Quote:
Originally Posted by logicwoman
I've been recently diagnosed with CRPS after under going a radical hysterectomy for uterine cancer on Dec. 29. Have been on almost 1 gram per day of gabapentin for two weeks with some help.
Due to see a pain specialist this Friday, hopefully I can have my first block.
My symptom is a hot left foot with dull aching pain sometime crawling up my leg.
I get scared when I think of the future, I can tolerate the pain level I have now but I know that the vascularization and inflammation in my foot cannot be good in the long run.
Any advice or suggestions that folks can give me, please let me know. I want to recover from this.
|
You are having problems, aren't you? My heart and prayers go out to you.
With the "C" dx
you've been through a lot. I would be scared too.
Discuss anything you do with your oncologist before you try things. What we put in and on our bodies makes a difference, on a microscopic basis and sometimes can be working against us.
Good nutrition a must.
Inhale water... then drink some more.
LED and/or infrared treatment for neuropathy, if your foot and leg pain fits that dx.
Lymphatic drainage massage, like a light pumping pressure massage. Someone trained can instruct you or a caregiver how to do this massage. helps the swelling/retention/tightness...
Have you tried reflexology? (a trained person working on your feet)
I took Neurontin. It helped when nothing else could. I have side effects that I'm not comfotable with, so I would read up on that. It seemed to be a love/hate drug for doctors. some will write it and some refused. ummmm........
harsh drug. I hear Lyrica is better for some. not as harsh. You have to take what you have to take for now, but there's always a trade.
I didn't get a painkiller for pain control. If you need it, take it wisely.
There could be creams or rubs a doctor could recommend.
My mother has neuropathy from diabetes and a left-sided paralysis from a stoke (1997). Everything goes wrong or hits that bad foot/leg/side. You know how it is. Protect it for sure. She broke her big toe, broke her hip, broke her humerus. different times - all on that left side, though.
Also, she had a virus, dehydrated...serious -- rushed her in ambulance - 45 minute bumpy ride with the strap on that bad foot. It was also cold for some reason in that ambulance. well, it caused a rub, causing a wound, resulting in two outpatient surgical debridments. still a very touchy spot. the cat wants to get at that place for some reason...
see what I mean? protect it...
Shoes and socks are always a problem, not to mention hard to find what you like, but you can't restrict or bind that foot or leg.
You can get in trouble on long trips, letting your leg hang down too long. Leg will probably be numb when you try to stand up on it getting out of the car. be carful there too!!!! Next day size can double. Can look bad.
Resting in a recliner, with your feet ABOVE heart level. I know it's hard to see the TV over your toes. Put pillows under your legs and feet to get them higher. Listen to the radio.
we have trouble with mom doing this correctly. She does what she wants sometimes... just like me.
Ask if there's any exercises you should be doing for your leg and foot, then any other part of your body where you're not able to get around like you used to. You have to ask. I wish they could read my mind and put it at ease, but it don't work that way. Write down questions and concerns, no matter how embarrassing or small you think it is. Most the time, they are capable and will address your concerns.
Godspeed for your recovery