July Meeting

The Baton Rouge Neuropathy Support Group would like to thank CDR James Foto for his excellent presentation.  His background in mechanical engineering combined with his experience at the Hanson Center qualifies him as a foot injury export for people with insensate feet.  He shared with us ways to prevent injuring our feet with the use of extra depth shoes and inserts and the reasons behind blisters and calluses.  CDR Foto explained why it is very important to make sure a shoe is properly fitted and that the foot is allowed adequate toe room.  

CDR Foto gave out sensory monofilaments that are used to check sensation on the foot and explained how they are to be used.  He also explained why your doctor needs to check your feet for sensation and temperature changes.  These tests give you an idea of how advanced your loss of feeling has become and if you are developing any hot spots which can put you at risk for ulcerations.  

Again, many thanks to CDR James Foto for his time and effort in providing our group with an excellent presentation.  

March Meeting

We would like to thank RoLanda Breaux of PiTal Medical Supplies for her time and information regarding products available to our group that help make daily living easier and less dangerous.  If you need information on the lift chair, shoes, bathing or walking assist items, etc. you can contact PiTal Medical Supplies at 225-218-6762 or visit them at 11832 Newcastle Av., Suite 13, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.  

The Baton Rouge PN Support Group would also like to thank the NeuroMedical Center for their book sale donation.  Donations help our group by providing needed funds for mailings and flyers to members.  Dennis and his wife provide a tremendous service to our group by helping us get the word out to our members and medical community, your efforts are greatly appreciated.  

Please feel free to post any comments about the meeting here or if you have any questions.  If you are unable to attend these meetings you can still become an active voice in our support group by posting any information here, all comments are welcome.

Neuropathy pain

What treatment or combinations of treatments helped reduce or eliminate your pain from neuropathy?

Tai Chi at LSU

Researchers at LSU has tried to use Tai Chi as a rehabilitation tool for people with peripheral neuropathy in the last four years. So far the reports from our participants has been positive. Improved balance and mobility can be seen within 3 month. in rear cases, pain reduction and sensation recovery has also been reported. You can visit us at http://pn.lsu.edu/ for more detailed information. Our latest research report can be found at http://pn.lsu.edu/Results2.htm.

Participants of the study project comes to LSU three times a week for a hour each time. Interested parties can contact the researchers at 225-578-4395.

January meeting

Despite the weather we had a good turnout and a lot of information was shared among the group. Some highlights included how different exercises; water aerobics, walking, lifting and the Tai Chi program at LSU had helped some group members with balance and pain management. We discussed the use of Neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta and Metanx and how this was helping in some cases. It was interesting to note how neuropathy affected people differently and that there wasn't a particular drug or activity that was a cure for them all.
Please feel free to share your story here if you live too far away or couldn't attend. All stories and questions are welcome.

Next support group meeting

If you are in the Baton Rouge area and can make our group's meeting, you are more than welcome.  This meeting will have no invited guest speaker, we will be starting off the new year sharing stories and getting to know each other a little more.  Our meetings are held in the NeuroMedical Center every other month starting in January, on the 3rd Saturday at 10AM.  Parking is free in the parking garage next to the center.  Hope to see you there.