[QUOTE=Biologybrain;1006796]I read through the first 6 pages of this thread & finally had to stop to ask this question...
Am I basically doomed to PN by the combination of chemotherapy (Taxotere & Taxol), antibiotics (Cipro & Flagyl at various times), along with NSAIDs?
As part of my treatment regime for breast cancer, I was given Cipro at least twice (for almost a month following surgery) while also taking various NSAIDs to combat inflammation, swelling, and associated pain. One of the times I know I was on Cipro & NSAIDs was fairly soon after my chemo-induced PN began & caused my chemo regime to end earlier than planned. Since that surgery, I've had all sorts of nerve problems including TOS. Is it possible (probable) that my continued nerve problems is due to the mixing of these drugs? Would nerves already damaged by chemo be more susceptible to damage from these other drugs?
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Okay, first off, let's get some things into perspective. Don't panic!
For many -and I do mean
many! PN is
NOT permanent. I have been challenged on this subject many times and even on this site, there seems to be little hope of actually
curing from it, though their certainly is a lot of hope in improving. And they are right about that part for sure.
But here is the facts, there are many who do, indeed, heal from pn. This is a slow process and it sometimes takes years. This has much to do with how resistant your body is to the antagonist drugs. As well as your genetic predisposition.
Case in point: A man I met at the neurologist office (admin edit) Who got severe pn from a mix of flagly, then later Cipro. It took him 3 years to return to normal, citing that he now only gets very minor pn pain during major storms or extreme stress in his life. Essentially, he is healed from it.
More fortunately a young man, I know of, had Neuropathy from taking Cipro (and took it several more times afterward -bad idea!!!) and he did in fact heal from it after stopping the drug. This too, took some time, but far less than I imagined (only about 7 months). Why this is, is unsure, but it's probably due to his own body's ability to to resist toxicity. There are thousands, if not millions, who take the same drug concoctions we took, yet they are fine - more evidence that there is probably a genetic factor involved in whom is more resilient to toxicity.
This made me realize that you do
NOT even need to be completely cured for PN anyway, just enough to get your pain and symptoms reduced that it does not interfere with your Quality of life.
Even severe pn sufferers can achieve this.
Everybody's body is different, some have a higher tolerance for such drugs, while others do not.
Yes, you most "probably" got PN from those mix of drugs. And, yes, they knew it was a possibility you could get these side effects from taking them.
But the question is; what to do now?
First thing is first - you NEED to get a doctor that can help you manage and treat Neuropathy, or one that will send you to a specialist that can do so. This is not an easy task. I have been dealing with bad Neuropathy for over a year, and I just found a doctor that can understand my needs.
The crucial elements between doctor and PN patients is
"communication" - it means the world to have a doctor that can
REALLY help you out.
You and I have something in common, we both got PN from a mixed dose of drugs - in my case, Cipro, NSAIDS, and Benzos. Separately, these drugs can be harmful to some, let alone taken together.
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Okay, now what to Do?
Get your head straight - realize that your case is unique to
you - your body is not the same as everyone else, so no one can say if you will heal completely or be
Doomed. Most assuredly, if not healed completely in time, you
WILL get much better. ...And yes, you can get your life back. Just hang in there.
You need to take a certain amount of control of your own life, doing
research on pn and what vitamins, hormones/supplements to take in order to start a
strong healing regiment. In other words, don't rely on your doctors, most are very ignorant of what pn is and how to treat it.
There are however, specialist places for pn, such as the one in Chicago and other Neurological Medical establishments. However, like me - some get denied after assessment. Still not sure why?
But if you can get a chance to see a specialist in the field of PN you should go see them.
Here's a personal example: I went through loads of blood tests, but only recently, have I gotten the news that my vitamin D levels are extremely low from a low of 9 - to a high of 15. Something I did not know about or was even aware of until about 3 weeks ago. This alone might be a great discovery in helping me fight off pn.
So you see, you have to be
"proactive" in finding out what works for you -what makes you feel better, and what to take in order for you to live a less painful and stressful life.
You can get great advice from this wonderful forum, which updates its site with new discoveries very often.
Let's recap here:
#1: Know that you are
NOT doomed! This is not a pep-talk it's reality! Even if you do not heal completely, in time, you
WILL heal enough to get your life back.
#2:Try to find a doctor to whom you can communicate well with and who can help you "Manage" your pn issues.
#3: Be proactive - learn all you can about your condition and how to possibly heal from it. Be wary of "quick-healing-scams" and what you put in your body. But don't over analyze too much, or it will drive you crazy. Use common sense and patience about such things.
#4: Stick to a strong regiment of supplements and lifestyle. Carefully select what supplements help you and which do not, and try not to indulge in things that might make your brand of pn flare-up.
#5: Please keep a daily journal of your progress. I have a very detailed journal of my pn troubles pains and healing strides, and there is no doubt I have gotten better. In times of depressing flare-ups, it is important to have this as a clear gauge that you will get better.
My advice about using this site. This is a smorgasbord of information that is very, very helpful in healing and understanding pn and its victims. However, do not engage in tedious debates, as in all forums, there are always some who like to debate, more than contribute. In other words, don't be overwhelmed by some negative things you may read here.
Take what is useful to you and ignore any Doom-Sayers - your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Something to keep in mind.
God Bless you, and I pray for a steady and bright recovery.
Here is a list of links you may find helpful:
http://peripheralneuropathycenter.uc...ic/drugs.shtml
http://www.hindawi.com/crim/endocrinology/2012/165056/
http://nervepainhelp.com/products/
http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/37/4/831.long
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