Group aims to raise awareness of neuropathy

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Group aims to raise awareness of neuropathy

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Bev , president of the Northern California Chapter of the

Neuropathy Association, remembers struggling with neuropathy as a

child.

" I have had it since I was in preschool, " said the 73-year-old

, who is from Colfax. " Kids that can do the balance beam well

without looking is not something that I can do. I have to watch where

I'm walking. "

Neuropathy is any disease of the nervous system, and peripheral

neuropathy is a deranged function and structure of peripheral motor,

sensory and autonomic neurons. Among the major causes are diabetes,

alcoholism, heredity, chemotherapy, Lyme disease, certain surgeries,

toxins, some medications and HIV. There are more than 100 known

causes, according to .

Older people are more apt to have peripheral neuropathy, but symptoms

of hereditary forms can start in early childhood. said some

symptoms include fingers or toes tingling, feeling numb, burning hot

or freezing cold as well as odd pains and problems with balance.

inherited the disorder.

" I understand why I used to fall in the water when crossing logs

during summer camp as a child, " said. " Back then, I just

thought I was a klutz. "

According to the American Medical Association, 2 million Californians

have peripheral neuropathy.

The Northern California Chapter of the Neuropathy Association

promotes the organization of local support groups for people with

peripheral neuropathy and those who care for them. Hoping to unite

the local neuropathy community, the Santa Cruz Chapter of the

Neuropathy Association will hold an informational meeting about the

disorder and offer support groups for those interested.

" We've had a group of four or five people come out to previous

meetings but we we're hoping for more, " said.

The first meeting of the Santa Cruz Peripheral Neuropathy Support

Group is 1 p.m., Jan. 14, at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on 420

Melrose Ave. will speak at the meeting.

" It will provide overview and the opportunity to answer questions, "

Santa Cruz Chapter support group leader Ann Leer said. " It's a

chance to see if there's enough folks to keep a support group going.

It could be the beginning. "

For those interested in a support group, monthly meetings will offer

time to share experiences and ask questions. Speakers are scheduled

for some meetings. All interested in neuropathy are welcome.

For information, call Ann Leer 477-1239 or visit www.pnhelp.org.