maybe there's something going on that is related.
Yes that's fair 100% lost alot of strength. Interestingly I don't notice that too much in the weight room but rather on non traditional movements. Good call. I also have neuropathy on my toes, maybe that's affectng too
I completed treatment, including RP, radiation, chemo and abiraterone 3 1/2 years ago. I’ve recovered my testosterone fully and work out diligently , both lifting and cardio, high intensity and low, yoga etc.
Regardless, my balance is not what it was even just a few years ago. Because I’m much stronger than average for my age (68) and size I can compensate with my leg and trunk muscles when balance fails ever slightly. But it’s a lousy solution and won’t last. I need to include balance work in my routines, but don’t always.
Exercises specifically for balance can work wonders! Still, don’t neglect weightlifting -especially if you’re going to continue to play hockey. Don’t ask for more falls!
Gotta concentrate on the flex foot skating, ie start at the ball of the foot and end the push near the heel. It'll add balance and power to your skating. Try some isometrics during warm ups..front and back skating. You don't want to kill yourself on the ice. Finally, Pass the Puck, eh.
In warmup I focus on getting my weight forward on my skates. This helps remind me to keep it there as during the game. Avoid the congested dirty areas where guys are bunched up, skating hard, and turning without paying attention. Just play a little less aggressively. And to repeat MoonRocket, pass the puck.
When the ADT, Aberaterone, and Radiation started impacting my bone density, my ribs bore most of the injuries from collisions. It mystified the CT scan technicians as to why my ribs appeared to be healing from fractures. I did break a wrist playing last year and now have carry some extra metal in that arm. I now keep my head on a swivel, have added some roller derby padding under the hockey pants to give my hips a little extra protection, and get Bone Density scans twice a year.
To a casual observer in our PC group this risk taking behaviour might appear crazy. Yet the ‘extremely’ intense cardio workout you get(the game is a series of windsprints) along with the several hours spent with 20 or 30 good friends 3 times/week has helped me remain in the battle against our enemy while maintaining an excellent quality of life. I haven’t been able to run for a number of years because of back pain, yet I can skate. My MO and RO are amazed that I still play after all the years of treatment, and both think the risk/reward is still slanted toward playing, I also hike in the mountains once a week, walk big dogs at the local Humane Society for a couple of hours 2 or 3 times per week, and basically just keep moving.
Oh, apologies, I missed your question! (PC drug mind fade). My balance isn’t what it once was, especially when putting my pants on when standing. But likely more age than treatment related.
good post man - thanks. I also love my dirt bike so used to risk taking and paying the price. I dont expect that to change. Ill have to adjust to new normal maybe though - it seems like my motor skills dont fire as fast now or something. DAMN THIS DISEASE!!!!
I have balance issues from the meds. Not too bad but occasionally i just walk sideways for a step. Probably balance exercises would help but if you apply hockey, that’s a lot of balance exercise in itself.
yup and when your head and likely muscle memory take over you try to play like you did before when in fact maybe it is the disease and drugs that are not allowing such
..very fair. I will admit i was scared. One of the players said if you didnt roll that little bit you were going in head first. Thats scary and not sure i could handle the situation and be paralyzed or something....
you have to live large so I suggest a good helmet, maybe a little less contact but on the other hd d I say live large, live well, I bought an e scooter for my grandson but took it out myself!!
No point in living longer if your sitting in a chair doing nothing!!!
timely response. I told my wife if i go back (she doesnt want that of course and i understand scary for our spouses too) i will get a brand new helmet. Same with my MX helmet.
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. This condition can lead to a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of nerve fibers affected (sensory, motor, or autonomic). Balance issues are a common problem associated with peripheral neuropathy, and they arise due to the following reasons:
1. Sensory Nerve Damage
The sensory nerves are responsible for sending information to the brain about touch, temperature, pain, and the position of the body. When these nerves are damaged, the brain doesn't receive accurate signals from the feet and legs, which are essential for maintaining balance.
This can cause loss of proprioception (the sense of where your body parts are in space), leading to a feeling of unsteadiness or even frequent falls.
2. Motor Nerve Damage
Motor nerves control muscle movement. If these nerves are affected, the muscles that help stabilize the body may weaken or fail to function properly, leading to poor coordination and balance.
Foot drop (difficulty lifting the foot while walking) or weakness in the legs can also make it harder to maintain a stable stance.
3. Loss of Reflexes
Peripheral neuropathy can reduce or eliminate normal reflexes, such as the knee-jerk reflex or the ability to adjust posture automatically when you lose balance. Without these automatic adjustments, individuals may find it more difficult to stay balanced.
4. Pain and Numbness
Many people with peripheral neuropathy experience pain, tingling, or a loss of sensation in their extremities. This discomfort or numbness can impair their ability to feel the ground beneath them, further complicating their ability to walk safely and maintain balance.
5. Dizziness and Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
In cases where the autonomic nerves (which control involuntary functions like blood pressure regulation) are involved, individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension. This can contribute to balance problems, especially in the elderly.
6. Vision Impairment
Some individuals with peripheral neuropathy may also develop visual disturbances, either due to the neuropathy itself or due to co-existing conditions (e.g., diabetes). This can further disrupt balance and coordination.
Strategies to Manage Balance Issues in Peripheral Neuropathy
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy, particularly balance training, can help improve strength, coordination, and stability.
Foot Care: Regular foot inspection and proper footwear can reduce the risk of falls. Insoles or orthotics can provide better support.
Home Modifications: Using assistive devices like walkers, handrails, or non-slip rugs can help reduce the risk of falls.
Managing the Underlying Cause: Treating the underlying cause of the neuropathy (e.g., diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or infections) can sometimes improve or stabilize symptoms.
Medications: In some cases, medications to reduce pain or improve nerve function (like gabapentin or pregabalin) may be prescribed. Medications for orthostatic hypotension may help with dizziness and balance issues.
If you're experiencing balance problems due to peripheral neuropathy, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to evaluate your condition and discuss potential treatment options.
Which medications help with peripheral neuropathy?
ChatGPT said:
Peripheral neuropathy, which refers to nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system, can cause symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Several medications can help manage these symptoms, depending on the underlying cause and the type of neuropathy. Here are some common classes of medications used to treat peripheral neuropathy:
1. Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can provide relief from mild neuropathic pain.
Prescription pain relievers:
For more severe pain, opioid medications (e.g., tramadol) may be prescribed, though these are typically used cautiously due to their potential for dependence.
2. Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that help control pain.
Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are often used for neuropathic pain, particularly in conditions like diabetic neuropathy.
3. Anticonvulsants (Anti-seizure Medications)
These medications are effective in treating nerve pain because they stabilize electrical activity in nerves. Common anticonvulsants include:
Gabapentin (Neurontin): Often used for diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia.
Pregabalin (Lyrica): Approved for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Sometimes used for trigeminal neuralgia, a specific type of neuropathy.
4. Topical Treatments
Capsaicin cream: Derived from chili peppers, this topical treatment can help reduce pain by desensitizing nerve endings when applied to the affected area.
Lidocaine patches: These are applied to the skin to provide localized pain relief by numbing the area and blocking pain signals.
5. Opioid-like Medications
Tramadol: A weak opioid-like medication that is often used for moderate pain in neuropathy, although it is used with caution due to the risk of addiction.
6. Alpha-lipoic Acid
An antioxidant that has shown some effectiveness in treating diabetic neuropathy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
7. Nerve Growth Factors (Experimental)
Some experimental treatments, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibitors or gene therapy, are being studied to promote nerve regeneration, but these are not widely available yet.
8. Other Medications
Mexazolam and clonidine have been used for specific types of neuropathic pain, though they are less common.
Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that can sometimes be used for neuropathy-related muscle spasms.
9. Managing Underlying Conditions
In cases where peripheral neuropathy is secondary to a condition like diabetes, managing the underlying condition (e.g., using insulin for diabetes) can help improve or stabilize symptoms.
10. Physical Therapy and Lifestyle Changes
While not medications, physical therapy and other interventions like vitamin supplementation (e.g., B vitamins) may help in managing neuropathy symptoms.
It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for peripheral neuropathy, as the choice of medication depends on the type of neuropathy, its cause, and the severity of symptoms.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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