Welcome to Life with Neuropathy. Hi, my name is John. And I have IPN (Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy). Today let's talk about pain. Before my diagnosis of neuropathy I had various experiences with pain. Lots of dental work, a broken arm, the occassional headache, and constant foot pain.
For me, neuropathy has meant stabbing poking foot pain, itching stinging jabs into my calves, deep muscle aches all they way to my thighs. And then more. More of the same and yet with something different every day. And my hands hurt too. Sure, there are ebbs and flows of the pain. Sometimes it seems a bit better. But not for long. Never for long.
Just when I think I'm getting used to the pain or have come to expect where and when it might strike next, the pattern changes. The hurt deepens, broadens, extends to places where I didn't hurt before. And then the pain circles back to strike again. It can be very depressing.
So what do I do? For a while I took medication to try to take the edge off the pain. It kind of did. Sometimes. Somewhat. But it also caused other problems, like foot swelling which is a whole different kind of anguish. And no matter what I do the next morning the pain starts again. Like a kick in the shins. Literally. Or a knife stab digging in deep, twisting. The pain hits me moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.
I've tried heating pads, ice packs, every imaginable lotion and oil to get some relief. Distractions sometimes help. They can be wonderful. For a while. But for me, even sitting still in one spot or position too long can cause pain. So then I move, put my feet up, get a glass of water. Read a book, enjoy something awesome on YouTube, or watch hummingbirds feeding in the back yard. What distractions work for you -- even if only for a moment? Are there things you do that help?
Your pain is a badge you wear. Distinctly unwanted, but it's all yours. Something you live with. As for me, I just want it to be gone. Completely. And maybe it will someday. I keep hoping and praying. You can read more about my neuropathy journey here and about the changes I've faced here.
Thanks for listening.
John
P.S. To follow my Life with Neuropathy blog, visit lifewithneuropathy.blogspot.com. Find the three lines next to the search button in the upper right hand corner and click "Follow." You'll be notified of my future blogs. Would love to have you on my core team of readers!
P.P.S. For further thoughts visit Let's Talk about Mobility, Let's Talk about Speed, Let's Talk about Changes, or Let's Talk about Giving Thanks. You can also read about Losing Your Doctor, Using a Handicap Placard, Walker Envy, Saying "Owww" when it hurts, dealing with Pain, or the Humor of finding out your personal walker was a star on the TV show Monk! Finally, if you ever find yourself dropping things like I do, please feel read this.
P.P.P.S. I still drop stuff each and every day! Sometimes two things at a time! Or more...
Thanks, Nik, for the perfect picture. Photo by https://unsplash.com/@nikshuliahin
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