by Steve Moss

Created on: July 28, 2010   Last Updated: April 23, 2011

Peripheral neuropathy is caused when there has been damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system causing a loss of touch sensation or a loss of motor function in certain parts of the body; whilst this can be  predominantly to the hands and feet, many different parts of the body can be affected..

Whilst diabetes and shingles (Herpes Zoster) are two common causes of

peripheral neuropathy, there are several other major illnesses, diseases and treatments that can be the basis of it.

I've had the neuropathy for well over two years to some degree although the severity has diminished somewhat in recent months.

It first appeared during the chemotherapy that followed my operation for cancer. The treatment was called "Folfox" and it was administered at the Drogheda Oncology Unit in County Louth during 2009. The staff and the treatment I received was excellent and for many, one can argue that peripheral neuropathy is a small price to pay but it is still frustrating!

By no means am I unusual in that I have developed peripheral neuropathy, in fact, it appears to be fairly common, especially after Folfox chemotherapy.  For some it lasts six or twelve months and then goes away; for others it seems that the damage may be permanent.

When one asks someone in the medical profession "what one can do to resolve this problem", it is normally met by a "shrug of the shoulders"  It seems that, despite their incredible skills, they are technically stumped on this one. However, the medical profession make wonderful advances and there are indications that the instances of peripheral neuropathy, caused by treatment, can and will be reduced for future patients.

Accordingly, when the Folfox treatment is administered now in Ireland, there is an additional drug which can help reduce the instances of peripheral neuropathy in patients. It is considered that Xaliproden reduces neuropathy caused by FOLFOX  and seriously reduces the risk  of same associated with oxaliplatin which is incorporated in Folfox; this is great news for patients and for people recovering from colorectal cancer; however, the drug has to be administered at the time of ones chemotherapy - it is not practical after the treatment has been completed apparently.

Subsequently there has been little I can do to relieve the symptoms of my peripheral neuropathy; additionally the amount of numbness to the toes & feet can differ considerably for those affected by the chemotherapy. But for all people with

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