Increasing Numbness in Feet, Treatments??

[jean60]

I've been searching neuropathy and reading various posts here. Finally decided to just put this out there as I am not finding a scenario exactly like mine (and as I type this I know someone will direct me to a post that I have missed) I have increasingly bad neuropathy in my feet and by neuropathy I do not mean tingling sensations of any kind, just NUMBNESS. I finished chemo in Jan2013 and had it then but the last few months it is just getting worse. I've never done anything about it except tell my onc and we dropped oxi because of it. I am noticing that it interferes with my walking a bit.

I am just beginning to think I need to see someone (neurologist, internist?) and I am seeing all kinds of responses, or lack thereof, on this forum, to treatments or lack thereof. Is there anyone who has bad numbness in their feet who has sought help, gotten any, etc etc?? Vitamins of any help?

I really appreciate your responses. Thanks.

Jean

[Rob in PA]

I've tried lyrica, vitamin b 50, seen a neurologist....and nothing has really worked for me. I do know that even though walking may be difficult for you, it is the best way to keep it from getting progressively worse. I notice when i'm inactive, the neuropathy gets worse in my feet than when i'm active.

Also, for temporary relief, I use BioFreeze roll on gel. It helps me most when I go to bed at night.

Best,
Rob

[basedballguy]

I've had it for years now. Nothing seems to help. I just got used to it. I also have it in my finger tips. I just learned to live with it. The way I see it, I'm coming up to 5 years cancer free and if this is the consequence of 6 months of chemo, then I'm bloody lucky!

[jean60]

Thanks to both of you for your responses.

Rob, is the Biofreeze gel for pain or tingling? Just curious as I have no pain at all, no tingling either, just the numbness. Sounds like you have tried several things and I felt I saw that pattern in the threads I did read, so I may not bother with that route. Will take your advice about the walking as I know that would be a good thing for me in more than one area of my life.
Thanks!

Amen to the bloody lucky part, basedballguy. I just have not tried anything at this point and am considering the possibilities. But yes, bloody lucky indeed.

Jean

[O Stoma Mia]

While I was still in the hospital, my doctor gave me injections of Vitamin B12. After I got home, I started taking B12 in capsule form (but you would need to clear this with your doctor first**).

Mecobalamin 500mcg capsule

Mecobalamin protects against neurological (nerve) disease and has the ability to regenerate damaged nerves in people ... with peripheral nerve damage.

** As with other supplements, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting mecobalamin to get advice on the dosage and determine if there are any contraindications that would advise against use of the drug.

[Cherie]

HI Jean,

I am six months out from finishing chemo. I had pain and numbness so bad my treatments were reduced and the oxi stopped at number eight. I do have to say I could not walk after chemo but now can. So it has improved. I do know others who have permanent problems. Now I tend to still have joint pain more than numbness. I tried everything and nothing helps. Just know it will get better.

[pog451]

I have the same numbness. The last time I had a chemo break, the only thing that seemed to help was stimulation- walk barefoot as much as possible, play with sand with your toes and u have a cheap foot spa with heat, vibration and bubbles that helps. My feet feel as if I can't move them, but I found forcing myself to flex and exercise them , particularly in sand on the beach, really makes improvement.

Now I'm back on chemo it's all back after two sessions, but then so is the cancer

[SugarBubbie]

one thing that helps me is a good foot massage. I give it to myself or have my hubby rub my feet when I'm really tired. I also try to keep my feet as warm as possible as cold seems to make it worse.

[jean60]

Thanks to all of you for your input. It is appreciated! I believe I will try some of the self help measures mentioned and forget the specialists...didn't want to go anyway to be honest.

Thanks again, Jean

[skypup]

Jean, just thought I'd tell you of my experience. My feet went totally numb after I finished FOLFOX. They didn't get better for a long time, but have slowly improved to where they are only about 30% numb. At this point, it's no problem any more. I hope you start getting feeling back, too!

[gtownguy]

Just thought I'd mention that my neuropathy really got much worse 3 months AFTER I had finished FOLFOX. During chemo, the numbness and tingling was rather off and on, but now it completely there, all the time. Also accompanied by a bit of joint pain, especially in my knees. I'm on my feet at work all day long and of course, that isn't helping things either. Now my feet feel a combination of sore and numb, if that makes any sense. So far haven't found anything that helps the neuropathy.

[Rob in PA]

Thanks to both of you for your responses.

Rob, is the Biofreeze gel for pain or tingling? Just curious as I have no pain at all, no tingling either, just the numbness.

Jean

My neuropathy isn't painful, just numb and tingly. THe BioFreeze helps with the tingling.

[corygirl]

Hi, I had neuropathy in feet & fingers which came on in a woosh after 6 cycles of xelox; my oncologist stopped oxalyplatin ( isn't it horrible?) but it was too late.I really minded at first & was totally preoccupied & miserable; however oncologist took my mind off it by telling me I had liver metastases. Praise the Lord, it turned out to be cysts!

Be that as it may, I have found several things helpful: the antidepressant which in uk is called Amytriptylene at a low dose of 50mg , apparently it works on the nerves & relieves pain, also B vitamins, plus a food supplement called L Carnitine, also keeping the feet very warm at night, & a brisk rub with a rough towel. massage if you have that sort of husband (I don't)

Finally,Prayer! you may not be a believer, but it helped me; I have had several opportunities to be prayed over & felt a bit better each time. What have you got to lose? You may help your friends & a church feel that they are really able to help you. Any church will offer you prayer, just walk in off the street!

I am so blessed to have been signed off by my oncologist last week, and am officially in remission now; he did refer me to a gym though for 3 hours exercise a week, cheeky blighter(English phrase!!)
This is the first time I have posted, but I have been so encouraged by reading your messages since my diagnosis in June 13.
Big Love,
Corygirl in UK