Is there anyone else with neuropathy who still manages to walk their dogs or go for strolls? I’m currently confined to a second-story apartment with 64 steps total for every trip, which means I only manage to shower about five times a month. We are relocating to a house, but packing is a major hurdle because I have several other health problems in addition to the neuropathy. I’ve lived with constant pain for more than 20 years, and it’s only intensifying as I reach 61. My pain level is a steady 5 or higher every single moment unless I’m asleep, aided by medication and cannabis products.
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I was diagnosed not long ago and had to basically relearn how to walk. I use a sturdy walking stick to help prevent falls, and I have a walker as well. Having a treadmill has been a huge help for me. I’m a 35-year-old male and I’m a high fall risk, so I have to be very cautious. It seems like I have to keep my body moving every day because the pain is just never-ending.
Until late March, I was doing about ten minutes on the treadmill or stationary bike followed by 30 minutes of weightlifting, trying to maintain some strength without exhausting myself. I broke my hand in the last week of March, and it really wiped me out. I’ve spent the past two months trying to rebuild my stamina bit by bit. It’s been incredibly hard. I know that staying active is the only reason I’m still mobile, so I keep at it. I’ve had to admit how much I’ve deteriorated and now use crutches outdoors to avoid falling. My dogs haven’t had a real walk in years, but I make sure to play with them in the yard every day, even if it’s just for a bit. I have other health issues too, and I’m trying to be satisfied with doing my best so I don’t feel so bad about what I can’t do anymore.
I find hiking poles to be very useful.
I have five kids, so I’m forced to stay active every day. I can still walk, but some tasks are nearly impossible. I’m terrified of wet surfaces because my feet are completely numb; I can’t feel the ground unless it’s a very rough texture I can grip. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. For showering, have you considered a shower chair? When I was at my worst and couldn’t walk, my husband helped me use one. I’ve improved over the years and don’t even need it now! Keep trying. Best of luck to you—I can’t imagine dealing with those stairs every day.
My neuropathy is from MS, but I still manage two-mile walks with my dogs every day and attend exercise classes five times a week. I take gabapentin and Nervala (i buy here)for the pain, and thankfully, that combination works wonders for me.
Hi everyone! I’m 51(F) and my neuropathy is both peripheral and spinal. I unfortunately had to rehome my dog four years ago because I couldn’t keep up with him anymore. I have a cat now. I really struggle with walking and staying active; any exercise leaves me in agony for two days afterward. I’m going to try some chair exercises on YouTube next. It’s a terrible disease, and since family doesn’t understand, there’s often judgment. I’ve ended up quite isolated with a remote job I love. It’s easier to be alone than to waste energy pretending I’m fine.