Neuropathy: Myeloma Patient Lou Johnson Shares Her Story

 

Neuropathy is the weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet. It is very common among multiple myeloma patients as a side effect from the disease as well as proteasome inhibitors and Thalidomide (an immunomodulator). 

 

Multiple myeloma patient Lou Johnson shared her experiences with neuropathy and how it has affected her life, with the hope to influence others with ways to deal with this side effect.

 

Numbness and tingling under my toes, ingrown large toenails (not sure if that is nerve-related or disease-related), feeling cold, some tingling up and down my calves and in my feet, cramps in my feet and calves.

 

 

Soak feet in epsom salts or apple cider vinegar, depending on whether there is accompanying pain (vinegar is better for pain). Exercise using hip extension movements and ankle rotation, tiptoe pushups.  Massage helps a great deal, especially if my husband does it.  I use a homeopathic remedy called Restless Legs which is sublingual.  No tight socks and no cute shoes.  I wear Finn Comfort slip-ons; expensive, not cute, but very supportive with large toe box.  In summer I wear Tevas and light socks.

 

 

I am glad I can stay up  on two feet for most of the day and I rest when I need to.  Just got back to my bicycle (step-thru upright) and go to warm pool therapy once a week.

 

Elevating feet and legs is important. So is staying warm but not getting overheated. I do not want to take drugs such as Lyrica or Gabapentine due to toxicity and side effects.  Sometimes I use .25 mg Xanax to sleep after a "Dex" day.