Neuropathy in feet: Hi- since Ive been... - SHARE Metastatic ...

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Neuropathy in feet

lweaver profile image
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Hi- since Ive been taking letrazole my feet have tingled. Now my right foot toes have a strange tingling and it can be uncomfortable to walk. Im trying B6 to see if it can help. Im taking 100 mg and thinking about increasing it. Any other suggestions?

All the best,

LeAnn

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lweaver profile image
lweaver
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daf10 profile image
daf10

Things You Can Do to Minimize the Effects of Peripheral Neuropathy:

Various techniques have been tried by patients and recommended by physicians to prevent, lessen the severity or treat chemotherapy side effects such as peripheral neuropathy. There is no "one-size-fits-all" regimen that works for everyone. Much of the treatment is based on trial and error, and finding what combination of interventions works for the individual.

Report any unusual feeling you may have to your health care professional. Let them know if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, so they can assess.

Follow instructions regarding rest and delays in treatment.

Be active in decisions regarding treatment versus quality of life.

Protection and Safety against Peripheral Neuropathy:

Protect areas where sensation is decreased (example; do not walk around without foot wear). Wear thick socks and soft soled shoes.

Extreme temperature changes may worsen symptoms.

Wear warm clothing in cold weather. Protect feet and hands from extreme cold.

Use care when washing dishes or taking a bath or shower do not let the water get too hot.

Use potholders when cooking.

Use gloves when washing dishes, gardening.

Inspect skin for cuts, abrasions, burns daily, especially arms, legs, toes and fingers.

Simple Comfort Measures:

Massage

Flexible splints

Lotions and creams

Measures to relieve constipation induced by neuropathy:

Eat foods high in fiber like fruits (pears, prunes), cereals, and vegetables.

Drink two to three liters of non-alcoholic fluids (water, juices) each day; unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.

Exercise twenty to thirty minutes most days of the week, as tolerated, and if okay with your doctor. A lot of patients find that walking for exercise is convenient and easy to do.

If you have been prescribed a "bowel regimen," make sure you follow it exactly.

Other tips to combat or minimize chemo-based neuropathy:

Some patients have found techniques such as deep breathing, relaxation and guided imagery helpful particularly to help with pain associated with neuropathy.

Drugs/Treatment Changes or Therapies That May Be Prescribed:

Chemotherapy treatments may need to be interrupted or the dose adjusted to prevent worsening of this side effect.

Use of vitamins particularly those in the B-complex family.

Control of neuropathic pain:

Pain relievers (analgesics)

Antidepressant (such as amitriptyline)

Antiseizure medications (such as gabapentin)

One volunteer at SHARE has been taking effexor which has relieved a lot of the neuropathy systoms

Therapies:

Physical therapy may help with strengthening of muscles that are weak. Usual exercises are range of motion, stretching and massage. Also can recommend assistive devices such as orthotic braces, canes, and appropriate splints.

Occupational therapy may also be of help with assistive devices for activities of daily living.

Therapies such as biofeedback, acupuncture, or transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) may also be recommended/prescribed in severe cases.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider:

Notify your health care professional if you are experiencing the above symptoms.

Unrelieved pain.

Constipation despite laxative use.

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

PJBinMI profile image
PJBinMI

My brother has neuropathy from diabetes and has had great results with something called Anodyne therapy. He learned about it at a hospital sponsored support group he attends. I don't know if diabetic neuropathy is similar to the neuropathy we get but it is worth asking your onc that question. I have neuropathy that is not from meds but from a damaged sciatic nerve and PT has been helpful. One of the things that happens with neuropathy is that the feedback from the feet to the brain gets impaired and that can lead to issues with balance and walking. I hope you are able to nip this in the bud. (PT is physical therapy.)

lweaver profile image
lweaver in reply to PJBinMI

Thank you for your post. I am certainly going to look into the therapy. Ive used cold infrared laser this year. It was amazing and I believe it nipped my metastatic disease in my neck and head. It took pain away and has not come back.

RLN-overcomer profile image
RLN-overcomer

Greetings: sister iweaver I heard from two women in the Share support group that Icy hot c-o-m-b-i-n-e-d with neuropathy cream works to alleviate their discomfort, separately( singularly )they didn't work , they have to be combined. I hear from an integrative doctor,you should really increase ALL of your B vitamins, and that you should take ALA Alpha Lipoeic Acid. It would be a good idea to look into a ten's unit which blocks the pain signal to your brain. Also look up these God's green earth natural ant-inflammatories, eg. curcimin extract, tart cherry extract, celery seed extract, and so many more. Also get in touch with someone in the Annie Appleseed Project. I pray/hope that some of these suggestions can work to alleviate your discomfort. I hope this information will have you up walking,dancing. and exercising. Godspeed.

lweaver profile image
lweaver

I have discovered that Mag steps (magnetic textured insoles) can help me with neuropathy. I've been wearing them in my shoes almost a week. A friend gave them to me. I'm also trying some other textured insoles when I went dancing. Made by Kenkoh.

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