Apt Description
Posted By Russ Emerson on July 9, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Since the beginning of the Recent Neurological Unpleasantness, I have struggled to succinctly describe the neuropathy I experience all day every day, to one degree or another. I’ve usually resorted to describing it in terms of that “pins and needles” feeling one might occasionally get when, for instance, a leg has “fallen asleep” and is slowly recovering sensation.
An old high school friend who also deals with neuropathy has a much better description that I think fully describes it, in such a way that those who don’t suffer from it will understand.
He described it thus: it’s as if there is a sock made of thick material over the skin that dulls the senses. Inside the sock, the skin is covered in Pop Rocks that are continually firing off.
I would add that in my case, the Pop Rocks in question are made of napalm and shards of ice.
All day, every day.
All night, every night.
Sometimes better, sometimes worse, and seemingly unrelated to how well my legs function at any given time. Medications [Neurontin and Tramadol] help. Usually.
I should add: yes, sometimes it goes away for a little while. Such times are bliss.
I almost can’t remember what it was like for my legs to feel normal.
My description of neuropathy in the extremities is feeling as if my feet are on fire. It is incredible how painful this can be. Good thing the pain can be reduced (for some people) by taking a boatload of Cymbalta.