Day To Day Living With Neuropathy

 Today's post comes from footpaincenter.com (see link below) and gives some advice as to how cope with neuropathy on a daily basis. Some people may grind their teeth at the idea of yet another self-help, or positive-thinking article:- positive thinking and neuropathy aren't always a good match. However, there is nothing wrong with the advice given here and many points may well be useful to you. It's sometimes difficult to be optimistic about neuropathic symptoms but maybe we have to at least keep trying!

Living with Neuropathy-Some Helpful Suggestions
Posted on September 13, 2012 by admin

Neuropathy ranks highly as one of the most frustrating medical conditions. The symptoms can be vague and difficult to articulate to your physician. Many of my patients present with contradictory symptoms-often stating that they have both pain and numbness; and in most cases there are few if any physical signs and symptoms. That is to say no matter how bad symptoms manifest (usually in burning, tingling or pins and needles sensation), in most instances there are no physical changes such as swelling, or discoloration.

It’s especially frustrating when family, friends, and even your doctor tell you that you should be feeling better, you’re not trying hard enough, or that you’re just a complainer. You’re exhausted and hurting—you just want to feel better.

Here are some simple guidelines on how to live and cope with neuropathy:

Make yourself your #1 priority-it’s like the admonition that hear airplane flights: In an emergency first secure your own safety and then you can tend to others./

Many people “feel guilty” doing this, but it’s selfish not to. The better you feel, the better you are able to be with those around you. So ask yourself, what makes me feel better, happier and more content with my life? Then make sure to schedule time for what you need every day. Quiet time is a must—meditation, prayer, taking a walk, or reading. Think of activities you might be able to manage, even on your worst days. Is it a bubble bath, looking at magazines, getting a massage? Take care of your emotional needs, too. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people as much as possible.

Accept where you are right now and whatever feelings you may have. Do not fight against your situation or your feelings. Accepting things as they are can bring a feeling of peace. Identify where you are in this moment and how it feels. Just as someone on a diet needs to know his or her starting point, it’s important to pay attention to your starting point each day.

Set reachable, realistic goals. Focus on what you can do now and celebrate every small accomplishment.

Pace yourself! Resist the temptation to overdo on a good day. That can start a downward cycle. By pacing yourself, you will gradually increase your good days and begin to feel “more normal.” You’ll start to develop stability.

Use positive self-talk frequently throughout your day. Tell yourself what a good job you are doing. Don’t hold back. Your emotional well-being and state-of-mind have a profound impact on your energy and pain. Lift yourself up.Think through what is really important. Focus on what makes you feel better. If you are involved in activities or situations that make you feel worse, try to avoid them. If you can’t stop right away, work to limit your involvement, and make a plan to stop. You are your own best advocate.

Be empowered. This is your life. Talk to someone who understands about your goals. Write out questions and get information. Keep a file on yourself. Ask for help from others when needed. Join organizations to advocate with others. Face your fears. Stay open to all possibilities, but trust your own judgment. Do what you feel is best for you.

Decide what is right and good for you. Replenish before giving. Take responsibility for meeting your own needs, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Do not feel guilty for needing help, or taking time for yoga, massage, or gentle stretching. What may seem like pampering may be what is needed to feel your best. If others don’t understand, that is their issue, not yours.

Just implementing one or two of these steps consistently can have a positive, profound effect.

Believe your pain, health, and your life can be better. It doesn’t happen overnight—take good care of YOU and practice these positive steps. It will make a difference. Your emotional pain is as real any other kind of pain. How you live with it is something you have control over. Start small. Don’t worry about your progress or speed; just keep moving in the right direction. It starts with one step, and you are not alone.

http://www.footpaincenter.com/blog/?p=195