Back to work and my PN is much worse
 

I'm back at work and trying to cope with the PN at the same time. The meds make me fuzzy, and it's hard to know if I'm doing the job right sometimes. The pain has increased considerably. At times, my arms are almost purple, and my hand coordination is terrible. I can't type accurately any more.

Has anyone else experienced the progression of PN after working (sitting for long periods of time). I try to take breaks, but I can't really take very many. I'm thinking of asking my dr. for a change in meds. I'm currently on neurontin for the pain, but it doesn't seem to be working any more. I'm also on seroquil(sleeping) and adderol. I'm concerned that my PN is progressing, but I need to work.

Any suggestions?

I feel for you!
 

Sunnydee,
I can relate to the feeling of the neuropathy progressing. I first experienced symptoms in February 2009, and since then, I feel that the neuropathy is slowly progressing (or maybe not so slowly). As for working, I'm a speech/language pathologist working with preschool children. I usually sit for about 30 minutes and then walk the child back to his/her classroom and get another child, bring him/her to my office and sit for 30 min, etc. When I have to use the computer at work to do paperwork, and I sit for an hour or more, my feet start feeling numb and the pain in my entire body becomes worse. So while I don't usually sit for long periods of time, I am still feeling as though my neuropathy is getting worse (did not experience this intensity of pain, numbness a few months ago). I have also recently noticed that I have more pain in my hands after typing a few sentences, and need to take a 10-15 second break in order to continue. Same with writing. I don't know what to make of that. So far, have no difficulty with coordination.
Maybe asking your Dr. to change your meds is a good idea, and you will feel relief again with new medication. We can only hope.
How long have you been living with neuropathy? Up until recently, have you been finding relief with your medications? Where is your pain localized?

I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions, but I do want to say that I feel for you. It is absolutely hell living with this illness and at times I wonder if I will ever be able to live a sort of decent life again (and I'm 25).
Lots of hugs :hug:
Miriam

Yes
 

I don't know what it is, about sitting for long periods....But my feet burn and feel numb when I sit too long. I always wondered if it wasn't my arthritic lower back, but I think it is the PN.

I think this is due to poor circulation. This is another reason why I take Gotu Kola and eat raw garlic. Both improve blood circulation. I think when you sit still for a period circulation is not optimum enough to keep the symptoms at bay. I don't have this as much any more and I credit the things I take.

Ginseng and Gingko Biloba are good circulatories as well. In fact Ginseng also has antidepressant action. The American Ginseng would be optimum for us as it stimulates Dopamine and Acetylcholine. Dopamine and Acetylcholine are 2 of the most important neurotransmitters for rebuilding, maintaining and repairing nerves. The Korean or Panax Ginseng works more like a tricyclic antidepressant and increases Dopamine, Serotonin and Norepinephrine. People with Neuropathy should have one or more these in their arsenal to combat this disease.

Miriam... are you sitting on little chairs, with those kids?

Are you taking a 'cocktail' of pain and PN med at the same time?
I've found that most neuros who specialize in PN will Rx a pain med
along with the Neurontin.
I have been taking Tramadol (Ultram) along with my PN med
(currently Lyrica, but previously Neurontin)
for over 8 years with very good success.
The two meds together, are better than either one - independently.
They work on both the issues- of pain, and symptomatic relief,

I completely understand. My PN has become so painful that I can barely walk due to the pain. I find myself at work not leaving my desk during the day unless I absolutely have to. My PN has progressed considerably over the past couple of years...even more over the past few months. I'm starting with a new neurologist in a couple of weeks. Hoping we can find some things.

I find myself not taking pain meds during the day because they leave me groggy and unable to concentrate. I deal with the pain during the day but this leaves me almost immobile by the end of the day. When I get home all I can do is find myself to the sofa, take my pain med, and wait for the next day.

Not the way I want to live but unable to do anything else.

Dewey

MrsD,
I am sitting on little chairs when I'm doing therapy. It's a kid size table and if I try sitting on a regual size chair I feel like I'm towering over it :)