sorry to hear you still have PN after two years. I developed problems in September after paclitaxel; I had several acupuncture sessions which really seemed to help. Some Trusts and hospices provide it freely. My oncologist said it was carpal tunnel syndrome, but after paying to see a neurologist it seems it is affecting too many nerves to be that. Fortunately for me it has improved and I just take cocodamol at night now. I also tried gabapentain but it didn’t work for me.
you must feel so frustrated; chemo is supposed to make you better not worse. mary
I have the same problem. Unfortunately occasionally chemo causes permanent damage. At first I had to wait to see if things improved but when they didn't I was referred to a neurologist. Tests have shown permanent damage so I now take a cocktail of vitamins and pain killers to alleviate symptoms. I see the neurologist regularly and he increases/ decreases the doses according to frequent blood tests. It can't unfortunately be cured or reversed. If you haven't had it checked recently make sure you are not B12 deficient. I now take a regular dose( on prescription). I also needed an operation by a neuro surgeon to help with leg pain that the surgeon also linked back to the same chemo.. He is furious that oncologists don't often admit to the links but he says that he sees so many post chemo patients he is sure that the problems, if not created by the chemo, accelerated them so that post chemo we suffer from them. If oncology won't deal with your problems ask your GP to refer you.
I won't say I am pain or pn problem free but with the help of pain management.....drugs, exercise and physio, vitamins, bed foot cage,.....I do cope much better.
I hope you find some solutions to suit you soon. I have noticed that different treatments/ exercises suit different people.
Hi thank you so much for replying, I'm on pregabalin up to 300mg daily, put off asking initially as didn't want to become dependent but couldn't keep going. Suffering anxiety and depression as a result. Just been referred by my gp for talking therapy had assessment on Friday, they've approved me for cbt, then said I can try online therapy sessions and then face to face one on one. Really affects my psychological wellbeing. I think its going to be permanent unfortunately. So hard to accept that after being healthy and active, this cancer treatment has caused this. Feeling so guilty to even think like this, I know should be grateful to have had surgery, 16 chemotherapy. 12 paclitaxel, 4 EC and radiotherapy, hard to explain to people who haven't lived it x
Hi thank you so much for replying, I'm on pregabalin up to 300mg daily, put off asking initially as didn't want to become dependent but couldn't keep going. Suffering anxiety and depression as a result. Just been referred by my gp for talking therapy had assessment on Friday, they've approved me for cbt, then said I can try online therapy sessions and then face to face one on one. Really affects my psychological wellbeing. I think its going to be permanent unfortunately. So hard to accept that after being healthy and active, this cancer treatment has caused this. Feeling so guilty to even think like this, I know should be grateful to have had surgery, 16 chemotherapy. 12 paclitaxel, 4 EC and radiotherapy, hard to explain to people who haven't lived it x
Hi thank you so much for replying, I'm on pregabalin up to 300mg daily, put off asking initially as didn't want to become dependent but couldn't keep going. Suffering anxiety and depression as a result. Just been referred by my gp for talking therapy had assessment on Friday, they've approved me for cbt, then said I can try online therapy sessions and then face to face one on one. Really affects my psychological wellbeing. I think its going to be permanent unfortunately. So hard to accept that after being healthy and active, this cancer treatment has caused this. Feeling so guilty to even think like this, I know should be grateful to have had surgery, 16 chemotherapy. 12 paclitaxel, 4 EC and radiotherapy, hard to explain to people who haven't lived it x
