My feet mostly bother me at night, and my dr says this is because during the day I'm busy with work and life and don't notice it...lol
what I do is wear moccasain (sp?) slippers most of the time I am at home and not wearing shoes to keep my feet warm as I notice burning when they are cold like Libby mentions.
Also if it is bad at night I apply pepermint foot cream and then put on a pair of very fuzzy soft socks before I go to bed. Or sometimes I put an extra throw blanket on my bed just enough to give extra warmth at my feet. because the rest of me gets hot flashes and I have to have a fan on!
Forums
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
Yes Libby, I know where you are coming from! I have had my PN for 4 years now and I just live with it, I think that I will have it for the rest of my days.
I wear UGG boots (I own about 6 different pairs) during the day or DC skateboard slip-on shoes during warmer weather, and both help with the PN greatly. It always gets worse at night, but that is because you get tireder and the nerves are more liable to distress when one is tired -- e.g. toothache and sore throats are always worse in the evening and night. The PN is at it's best in the mornings after a good sleep.
When it is really bad, such as during a chemo regime, which really stirs up my PN, I too find that a cold-water towel put on my feet, or soaking them in a tub of cold water for a while, helps enough to get to sleep, with the help also of a Temaz [temazepam, Restoril].
I have been on Revlimid for the last 4 months and have found that it increases the numbness of my feet to the extent that it makes them feel better, as the heat and tingling sensations aren't as prevalent when the feet are number. Also, as I take 3 X 2 Panadol Osteo [Tylenol, acetaminophen, paracetamol] every day for bone pain, when the Panadol is starting to wear off after about 6 hours, my feet and hands get quite bad with PN. Upon taking the Panadol Osteo, it soon subsides to more manageable levels of discomfort.
Another thing that really stirs up the PN is driving the car, especially for long periods. My feet and hands get to be quite pained. Cruise control and automatic transmission are of a great benefit in driving, but long distances take away these benefits too.
I use the trains at every opportunity for trips down to Hospital (about 200 km) and to Melbourne (350 km). I think that the driving is bad for PN because the brain is sending so many messages to the feet whilst driving, and these messages/impulses clog up in the nerves at the feet. Well, that does sound feasible !!!!!
Maybe it's because you get quite tired from driving that stirs up the PN.
So in conclusion: UGG boots,.Panadol Osteo, Revlimid, cold compresses, swims in cold sea-water, and not driving too far are all things that can ease the burden of the scourge, peripheral neuropathy.
Cheers, Peter
I wear UGG boots (I own about 6 different pairs) during the day or DC skateboard slip-on shoes during warmer weather, and both help with the PN greatly. It always gets worse at night, but that is because you get tireder and the nerves are more liable to distress when one is tired -- e.g. toothache and sore throats are always worse in the evening and night. The PN is at it's best in the mornings after a good sleep.
When it is really bad, such as during a chemo regime, which really stirs up my PN, I too find that a cold-water towel put on my feet, or soaking them in a tub of cold water for a while, helps enough to get to sleep, with the help also of a Temaz [temazepam, Restoril].
I have been on Revlimid for the last 4 months and have found that it increases the numbness of my feet to the extent that it makes them feel better, as the heat and tingling sensations aren't as prevalent when the feet are number. Also, as I take 3 X 2 Panadol Osteo [Tylenol, acetaminophen, paracetamol] every day for bone pain, when the Panadol is starting to wear off after about 6 hours, my feet and hands get quite bad with PN. Upon taking the Panadol Osteo, it soon subsides to more manageable levels of discomfort.
Another thing that really stirs up the PN is driving the car, especially for long periods. My feet and hands get to be quite pained. Cruise control and automatic transmission are of a great benefit in driving, but long distances take away these benefits too.
I use the trains at every opportunity for trips down to Hospital (about 200 km) and to Melbourne (350 km). I think that the driving is bad for PN because the brain is sending so many messages to the feet whilst driving, and these messages/impulses clog up in the nerves at the feet. Well, that does sound feasible !!!!!
Maybe it's because you get quite tired from driving that stirs up the PN.
So in conclusion: UGG boots,.Panadol Osteo, Revlimid, cold compresses, swims in cold sea-water, and not driving too far are all things that can ease the burden of the scourge, peripheral neuropathy.
Cheers, Peter
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scragger07
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
I have had peripheral neuropathy in the feet for five years now since chemo for breast cancer. It has gotten worse since I am back on a chemo regimen and is in the feet and calves.
I found the use of a whirlpool for about 15 minutes for the legs and feet quite helpful, followed by a cold plunge in a regular pool or cool water. Not icy cold, but regular cold after the heat works for me.
If I can't get to the whirlpool, I soak them in tub the same way... warm first, than cold. I will also rub them with cocoa butter after drying and use socks. Hope this helps.
I found the use of a whirlpool for about 15 minutes for the legs and feet quite helpful, followed by a cold plunge in a regular pool or cool water. Not icy cold, but regular cold after the heat works for me.
If I can't get to the whirlpool, I soak them in tub the same way... warm first, than cold. I will also rub them with cocoa butter after drying and use socks. Hope this helps.
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acelestialpoet
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
I too have to use heat on my feet to get any ease besides taking Neurontin [gabapentin]. The heat is a heated rice pack I have to lay or sit with my feet on the pack, being very careful not to get it too hot, since I have a lot of numbness in both feet.
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Don B
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
I have found heat is the best treatment for my PN. I use a heating pad if I am hurting when I am in bed at night. Has anyone had PN pain that is like a deep itching and throbbing pain?
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Ldz
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
I have polyneuropathy and right now the only thing that helps at night is ice packs.
Hot showers following by cool water helps.
I am going to try water exercises in a pool that is 86 degrees (30 Celsius). Does anyone have experience with this? Or any other method that works?
I don't have an issue with cold feet. When my feet are cold I have relief.
So far no medications or creams have worked.
Thank you.
Marie J.
Hot showers following by cool water helps.
I am going to try water exercises in a pool that is 86 degrees (30 Celsius). Does anyone have experience with this? Or any other method that works?
I don't have an issue with cold feet. When my feet are cold I have relief.
So far no medications or creams have worked.
Thank you.
Marie J.
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mjrpad
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
My husband has neuropathy of the leg. From his hip to his ankle. Had to use a walker. After 10 months of physical therapy, the neurologist said he may never get use of leg. At that time he could lift his leg maybe 3 inches off the floor. A friend suggested reflexology. I ask neurologist about this. She said she did not believe in alternative medicine. BUT it would not hurt him.
Reflexology is a pressure point massage of the feet. It helps to reactivate the nerves. After one treatment my husband could lift his foot all the way off the floor. After 6 treatments he can walk without walker. Still has some numbness in one part of leg. He goes once a week now.
I believe if you have tried everything and it doesn't work, sometimes you have to step outside the box. You must ask if the massage therapist is certified in reflexology.
Reflexology is a pressure point massage of the feet. It helps to reactivate the nerves. After one treatment my husband could lift his foot all the way off the floor. After 6 treatments he can walk without walker. Still has some numbness in one part of leg. He goes once a week now.
I believe if you have tried everything and it doesn't work, sometimes you have to step outside the box. You must ask if the massage therapist is certified in reflexology.
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
I have severe neuropathy from chemo and if I over do it, cold water and even a little ice time helps my feet a lot, and my PN is very bad to the point of muscle loss in feet ankles and calves. I guess I am different.. Heat is bad for me. Summer isn't good, but fall and winter I can walk more..
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Sharpie
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
I am writing about my 8 year old son, acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivor, with PN. He has tried Lyrica, Elavil, and Neurontin. We are now trying osteopathic manipulation, with more PT.
Has the reflexology had lasting effects?
Has the reflexology had lasting effects?
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Renee B
Re: Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?
I am sorry to hear your 8-year-old son is suffering from PN. My heart goes out to him - may he find relief soon.
As for my experience, I have tried gabapentin, Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) and, while they all helped to some extent, they also created side effects as time went by (dizzy, light-headed, tired, insomnia) that I found troublesome and so I ended up discontinuing the drugs.
The best relief I have found so far is from acupuncture, but the needles need to be placed accurately. I had 4 to 5 treatments and when the acupuncturist placed the needles in points in the ears along with points in forearms and legs, I had MUCH relief. One time she left out the ear lobes, and I did not experience relief.
Fortunately, where I live they have community acupuncture and it only costs $20 to $40 for a one-hour treatment. Right now, I am suffering terrible PN as I just came out of a stem cell transplant (SCT). I am still away from home and nearby the hospital as my platelets, WBC and RBC are low and I need transfusions. As soon as my blood counts recover and I can go home and am cleared for acupuncture, I am definitely going back to acupuncture treatment.
Here are some links that describe the correct points for relief.
T Bao et al, "Acupuncture Treatment for Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report," Pain Research and Treatment, Oct 31, 2010 (link to full text)
Abstract:
Peripheral neuropathy is a common and severe dose-limiting side effect of the chemotherapy agent, bortezomib, in multiple myeloma patients. Treatment with narcotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants has limited response and potential significant side effects. Acupuncture has been reported to be effective in treating diabetic neuropathy and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. There has not been report on the effect of acupuncture in treating bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy specifically. Here, we report a successful case of using acupuncture to relieve bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
T Bao et al, "Improvement of Painful Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Following Acupuncture Treatment in a Case Series of Multiple Myeloma Patients," Medical Acupuncture, Sep 2012 (link to full text at PubMed)
Background: Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a common and severe dose-limiting side effect in multiple myeloma (multiple myeloma) patients. Treatment with narcotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants are of limited value in reducing symptoms, and they have the potential for significant side effects. Acupuncture has been reported to be effective in treating neuropathic pain. There has been limited reporting on the effect of acupuncture in treating BIPN.
Objective: The aim of this study was to report on the effect of acupuncture in treating BIPN.
Design and Patients: This study was a retrospective case series of five multiple myeloma patients experiencing painful BIPN.
Intervention: The patients were treated with the same acupuncture protocol on a weekly basis, adjusted to twice a week or once every 2 weeks based on response. Treatment included insertion of disposable sterile acupuncture needles, which were retained for 25 minutes, at the following bilateral ear points: shen men, point zero, and two auricular points where electro-dermal signal was detected; and bilateral body acupuncture points: LI 4, TE 5, LI 11, ST 40, and Ba Feng in the upper and lower extremities.
Main Outcome Measures: All patients were assessed for severity of painful BIPN using a 0–10 numeric pain scale, with one patient assessed using the Clinical Total Neuropathy Score, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Neurotoxicity questionnaire, and Neuropathy Pain Scale.
Results: All five patients experienced immediate pain reduction after one acupuncture treatment. Two of three patients who had more than three acupuncture treatments experienced long-lasting pain reduction and function improvement. There were no adverse events associated with acupuncture.
Conclusion: Acupuncture is a viable treatment option for multiple myeloma patients experiencing painful BIPN. However, further prospective research is needed.
As for my experience, I have tried gabapentin, Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) and, while they all helped to some extent, they also created side effects as time went by (dizzy, light-headed, tired, insomnia) that I found troublesome and so I ended up discontinuing the drugs.
The best relief I have found so far is from acupuncture, but the needles need to be placed accurately. I had 4 to 5 treatments and when the acupuncturist placed the needles in points in the ears along with points in forearms and legs, I had MUCH relief. One time she left out the ear lobes, and I did not experience relief.
Fortunately, where I live they have community acupuncture and it only costs $20 to $40 for a one-hour treatment. Right now, I am suffering terrible PN as I just came out of a stem cell transplant (SCT). I am still away from home and nearby the hospital as my platelets, WBC and RBC are low and I need transfusions. As soon as my blood counts recover and I can go home and am cleared for acupuncture, I am definitely going back to acupuncture treatment.
Here are some links that describe the correct points for relief.
T Bao et al, "Acupuncture Treatment for Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report," Pain Research and Treatment, Oct 31, 2010 (link to full text)
Abstract:
Peripheral neuropathy is a common and severe dose-limiting side effect of the chemotherapy agent, bortezomib, in multiple myeloma patients. Treatment with narcotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants has limited response and potential significant side effects. Acupuncture has been reported to be effective in treating diabetic neuropathy and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. There has not been report on the effect of acupuncture in treating bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy specifically. Here, we report a successful case of using acupuncture to relieve bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
T Bao et al, "Improvement of Painful Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Following Acupuncture Treatment in a Case Series of Multiple Myeloma Patients," Medical Acupuncture, Sep 2012 (link to full text at PubMed)
Background: Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a common and severe dose-limiting side effect in multiple myeloma (multiple myeloma) patients. Treatment with narcotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants are of limited value in reducing symptoms, and they have the potential for significant side effects. Acupuncture has been reported to be effective in treating neuropathic pain. There has been limited reporting on the effect of acupuncture in treating BIPN.
Objective: The aim of this study was to report on the effect of acupuncture in treating BIPN.
Design and Patients: This study was a retrospective case series of five multiple myeloma patients experiencing painful BIPN.
Intervention: The patients were treated with the same acupuncture protocol on a weekly basis, adjusted to twice a week or once every 2 weeks based on response. Treatment included insertion of disposable sterile acupuncture needles, which were retained for 25 minutes, at the following bilateral ear points: shen men, point zero, and two auricular points where electro-dermal signal was detected; and bilateral body acupuncture points: LI 4, TE 5, LI 11, ST 40, and Ba Feng in the upper and lower extremities.
Main Outcome Measures: All patients were assessed for severity of painful BIPN using a 0–10 numeric pain scale, with one patient assessed using the Clinical Total Neuropathy Score, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Neurotoxicity questionnaire, and Neuropathy Pain Scale.
Results: All five patients experienced immediate pain reduction after one acupuncture treatment. Two of three patients who had more than three acupuncture treatments experienced long-lasting pain reduction and function improvement. There were no adverse events associated with acupuncture.
Conclusion: Acupuncture is a viable treatment option for multiple myeloma patients experiencing painful BIPN. However, further prospective research is needed.
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Melpen - Name: Melissa
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 5, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 57
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