Just want to add my two cents to the mobility topic. Most neuros I’ve seen believe my PN resulted from cancer chemo. (I’m still on a quest to be seen @ Mayo, but that’s another story). When PN first struck, I was unable to stand up at all. My legs were painful and weak. I had to use a wheelchair for a few months. After the chemo stopped I progressed to using a cane around the house and outdoors.

But one night disaster struck…my left leg just folded out from under me and I broke my ankle. That was the beginning of much disability and depression. I had surgery & spent 12 weeks in PT which got me sort of mobile. I say “sort of” because I got paranoid about falling again and fracturing some other body part. Now I am rarely without a walker, at home & outdoors. I have given up driving because my numb feet can’t feel the pedals and my flexibility and reflexes are diminished.

Here’s the mobility loss I’ve experienced over the 8 years from the onset of PN: my leg weakness has progressed and loss of balance has worsened. My neuro has prescribed PT but it’s a major effort for me to leave the house, especially in the winter. I have a visiting nurse who comes by twice a month and she’s looking into getting me PT service at home. Two years ago I was super motivated & went to Sloan Kettering PT and that actually seemed to help both walking & balance but the therapist I really liked left the job and that ended PT for me. I also tried arthritic water exercise one summer and it was great. I may try it again in 2008.

I’m so glad you posted here, Jamie. I’ve been wanting to ask the very same question you did and I thank you for doing so. I think PT will improve your leg weakness and as mentioned by others here, make sure you find a therapist who’s experienced in dealing with PN. Also, I found that the water exercise program was kinder on my joints and balance so you might look into that as an easy way to get started on PT.