I have edema; but because of the PN cannot handle the added pain from the compression socks. Unfortunately, I have to take water pills daily to keep the swelling and water retention down.

The hardest part, for me thru all of this, was acceptance. Took quite some time; still struggle; but then realized the life I was passing on to those I loved was not good for them or myself. I needed to start caring more about others. I actually felt badly for my husband who could no longer enjoy the things we did together. His life has changed because of my illness as well. Really not the life any of us had planned....24/7 pain.


(Gerry)

Yeah, I get what you're saying, and you have to start caring about your spouse, or else he'll leave you. Fact of life. When I say 'old lady', I'm talking about my mother - I came down to Florida to help her because she was killing herself trying to take care of my stepdad, who has dementia. We finally got him into a home for people with the same problem (this week). I do care about my mother, that's why I'm down here, but as in any family, there are issues.
I'm alcoholic, and my real old man is about as low down the totem pole as you can get. Nothing but ***** and threats from the guy from the time I was old enough to look up. Dear old moms let that go on for 20 years until I got old enough to step in. I'm not blaming my father for me being an alcoholic, but all you have to do is watch Intervention, and every last one of them was abused. Not in the mood to hear her browbeat me when I'm in more pain than usual. It's got nothing to do with caring about others, because I do. Maybe I'll have to move out. Whatever. It'll change for her, but it ain't gonna change for me. I've accepted it. I'm just scared ******** that I'll starve because I can't make a living at some point.

While reading your post, I completely understand how you feel about acceptance. I am also going through the same process. This pain and spawning into other issues - lung problems and GI issues are just difficult to handle. When I started on this PN pain, I thought it was just one of those "passing discomforts" that with the right diagnosis and medicine, it will just go away. My husband is a very wonderful, loving and supportive man. I feel so sorry for my husband for he has to deal with the stress of living with someone like my condition. You are absolutely right, this is not the life we planned. What is even more frustrating is wanting to do more but you couldnt. We just have to do the best way we can and live one day at a time.

Just thought it would give you something to think about....the compression socks. For my PN pain, they just caused additional pain.

The rest just is who I am.....The difficulty accepting this painful life and watching, not only my husband; but my grown children saddened. When I tried to pick up on their feelings; as well as husband (Have no fear of him leaving; if he did, it would be his choice; but while I can, would like to bring some joy into his life, as well as others in my family)

You are fortunate to have a mother who cares. She might be hoping you'll try to help yourself and unfortunately is not handling it to your liking. Does not sound like you were dealt the best of cards either. I myself, had one of my childen with a substance abuse problem. She would tell you she really had a good life growing up.This is not always because a child is abused. But....she picked herself up....it took a couple of rehabs and is now working with those with substance abuse problems. She is enjoying as well a close spiritual relationship with God.

I well know the pain does not help us deal with what is going on around us; but for me, it does help me if I can bring a little happiness to others. Don't get me wrong....I still have days that I am not the nicest person to be around.
Just not every day.

Take care and hope things improve for you.

(Gerry)

You too. Yeah, I have been able to control my edema, although yesterday it bubbled up on me. If I don't wear the compression socks, what little edema I have goes to my feet, and increases my pain big time. Now, it stays up at my sock line, and now that I wear shorter compression 'sport' socks, it doesn't ride up into my knee. It's about midway up my shin, and then I take them off to sleep, and put them back on before I start walking around and it goes back down to my feet. I take the water pills, and cymbalta too - apparently that's has diuretic properties.

Brue

FWIW, I had edema pretty bad in my feet & legs below the knee. The diuretics didn't do much to help. I found through trial & error that there is a connection to sugar, even though all tests for diabetes are negative. Cutting sugar out entirely, the edema is at least 75% improved within a few days. If I get into sugar, my feet blow up like hovercraft. Since figuring this out, I've been sugar free and able to get my shoes on again. I'm missing the sweets, but not the edema and increased pain.

Doc

Doc,
I am bad and do eat a lot of sweets. My edema started within a week of Cystocele surgery (about 3 years ago) Also had that awful 14 day antibiotic Levaquin. Stasis dermatatis began at the same time. This is all tied in to my Cystocele surgery) Unfortunately, the urologist didn't repair to the point that within two months of Cystocele surgery, the small bowel came down (Rectocele surgery). Rectocele back again. My edema is from feet to the top of my legs. Feet, as well as legs just started getting huge. Until the edema started, legs were of good proportion. The Furosemide does keep the swelling down.

Not sure sugar will help with this type of edema. But I probably should try. I don't each much anymore, except sweets. No appetie. Without the sweets...not sure ...it's like almost all I eat. Like an addiction. Food...eat very little.

I'm glad you have your edema under control. Sounds like you hit on what is aggravating your edema.

Gerry)

Me either -- just throwing it out there. If it can't hurt to try it, then it can't hurt to try it.

I'm learning my way through all the various sugar substitutes. I used to avoid them, but now it's them or nothing, and I'm finding some interesting differences. E.g., I like root beer, but there's a HUGE difference in sweetness. A&W seems to have many (3-4?) times the amount of aspertame as Mug (the only 2 diet RBs available locally -- can't find diet versions of Barq's, Dad's or Hires). A&W is so syrupy it leaves an aftertaste for hours, but I can drink Mug (figuratively) 'til the cows come home...

Doc (There used to be a Doc's Root Beer [NAYY], rebranded many decades ago as Dad's)

Hi
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thank you

Hey Brue,

I tried compression socks today and they seemed to help, but I did some research when I got home and found conflicting information about someone with neuropathy wearing them.
Did your neuro or podiatrist prescribe them for you?
Here is a warning from wikipedia:
Under no circumstance should those with advanced peripheral obstructive arterial disease, congestive heart failure, septic phlebitis, oozing dermatitis and advanced peripheral neuropathy be wearing compression stockings.

I was wondering how long you have worn them and how much you think they help you.
However, I am concerned and wonder if I should wear them at all.

The ones I tried were from a company called CEP and are gradient sport socks.
Thanks!