Neuropathy Trust: Peripheral Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain

"About twenty years ago a virus attacked the nerves in my spine, leaving me temporarily paralysed from the waist down. I was working on a film in Australia at that time and, although I discharged myself from hospital in order to carry on working, those were some of the toughest days in my life. Although I couldn’t stand or move around during a scene, for example, the film-crew propped me up and gave me every help so that we could carry on filming. Afterwards I went back to hospital in Sydney and had lots of physiotherapy for two weeks. I was very fortunate because I was soon walking again and within six weeks I was tap dancing on another film set. I have, however, been left with residual neurological effects which do trouble me greatly. My feet, for example, really do feel as if they are sometimes going to explode; at times they are burning and other times freezing cold. I also have strange tingly sensations in my legs and a degree of spasticity because my nervous system has been damaged permanently. After my article appeared in the paper the Neuropathy Trust sent me some information and I know there are lots of you out there who are in a far worse condition than myself. I am lucky that my dear wife Connie is so supportive and allows me one self-pitying moan per week. It is reassuring to know that doctors and scientists the world over are now working hard, trying to find ways to overcome the damage to nervous systems and relieve the pain which can affect the quality of life so much. I wish them all well in their research."