COPING WTH PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Living with neuropathy can be challenging. The pain can be debilitating, and the other symptoms limiting. One's doctor may have limited knowledge, and getting proper diagnosis and treatment can take effort. Friends and family may not understand how difficult the experience is.
One of the WNA's focal points is providing hope to those with peripheral neuropathy. This condition is not the end of the world! These are some ideas that may help you.
GET SUPPORT
You are not alone in your struggle with peripheral neuropathy. Realizing that someone else understands and cares can be vital. The WNA offers support groups where you can find a community of peripheral neuropathy sufferers who can help through sympathy, understanding of your situation, inspiration, and sharing of ideas. Check out other organizations that can help you with specific situations such as the American Diabetes Association, the American Chronic Pain Association, or the GBS/CIDP Foundation International.
LEARN ALL YOU CAN
The more you know about your disease, its cause, possible treatments, and the latest developments, the better you will know how to proceed. We hope this site will prove to be a value resource to you. Our new Peripheral Neuropathy Patient Toolkit in the RESOURCES section contains information and forms that will assist you as you partner with your healthcare team in your peripheral neuropathy journey. Continue to explore the internet, read books and articles, and join relevant organizations. And become a WNA member to receive our newsletter with current information on treatments and research.
BE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE
Peripheral neuropathy is frequently misdiagnosed, and even a specific diagnosis may not lead to effective treatment. Many doctors do not learn much about peripheral neuropathy at all, and with so much to keep up with, may not know of the latest treatment options. By learning all you can, you can become an advocate for yourself and others and help your doctors be of more help to you. Ask for appropriate referrals to specialists such as neurologists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, and pain management clinics. Take someone with you to your appointments to make sure you discuss all your concerns and get your questions answered.
TRY VARIOUS TREATMENTS
One or two visits to our support groups will soon show that a treatment that was very effective for one person did absolutely nothing--or perhaps was intolerable--for another. It is important to persist in trying treatments to find what works best for you, and to stick with those tried long enough to get a good understanding of the results.
BE CAREFUL
Peripheral neuropathy has its own hazards. Be careful of situations such as uneven ground that may cause falls. If you have reduced feeling in your feet, do not go barefoot. Be cautious with sharp materials, hot or freezing surfaces. If you have weakness or poor coordination, move carefully and with help if needed. Use common sense. Don't let neuropathy limit you more than necessary, but be realistic about your abilities.
USE ASSISTIVE DEVICES
Assistance can go a long way in making life with peripheral neuropathy safe and manageable. Use railings with any steps, even one. Use grab bars and other support and aids in the bathroom. If you have poor feeling in your feet or pain from pressure, try hand controls in your car. A cane or walker can provide reassurance when walking, and scooters or wheelchairs can help when walking isn't possible. Occupational therapists can be a wealth of knowledge and information about effective assistance devices.
DON’T GIVE UP
The pain can be intense, the obstacles great, and the setbacks frustrating. But you can have a good quality of life with peripheral neuropathy. A positive focus can go a long way toward helping you cope with it all. Join one of our WNA support groups to engage with a community of fellow peripheral neuropathy sufferers. Please keep on keeping on, and reach out for help when necessary. You can always call our Neuropathy Assistance Line at 833-980-4181 or email us at info@pnhelp.org.