Peripheral Neurophathy long term side effect of radiotherapy

Hi Lyn

I haven't tried acupuncture for this but it's jolted me into thinking that I might have something similar elsewhere in the body.

The first thing to discount, I guess, is a "pinched nerve" in your neck which might explain it. I have had scalp tingling on one side (the RT side) when I turn my neck ,and sometimes even when I don't, for months...maybe even approaching a year. 

When I was discharged my oncologist told me that my neck muscles were tense, though not as bad as some of his patients, and I should make sure I exercise. I haven't...ooops

Do let us know how you find it

Hi Lyn, i very often get a tingling sensation on the left-hand side of my neck and ear, in the area where my swollen lymph nodes were. I put this down to the RT, the gift that just keeps giving.

Ray.

Hi Dani. I have got my first appointment on Friday for acupuncture so will have to see how it goes. From what I was reading you need to complete at least 6 sessions once a week to start to see results. I'm not expecting things to resolve completely but some improvement would be great. I initially went to  a chiropractor who I have seen on and off for a while so know he is reputable. He was the one that suggested alternatives to a pinched nerve. Hence I have discounted the pinched nerve theory. 

Maybe my G.P. will come up with something else but she has limited experience with the long term effects of radiotherapy. 

I'll keep you informed.

Lyn

Yes Ray you are so right it is the gift that keeps on giving. I have a few other long term effects but am just dealing with them as they arise. I have to weigh up the 13 extra years that I have been given since radiotherapy versus the long term effects so feel that I am still a winner.

Lyn

Have you discussed steroid injections with your oncology team/GP....peripheral neuropathy is decidedly difficult to treat....I suffer with Raynaud's Syndrome which can mask the condition.

Hi Micky. I don't know anything about steroid injections. I will look into it. What is your understanding of their usefulness? I am only looking for a reduction in symptoms and not expecting that the neuropathy will go away altogether. 

Lyn

I have had a couple, they definitely make a difference, I get some PN intermittently in my feet, not as bad now, unfortunately Raynaud's can closely mimic peripheral neuropathy.... injection provides an extra layer of protection.

yeah, I also have the shoulder/neck tingling going on.. 

I had my first acupuncture session today. It has already helped a little so am hoping that it continues to improve things. I will be having 6-10 sessions so will have to wait and see. The acupuncturist thinks that maybe it is not related to the radiotherapy but is a shoulder issue that has exacerbated as I have become older. I had a badly frozen shoulder many years ago that needed surgery so he thinks maybe as I have become older it may be something to do with that. Anyhow whatever the cause the treatment is the same. Can't blame radiotherapy for everything LOL. just issues related to the joys of getting older. At least I do have the joy of getting older so that is something.

Lyn

I hope the sessions do help further Lyn...unfortunately the treatments we endured do have some consequences in later life and we tend to link every little niggle to them...my bad golf is likely linked to chemoradiotherapy...wishful thinking.

Good luck.