Peripheral neuropathy is a disconcerting and some what debilitating side effect of some of my chemotherapy drugs. There is a medicine you can take and it may alleviate symptoms. It does not work instantly; you start off with 1 pill three times a day and increase dosage until you experience relief or you reach the maximum recommended dosage of 3 pills 3 times a day.
Side effects may include suicidal tendencies, lack of dancing ability, and swelling in the extremities.
Originally designed as an anti-epilepsy drug, it targets the firing of the synapses. This has the potential of fundamentally changing the chemical structure of my nervous system. The chemotherapy soup in my blood has already made adverse changes to my body; like neuropathy.
The risk management perspective says: “high risk of serious side effects, low probability any benefit (1/3 of patients taking it for neuropathic pain reported relief).” Additional risks with this drug include the quitting process. Since you have to build up a certain concentration before the drugs is effective means you are somewhat saturated. The withdrawal, if not done with care, is similar to the DT shakes that alcoholics have when quitting cold turkey and in a few cases has caused epilepsy.
Mind you this is to alleviate the side effects of another drug.
So I started comparing pain I have experienced to the peripheral neuropathy I am experiencing.
1978 Riverside California
Paradigm shifts often cause huge changes in technology and tactics. There was no grip tape, roughed up surface, or even surfboard wax to help keep your feet on the board. Dummy was barefoot anyway because surfers didn't wear shoes. Self-taught skateboarders are a different breed. The trail and error method of learning is a tough way to acquire skills. After an incredible trick, which at this point is probably a turn, I took a fall. I discovered that I had impaled a palm frond under my toenail. God designed the palm frond with a spear shape and backward facing barbs so when it got stuck in something it tended to stay. The artist from Molly Hatchet, Conan movies, and weapons designers worldwide have been inspired ever since.
The peripheral neuropathy I have experienced is not as painful is a palm frond under the big toenail. Definitely less intense but of bit longer duration; I wouldn't recommend either to anyone I liked. The palm frond removal process which involved pliers and a young man/boy trying to act tough was more painful than peripheral neuropathy, as experienced by me, so far. It is interesting that the removal process is not seared into my brain with the same depth as the memory of the initial injury. Perhaps it is such a vivid memory because the initial visual image shocked me.
I am reminded when I consider my current experience to be thankful. My feet and hands feel funny and sometimes hurt a lot…I have functional hands and feet. I have a friend who had a traumatic brain injury and is unable to speak or move very much. Pray for Chad
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