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Hiking again after peripheral neuropathy
My main outdoor hobby since my early 'teens' was walking - mountains, long distance.
But after chemotherapy, I developed peripheral neuropathy in my feet. The pain and burning was so extreme that I could not stand for very long nor walk very far. As I soon learnt, peripheral neuropathy can be life changing and consequences can be devastating to the person, their lifestyle, their family and friends.
Fortunately, my Mother-in-Law was a District Nurse and approximately two years after my chemotherapy she told me about a patient with similar problem who was helped by taking Pregabalin. I asked my hospital, who wrote to my GP. The drug at that time was not licenced for peripheral neuropathy but the hospital said it was worth a try.
Now, I take it every day and can walk again! Last year Scafell Pike. This year Snowdon and Wainwright's coast to coast. Plus North Downs every weekend - 6.05 miles in 1hr 49 minutes last Saturday. However, I still cannot stand in one place for long. Recent ‘stand only’ on a commuter train Woking - Waterloo (25 Minutes) left me in tears and unable to walk.
The drug is now prescribed only as a scheduled drug due to addiction problems. There were absolutely none in my case. I can increase and decrease the dose with no problem, according to how much walking I will be doing.
I think people need to have access to reliable information, and also to be aware that different things work for different people. But I hope this helps someone!
Jessie shares her tips after breast cancer.
As always, speak to your doctor about drugs and what not!
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Where can I get the drug from. I suffer terribly from this side effect. I can hardly walk
Always your GP Grace!
My Friend who had neuropathy after her treatment done reflexology and after 4 sessions her neuropathy was gone.
I suffer badly too. I feel worse now all treatment is finished! Thanks for the info.
Pregabalin has definitely helped me deal with PN. I so identify with the clumpy feet and the burning. I’m nearly 2 years post active cancer treatment and it still impacts my day to day life. So hard when people expect everything to be fine now active treatment is over!
I'm 6 years on from adjuvant chemo and I still have peripheral neuropathy in my feet. My balance is very bad in the mornings but improves during the day. My physio recommended that I wear trainers in the house which helps a lot. I have a pair especially for inside. Outside I've given up on heels - my son's wedding last year was very testing lol.
I also find weekly pilates classes very helpful