Originally Posted by Stacy2012

An incline of 7 is pretty steep, why not set it on a 3 or 4???? I would think that would be less painful.

I don't believe it hurts the nerves and if I can tolerate it I will continue. I think the key is to do what you can tolerate.

Originally Posted by Idiopathic PN

Thank you Stacey. Well, the 7 is pretty tolerable when my pain is within the tolerable level :-)

I guess I overdid myself in my exercise. I will go back to my usual walking. What is important is knowing that exercise will not do any more damage to the nerves.

Originally Posted by Idiopathic PN

When my PN symptoms started, I did not realize that my pain then was just a "preview" of what to come. Anyway, there are other health issues that developed after the PN diagnosis that requires more frequent doctor's visits, more toxic medications, that I sort of grudgingly accepted the PN pain while shifting my focus to the other health condition. All this time, I continue to exercise not only for my nerves but more so for my lungs.

My question to those who regularly exercise inspite of the pain, if you can tolerate the "intolerable pain" and you continue to exercise (because for me, not exercising is not an option for my lungs), will I further damage my nerves?
My exercises are:

1. treadmill (incline of 7 and speed of 3) - when the pain is tolerable;
2. walking outdoor - when pain is moderate

Now that my feet and legs are REALLY hurting, I still want to do teh walking even slowly. I probably can still do it but I am concerned that my pain must be telling me to rest for a while or forcing to walk while the pain level is high might damage some nerves. Will recumbent bicycle be safe?

Swimming or water exercises (in a pool) is not for me. The splashes could create an "aerosolized water" that can potentially carry a bacteria which I can inhale. (My apologies for some who might think I am insensitive to those who love pools. I could not just take the risk of being exposed to bacteria or virus especially that my WBC and Neutrophils are too low.)

Will appreciate insights.

Originally Posted by Marie33

Hi There,
Sorry your going through a difficult time. I was wondering the same thing about SFN and exercise and came across your post.
My question is the same as yours to those who regularly exercise inspite of the pain, if you can tolerate the pain and you continue to exercise will It further damage our nerves? I like going on the treadmill to stay fit. But there are days when my feet burn (slightly) and walkin makes the burn worse. Sometimes I end up with some tingling in my lower calves too. I wonder if the TM is making my "condition" worse by further damaging the nerves? (I stay at around 2.4 and incline 4.)
Also, I was reading some of your posts from last year re your "normal" skin biopsy. Did you have another Skin biopsy since last April? Were you Dx with SFN or PN since then. If not how does the Dr explain your symptoms?? I had a "abnormal" skin biopsy last Oct. all other neuro diagnostic tests were normal, including vibratory, pins, hot & cold. I have neuropathy symptoms, but no cause was found. (Idiopathic -I hate that word) Burning feet, pins & needles in my legs, arms and fingers. (no numbness) some other painful sensations on and off and some days I feel it on my face and lips. Im having a hard time accepting that this "disease" that seems to have come out of nowhere has no cause. I am otherwise in great health. Have they found a cause for your neuropathy yet? Sorry for ranting, but its difficult to accept that there is no cause or that we may never heal..