Living with Neuropathy

In November of 2007, after obtaining numbness first in my hands, then my legs and feet, I was sent to have a brain, head and neck scan utilizing an MRI The film confirmed that I had a herniated disc in my neck. On April 29, 2008, after researching my neurosurgeon thoroughly, I had surgery for a herniated disc; it was a fusion of C5 and C6 in my neck.

After the 30, then the 90 day check-up, the doctor sent me to have another MRI to see why I wasn’t getting any better. (I think he felt let down) I have numbness in my hands, legs and feet. Although I do not have any pain, it’s a daily struggle to stay on my feet, for I have balance issues. I had been working every day doing maintenance until June 28, 2009. While on a job, I lost my balance on a lawn and simply fell. It was just a simple fluke. However, when I fell, I cracked my tibia and fibula bones in my right foot. As per date, (8/11/2009), I’m working towards being able to walk again. As perhaps, as so many others, I now have become a strong advocate in seeking knowledge about nerve damage. Thus far, I’ve come to genuinely deem, that most neurologists, as-well-as neurosurgeons are only striving for solutions to solve this problems effecting MILLIONS with nerve damage. As I stated, I don’t have any pain, (only extreme numbness) and that alone puzzles the neurologists that I’ve seen.

I truly have, and wish to give hope to others who read my story. I have either met, or talked to three different people who tell me that they had neuropathy for several years, then as quick as it came, they felt better almost overnight. One had the disease for 7 years, and the others for 4-5.years. All had severe pain and numbness in their legs, hands and feet. However, although these people did not know of the others I met, they all share one common story, and that is their diet. All have changed their diet to eat foods that are strong in B and B-12, as well as other important needed natural vitamins. For an example, one had a high level of zinc, which destroyed the copper level in their blood stream. They felt that it was from using denture cream, which has been determined to add excess zinc in the blood stream. Supplements, although of some help, are not enough to facilitate the body to improve. We all have been told that WE ARE WHAT WE EAT. Neuropathy is nerve damage, plain and simple. Some obtain this problem from blunt force trauma, some as a diabetic, and for others it just seemed to come upon them. I read an article where many people develop herniated disc in their neck by sleeping with to many pillows. The neck sets in a damaging position that (over time) actually pushes the discs in the neck against the spine. Only an MRI of the neck will prove that.

It takes time to augment your body, but by eating natural foods that are high in proteins, vitamin enriched and with needed fiber, your blood can only get pure, which affects every cell in the body. If you smoke, PLEASE stop. Smoking places detrimental toxins in your blood stream, which magnifies impairment of the nerves.

Please become an advocate of your own body. The internet offers a wealth of information to assist you. Simple things, like eating a banana daily, offers an abundance of supplements in the blood, and brain cells. I have become what I use to call others, and that is a health nut. It’s been almost two years with my neuropathy, and I work towards being healthy. I had to also adjust my attitude and temper, being a New York Italian. At the age of 58, I found out quickly that having nerve damage and becoming a momma-Luke, made my nerves eccentric with numbness. I sincerely wish the best to everyone, and no matter your sorrow, PLEASE don’t feel discouraged. You’re among millions of afflicted people (including myself) from all over the world. If needed, here are help groups available in every city that gathers at least once a month. It helps many to learn about others, what they do, and how they deal with their affliction. I wish not to offend anyone, but I say, may God Bless!