CHEMO INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROTHTHY

AM A 70 YEAR-OLD FEMALE.  EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO I FINISHED 6 MONTHS OF CHEMO FOR COLON CANCER.  EVER SINCE, I HAVE HAD NUMB FINGERTIPS AND NUMB LEGS FROM MY KNEES DOWN TO THE BOTTOMS OF BOTH FEET.

I AM NOT IN PAIN BUT I HAVE HEAVINESS AND STIFFNESS, LIKE LEGS IN A CAST.  THIS IMPACTS MY WALKING, DRIVING AND BALANCE.  MY HANDS DON'T WORK WELL AND I HAVE TROUBLE WRITING, TYPING. BUTTONING AND OPENING THINGS.  I HAVE NIGHT SWEATS, RAPID PULSE AND PUCKERY MOUTH.  I AM NOT DIABETIC.  I AM CURRENTLY CANCER-FREE.

I AM NOT ABLE TO DO MUCH WALKING.  I SWIM MOST DAYS AND WORK MY LEGS IN THE WATER FOR UP TO 2 HOURS.

I HAVE TRIED CHIROPRACTIC AND LYRICA.  THE ONLY PRESCRIPTIONS I USE NOW ARE MAXIZIDE AND MEGACE.  ACUPUNCTURE, GLUSAMINE, ELAVIL AND ANONYNE THERAPY HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED.  WHAT SHOULD I TRY NEXT?

[Lee Kirksey, MD]

You need to see a vascular doctor to evaluate your circulation. If your circulation is normal, this may be due to neuropathy and you should be seen by a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. Chemotherapy can cause these symptoms or it may be pinched nerve. thanks good luck