Official diagnosis.

Neuropathy.

My mother has been diagnosed with ‘acute axial neuropathy’, a condition that affects the nervous system. The condition is also known as peripheral neuropathy because it affects the peripheral nervous system. This is the network of nerves that run out from the brain and spinal cord (which together form the central nervous system) and carry impulses to and from the rest of the body, such as the limbs and organs. Peripheral nerves are responsible for the body’s senses and movements. Because the peripheral nerves transmit signals to so many different parts of the body, the symptoms of neuropathy can vary depending on which nerves are damaged. This damaged can be the result of an injury/trauma or disease; in Mum’s case it is a little of both!

Mum has been chronically constipated since aged 2 when she underwent an emergency operation to remove her appendix. It is a common mis-conception that the appendix plays no particular role in the proper functioning of the body. This blind-ended tube leads from the ‘caecum’ at the start of the large intestine in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. As well as containing numerous cells of the immune system, its major role is to remove excess water from undigested matter (faeces). This ‘drying’ assists the peristaltic action (muscular contractions) of the colon, providing it with a firmer substance on which to ‘grip’ for removal from the body – rather like squeezing toothpaste from the base of the tube! Her hindered digestive system was further burdened by a typical 1950’s diet consisting of high levels of cooked (enzyme deficient) foods, refined white wheat and large/regular amounts of sugar. Now into her fifties and averaging only 2-3 bowel movements a week, her system is in a position of extreme toxicity that is affecting her organs ability to function.

In March 2006 she underwent an operation to tighten the muscles of her bladder. This common procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, yet the patient is left some degree of consciousness in order that they may answer questions regarding the level of tension that is appropriate. She describes feeling intense pain and awareness of the tools as they cut into her body – yet being extremely disorientated by the anaesthetic was unable to bring this fact to the attention of the surgeon. Theories have ranged from physical damage of the nerve structure, to the partial shut-down of the system through severe shock. Regardless, the situation today is extreme.

Symptoms have ranged and varied over the years. Her condition now is one of extreme and constant physical pain. She rarely sleeps through the night and describes the sensations at the tips of her fingers and toes as similar to dipping them into boiling water. Literally ‘knocking her off her feet’, the resulting muscle wastage has left her physical body weak and sluggish causing stagnation that has hindered the ability of her Lymphatic System to clear trapped blood proteins from around her cells - compounding the build-up of toxins in the system!

NB – the Lymphatic System is an area of personal interest that will be explored at a later stage. Google the work of Keith MacFarlane for information on the art and science of Lymphology.

Mum has an appointment at ‘The National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery' in mid-May.