Peripheral Neuropathy is a permanent neurological disorder which adversely affects the peripheral nerves, often causing the patient severe pain and restricted mobility.Typically, peripheral neuropathy is closely associated with diabetes and affects the feet and lower legs, although the Neuropathy Association reports that perhaps 30% of those afflicted have an unknown cause, referred to as "idiopathic" in medical terms.Because of the condition, the individual is generally considered a chronic pain patient. As chronic pain leads to many troublesome symptoms, it is the purpose of this article to assist those with Peripheral Neuropathy cope with the associated symptoms of depression, addiction to pain killing drugs and the inability to concentrate.
Instructions
1. Educate yourself. There is an abundance of information on Peripheral Neuropathy which can be found on the Internet, and in medical journals not published on the Internet. Do not be afraid to ask questions of your physicians. If they do not know the answer to your question, get a referral to a specialist who will have greater knowledge.
2. Come to terms with the seriousness and permanence of your condition. The numbness, burning pain and stabbing electrical spasms are not going to disappear. There is no known cure for Neuropathy, but pain killing drugs can help mitigate symptoms. Some medications prescribed might be Neurontin, Morphine, Elavil, or Oxycontin. You will need to follow the dosing directions carefully, as an individual may become addicted to these medications. Do not take more than you are prescribed, as your body organs can become compromised as a result of over medicating.
3. Find a support group, either through family and friends, or through an organized group of similarly afflicted people. The Neuropathy Association offers a Forum, where sharing information has proven to be of immense help. Seek out the services of a pain counselor.
4. Try and exercise as much as you can. Since walking is mostly out of the question, one idea is to get a large exercise ball from a physical therapist, and follow the regimen provided. There are many exercises you can do without having to walk, which increases the pain.
5. Reflect upon and develop a hobby you have always wanted to pursue. Perhaps you wish to build model trains, or write the great American novel. It is important to occupy your time with something positive. Staying busy takes your mind away from the pain to a certain degree.
Tags: Peripheral Neuropathy, chronic pain, killing drugs, Neuropathy Association, pain killing, pain killing drugs