Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy
Dec. 6th, 2017 01:33 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sandycombsFor the last few years I've been dealing with Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy. It mostly affects my feet and lower legs and my balance isn't too good anymore. Coupled with the osteoarthritis in my knees it's a challenge to be sure.
I've become used to the numbness in my legs. I use a cane when I have to walk any distance and try to stay fairly close to a place where I can sit down when the pain and fatigue become too much. Needless to say, hiking, biking, and outings to places like amusement parks and shopping malls are pretty much out of the question.
Lately my hands have started being affected. I think this troubles me more than my feet and legs. You don't realize how much you depend on your dexterity until you don't have it anymore. It's difficult to type. My handwriting, which used to be neat and tidy, has become sloppy and untidy. I drop things. Even mouse clicks can be challenging. Today I need to wrap Christmas presents. Hopefully I can make them look nice.
I take medication to help with the tingling and burning sensations, but there isn't anything that can be done for the numbness. I worry what will happen if my hands get as numb as my legs. Will I be able to hold onto my cane? Will I be able to use my arms to help lift myself out of chairs? And, what if it starts to affect my autonomic systems?
Forgive me for venting. I'm just a little frustrated today because I can't make my mouse work properly. Last time this happened it lasted a week. Here's hoping I'll be better tomorrow.
I've become used to the numbness in my legs. I use a cane when I have to walk any distance and try to stay fairly close to a place where I can sit down when the pain and fatigue become too much. Needless to say, hiking, biking, and outings to places like amusement parks and shopping malls are pretty much out of the question.
Lately my hands have started being affected. I think this troubles me more than my feet and legs. You don't realize how much you depend on your dexterity until you don't have it anymore. It's difficult to type. My handwriting, which used to be neat and tidy, has become sloppy and untidy. I drop things. Even mouse clicks can be challenging. Today I need to wrap Christmas presents. Hopefully I can make them look nice.
I take medication to help with the tingling and burning sensations, but there isn't anything that can be done for the numbness. I worry what will happen if my hands get as numb as my legs. Will I be able to hold onto my cane? Will I be able to use my arms to help lift myself out of chairs? And, what if it starts to affect my autonomic systems?
Forgive me for venting. I'm just a little frustrated today because I can't make my mouse work properly. Last time this happened it lasted a week. Here's hoping I'll be better tomorrow.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-06 08:32 pm (UTC)Vent away. Getting older -- not for the faint of heart ...
no subject
Date: 2017-12-06 08:41 pm (UTC)Getting older is the worst! :-)
no subject
Date: 2017-12-07 01:15 am (UTC)It really is a revelation when you're suddenly not able to do things that you used to take for granted. I've experienced a little of that this year with my back pain issues, so I'm sending you all the love and sympathy I can. ♥
no subject
Date: 2017-12-07 02:09 am (UTC)I was glad to hear that you're feeling some better. Hope you continue to improve!
*hugs*