Guest guest Posted November 16, 2009 Report Share Posted November 16, 2009 365 Tips is a weekly e-mail service brought to you by The Neuropathy Association (http://www.neuropathy.org)in cooperation with DemosHealth publications and author Mims Cushing. It is based on and features excerpts from the new book, You Can Cope with Peripheral Neuropathy: 365 Tips for Living a Full Life, by Mims Cushing and Norman Latov, M.D., Ph.D. Attitude, with a capital A, is everything. It's not what life throws at you that matters; it's how you handle it. We have an option: Every one of us will have to deal with some kind of pain or illness. That's a given. But we can decide whether or not to bellyache about it. Bellyaching is optional. A positive attitude is essential to Craig C., 48, of Knoxville, Tennessee. He has chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which damages the myelin sheaths of the peripheral nerves. His CIDP was eventually diagnosed through a nerve biopsy in 2005, the original diagnosis having been Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). He has had plasma exchange, and is having on-going treatments of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Initially, the treatments left him so weak he could barely walk or stand. He is getting the same treatment now, but not as frequently, and he is in remission. He still gets tremors and doesn't have his former strength or stamina. He has had to stop working, and is on disability. Here are some of his tips--I like to call this " Craig's List: " Having good doctors who listen to you is essential. Ask questions and make sure they know how you feel. A good attitude is all important when you are at your lowest. Keep up with all your medical records, so that you have proof of your illness if you are trying to get disability. Don't ever give up, and if you need help don't be ashamed to ask. Craig's wife, mom, and sister have had to bathe and dress him because he couldn't do it himself. If you need the help of a walker or a cane, use it. Go online and Google other peoples' forums, other doctors, and medications to know about side effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.