Question Regarding PN (Numb Feet):

[TOBEY32]

Besides just being terribly uncomfortable (and I can't take walks or jog) I wonder if I cause more damage by walking/standing for periods?
Yeah, I know to ask my docs, but someone here knows too.
I hate the thought I could never take walks/jog again. I never say never though. God can do what He wants if He chooses, but I do have to accept what I am presently given.

David

[Al]

Besides just being terribly uncomfortable (and I can't take walks or jog) I wonder if I cause more damage by walking/standing for periods?
Yeah, I know to ask my docs, but someone here knows too.
I hate the thought I could never take walks/jog again. I never say never though. God can do what He wants if He chooses, but I do have to accept what I am presently given.

David

Why can't you walk or jog, David? is it joint pain? Or does the PN mean that you don't trust the position of your feet, or is it something else? I don't know your situation, but it seems to me that, whatever "harm" you would do by walking or jogging is vastly outweighed by the harm in standing/sitting all day.

I have some PN in my feet, which is quiet different than diabetic PN. I have plenty of sensation, but it just feels like my feet are on fire. I can't wear leather shoes for more than a few minutes at a time, but I can walk, and do, at least a couple of miles a day. At home, I always wear my slippers, or just socks.

Al

[TOBEY32]

Al,
I can walk (from A to B), but walking/hiking (extended types) and jogging is a no go. The "numb level" is so high it just wouldn't be enjoyable. I don't/didn't really feel that walking required by most people day-to-day damages anything, but wanted to ask. Was looking at this from more the standpoint of returning to work and what I can/cannot expect to do: a standing/walking job of 8 hours would be terribly uncomfortable after about 4 - and yet (over something like a call center) that's what I prefer.

[TOBEY32]

Should mention that anemia (worse some times than others) also plays a part. Much less strenuous physical tasks can cause my heart to race. Things that wouldn't have been so physical before, or with most people...

[annekat]

My PN is getting better as my WG symptoms in general are improving and I'm getting closer to a possible remission. I'm sorry to hear that both of you are having the problems with it that you are. My feet have never felt like they are "on fire"; the main pain I get is from bunions. I do get some cramping which can be painful, but that is improving, too. Good for you, Al, walking a couple of miles a day. I'm not sure my bunions would allow that, although I have recently found some better fitting footwear.

Anne

[Trudy]

Hi Tobey
I am still not sure of the origin of your PN. My husband has had PN for years from diabetes. I also have it from vasculitis. It seems to affect us very differently and mine progressed very suddenly and severely. The past three weeks I have been in a wheelchair, but I am slowly regaining function. Along with the function I have more feeling, however in a painful way. Everything I have researched seems to support "if you don't use it, you lose it" therory. Like Al I am pushing through the pain for the ability to keep going. Afterall your whole body needs that exercise. My feet start out numb in the morning and I have very little range of motion. After concerted efffort of exercising them thoughout the day, I can curl my toes and flex in all directions by day's end.
During my research I came across a site that sells a B vitamin formula specifically for PN. My husband ordered some and has already used it for a month. He takes the lowest amount and has already seen a marked improvement. He also wears compression support socks when exercising. Neuropathy, the pain of nerve damage and what can be done about it
I think we all hope for our old life to return, but if it never can trying for the best quality of life is a good goal!

[Al]

Should mention that anemia (worse some times than others) also plays a part. Much less strenuous physical tasks can cause my heart to race. Things that wouldn't have been so physical before, or with most people...

Not sure about this, David. The racing heart doesn't sound connected to anemia. More like oxygen deprivation. Have you had your oxygen level checked under conditions like stair-climbing?

Al

[Al]

My PN is getting better as my WG symptoms in general are improving and I'm getting closer to a possible remission. I'm sorry to hear that both of you are having the problems with it that you are. My feet have never felt like they are "on fire"; the main pain I get is from bunions. I do get some cramping which can be painful, but that is improving, too. Good for you, Al, walking a couple of miles a day. I'm not sure my bunions would allow that, although I have recently found some better fitting footwear.

Anne, I found a real shoe guy, recommended by several podiatrists, and splurged for some good walking shoes with an orthotic insert. For me, it made a ton of difference. Don't know about the bunions, though.

Al

[Al]

During my research I came across a site that sells a B vitamin formula specifically for PN. My husband ordered some and has already used it for a month. He takes the lowest amount and has already seen a marked improvement. He also wears compression support socks when exercising.
I think we all hope for our old life to return, but if it never can trying for the best quality of life is a good goal!

Trudy, as lack of certain B vitamins is associated with some kinds of neuropathy, this seems like a good approach. In my case, this is not an issue. I have none of the known risk factors, and the neurologist just put it down to "idiopathic neuropathy". I originally blamed physical trauma, as I had just had been severely rear-ended. Actually, I still believe in the physical trauma theory, but now associate it with the WG as well: Physical trauma can serve as a trigger in precisely the same way that infections can, by inciting pro-inflammatory pathways in the immune system.

I have found some socks that are sold to diabetics, and are non-binding around the ankles. These are quite comfortable for everyday use.

Al

[Trudy]

Al

The third listed cause for PN is usually autoimmune.Between pain and drugs I forgot to reply to my own thread weeks ago! It seems you can have an attack of Sciatica and Neuropathy at the same time. My left foot was numb from neuropathy and I stubbed it against the center support of our couch, flew into the air “Superwoman” style landing safely on the couch. I couldn’t stop laughing…it was really funny. The next morning I awoke to excruciating pain from the base of my spine, across my hip, and down my left leg ending at the peroneal tendon (ankle). According to the neuropathy specialist I saw, my nerves were already inflamed and vulnerable; then I bruised the sciatic nerve bundle when I fell. The result escalated the neuropathy leaving me unable to walk. This may be what happened with your accident.