Nerve damage?

What type of therapy did you have four years ago?  Did you have radiation or chemo?

Cheryl, my name is Lisa, I am so happy you have been cancer free for four years! That is great. I am sorry you are dealing with nerve pain. It is definitely real and I understand what you are feeling. Since 2008 I have had 15 vulvar surgeries, vulvar cancer 6 times now and chemo and radiation during these past Christmas holidays. All of this has led to nerve damage in my legs, especially in my groins. Swelling from lymphedema in legs, ankles and hips. When my pain is worse after working I just know it's time for rest. I take some ibuprofin and lie down. 

I don't know any miracle to help with the pain and like you am just happy it's not the cancer back, but the pain is real and can bring you down. 

Take care of yourself and hopefully someone else has a remedy that may help both of us.

Lisa

The reason I ask if you had chemo/radiation is to rule out possible neuropathy and/or lymph issues that may be caused by both forms of treatment.  There are many things you can do to lessen the pain, boost your lymph system and otherwise reduce or minimize the pain you're describing.  Without having more input from you, however, suggestions are inappropriate until at least some of your treatments specifics have been revealed.

Hi! 

I've had a radical vulvectomy. I didn't have chemo or anything (I realise how lucky i am) I have been checked, and it's nerve damage that's the problem. 

Sorry I didn't put these details in, I put them in the tags section.

Thanks for answering.

Cheryl 

You may want to try a 100mg Multi-B complex (no more than 200mg!) plus 100mg alpha lipoic acid.  Both work to restore damaged nerves and nerve endings.  Acupuncture is another option that may offer relief. Hope that helps.

Thanks so much for the info!!  I'll look into it x 

Hi Lisa!

Oh my golly!!! You've been through it!!!! 

Just knowing this pain is real helps a lot. I was beginning to think it's all in my head, but it really isn't. 

Thanks for your kind words!!!! 

I think resting is the best idea. Thanks so much!!! Xx 

Hi Lisa, sorry to hear of your story but great that you have been cancer free for 4 years! I don't know much about neuropathic pain related to cancer but have you been to your GP to discuss trial of medication for neuropathic pain? Are you sure the pain is not from developing tight scar tissue as this can certainly be painful too. Good luck and I hope you find a solution.

Anje x

Hi Lisa, I had cervical cancercancer, treatment consisted of chemotherapy, radiation and brachytherapy.  I finished treatment on 16.10.18.  I did have back pain two days after the first psychotherapy and at the end of last year i had pains in my legs and feet.  This got worse in January affecting my walk.  I saw two different consultants and both said i have drop foot in both feet caused by the treatment - very annoyed this side effect wasn't mentioned.  I was told it is unlikely to get better but can get worse, as it is i need somebody to hold onto it i call over.  As you have nerve damage to you this k hours will get better and has it effected your quality of life? 

I take Tramadol and Gabapentin every day, doesn't do much for the pain, just adds to my fatigue.  The consultant has prescribed more painkillers which will help me sleep as I only get 2-4 hours sleep a night.  

On the plus side I was told on 5 February that I am in remission.  I would be very grateful for any tips on how to deal with nerve pain and live again.  Thank you.

Medway9, I re-read all of this thread and it felt unreal to see where I was in the spring 2017. You actually sound like you have a better handle on your pain control than I do. I travel two states away every to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and Iive in the UP of MI. Mayo does not like to prescribe pain meds. All I ever get is told to take my ibuprofin and tylenol alternating; even when I have to have Supra Pubic catheter changed once each month, I am in bed for three days because of the pain and bladder spasms. I have begged for a pain med even just for those 3 days; my uro oncologist is finally sending me a pain suppository for my bladder spasms. I get so frustrated; I've never had an issue with pain meds, heck even a 30 day supply of xanax usually lasts me 3-5 months. If I told you everything I had to endure last year you'd wonder how I didn't have a nervous breakdown. 

For my nerve pain and lymphedema I used to use my Flexi-touch lymphedema machine but ever since my cancer spread to my bladder and had to have half of it removed, the machine causes me to have horrible bladder spasms. Mostly it's my nerve pain that keeps me down. The amount of vulva surgeries, removal of body parts, scar tissue, plastic surgery flaps that split opened and severe arthritis in my knees I have to use a cane when I leave the house and sometimes in my home. I don't leave home very much; I have a hard time getting into and out of cars especially after a long day, then I usually have to physically lift my legs up and into my car or if my family is with me they lift my feet into the car. I have to use a step stool to get into a truck. Sometimes my family has to lift my legs in bed at night; but again, I know when I overdue it and I know I will pay for a couple of days later.

I don't want to feel like a Debbie Downer because I have a happy loving family and life and I am not depressed; I love making other people smile and feel good about themselves and point out all of their positives and let them know they are stronger than they can ever imagine. My husband is truly amazing for being a big burly heavy equipment operator! LOL

So, you talk about drop foot, perhaps it may have something to do with me not being able to lift my feet or legs; I have always been told it was my neuropathy from the nerve damage. 

So nice to hear from you,
Lisa
PS someone had mentioned a congrats for me being cancer free for 4 years but that was just miscommunication. This year has been my longest period of cancer free and it has been since Jan. 12, 2918 about 14 months now. I've had not only recurrence 8 times but the spread to my bladder last year as well. CANCER SUCKS!!