Reply To: Residuals Question

Hi Sraawats7

I had a diagnosed GBS in Feb. 2010. I still have some residuals of nerve damage mostly in my left foot…..the L side of it, the bottom under my toes, the ankle and a little on the left side of my leg. What this is (mild and not painful) is mostly a numb feeling. All of my fingers and toes used to feel like I have cardboard around them but as the nerves got better, that feeling also got less. My fingers are all back to normal now.

I have more feeling in the toes, too just lately. My right foot is a lot better than my left. What I have found that works for me is foot massage. I bought a massage machine for the bottoms of the feet. (Homedics) at Walmoart. I would think whirlpool would also feel good. I try to put my feet on it at least once a day and have it by my computer so it’s not so boring when I use it!
Recently, I had a couple of reflexology massages and my feet tingled slightly for hours afterwards, a good thing, as I think it is working and increasing the circulation again. My left heel was numb a few months ago, and there is a lot more feeling in it now. I also try to exercise and walk, eat healthy, get enough sleep as well as de-stress my life as much as possible (I like to knit!!) and all of these things seem to be helping my body heal.

My right foot is pretty good, and the rest of me is also almost normal. I did have some joint discomfort as you described, mostly in my knees and ankles and could not put any pressure on my knees for the pain (like no kneeling as it really hurt ) I still can’t run well, but I can run a little bit now. I can also kneel without severe pain, but my left knee is quite stiff.
My lungs are also getting better and I’m not as short of breath, but I still can’t sing very well and hold a tune, and I could before the GBS. I do the elliptical machine (can’t walk on a treadmill with my numb foot) and this also helps my feet and lungs. I am thinking maybe more massage for me and maybe some physical therapy to strengthen my left knee and ankle might also be beneficial for me. Hopefully these things would work for you too, especially the massage. I do not take medication for the neuropathy as it is not life altering. I also am grateful to God that I can walk and do everything I want to do. But if I can get a little more feeling back in my left foot and a couple toes on my right foot, I think that would improve my balance.

Has anyone else had good results from massage? Or Acupuncture? I haven’t tried acupuncture yet, but am considering it if massage doesn’t continue to work. But I’m noticing some results from deep tissue massage.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress?!

ConniePet