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How do you deal with numb feet

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 6:30 am
by joeymia
I've been recently diagnosed with MS and was wondering how people cope with numb feet which seems to be common. I am not having persistent numbness anymore but they do get numb when I walk or exercise. I just tell myself its not real and keep on going is this smart?

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:13 am
by Loobie
I call that "constructive denial". You're not denying that you have MS, but you're more or less ignoring a symptom so that you can function normally. I do it, oh, about 200 times a day!! If it keeps cranking up and getting worse, of course you may need to talk to your doctor to think about steroids or something, but hand wringing over MS symptoms when I actually have MS is not constructive, of me anyway.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:28 am
by joeymia
Loobie wrote:I call that "constructive denial". You're not denying that you have MS, but you're more or less ignoring a symptom so that you can function normally. I do it, oh, about 200 times a day!! If it keeps cranking up and getting worse, of course you may need to talk to your doctor to think about steroids or something, but hand wringing over MS symptoms when I actually have MS is not constructive, of me anyway.
I am getting better 2 weeks ago there was no way I could do the exercises I did yesterday. I started taking copaxone last week and I am at about 2 months into this attack. I was running 5ks at about 20 min mark when I stopped and went to see the doctor about about the numbness. I feel great today I barely feel like there is anything wrong with my feet. Can't wait to get back into the gym tonight.

I am assuming the feet numbness might be something I'll have to do with the rest of my life while running. From what I understand it just damage nerve tissue its not going to get worse... for example if i had a herniated disc and I was having these issues it would be stupid to ignore them. In the case with someone with MS do you just tell yourself "stupid brain haha i win?"

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:42 pm
by Loobie
I was a major runner, even for about 5 years after diagnosis. I can't run anymore, but I can walk, and that's how 'things' started for me. I'd have these numb areas on my feet and I'd go running and say "I'm going to pound some feeling back into my feet". It worked for a long time. My feet aren't numb anymore, but that was the first sign I had in my lower extremities. I had similar times in the 5K also and would KILL to run one again.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 7:59 pm
by joeymia
Loobie wrote:I was a major runner, even for about 5 years after diagnosis. I can't run anymore, but I can walk, and that's how 'things' started for me. I'd have these numb areas on my feet and I'd go running and say "I'm going to pound some feeling back into my feet". It worked for a long time. My feet aren't numb anymore, but that was the first sign I had in my lower extremities. I had similar times in the 5K also and would KILL to run one again.
Did you take any drugs? I am hoping I caught it early and the Copaxone can help. I've had 1 attack that was for sure MS 3 years ago and another one that i am iffy about 5 years ago. None of them caused a permanent impairment. I am hopping I have a slow progressing MS and if the drugs work I hope to be able to do more. I have already told myself that i am going to complete my goal of a sub 20 min 5k this year so my legs better get with the program!

Is there anything you would have done differently?

Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 5:35 am
by shye
Joeymia-
might be helpful to you to look into Inclined Bed Therapy--there is a thread here on this.
Also, the CCSVI thread might interest you.

Good luck!

Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 6:49 am
by joeymia
shye wrote:Joeymia-
might be helpful to you to look into Inclined Bed Therapy--there is a thread here on this.
Also, the CCSVI thread might interest you.

Good luck!
Ive been reading up about CCSVI but before I start to get tested or possibly treated i would rather wait 6 months to a year. Diagnosis and treatment of CCSVI is a little chaotic right now and I am sure there are patients out there with a much greater need for the procedure than me at the moment.

I'll take a look at the Inclined Bed Therapy thank you...

Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 6:59 am
by Algis
Joey: I am not really sure; but if you can try different inclinations I guess you'll find the best to suite you.

I experimented tingles/numbness changes overall; even it now is more negative... But this is probably due to the sickness

Best for you :) Be well!

Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:40 am
by Loobie
I was on Avonex that whole time. I have no way of knowing it was that or not, but I really didn't progress much until I turned SP (my conclusion by the timing of it all), and then I progressed unabated until I had the CCSVI procedure done. Now stable, but still dealing with lots of damage related stuff.