Pain around finger nails

coco2008
coco2008 Member Posts: 418

I am now getting pain whenever my finger nails are touched.  Since I use them to type, dress, cook, etc. so this is becoming a problem.

Has anyone heard of this with chemo tx?  Any ideas on what I can do to reduce the sensitivity?

Sandy

Comments

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    Fingernail Problems
    Oh I most certainly do remember the fingernail issues. After my surgery I had 4 rounds of A/C and 12 rounds of Taxotere. The Taxotere really did a number on my nails. They were sensitive to the touch but it was not overly annoying. They became ridged and discolored. 8 of my fingernails eventually fell off. 2 of my toenails fell off. The bare nail beds were sensitive but it was sort of fascinating - in a somewhat gross way.

    I most definitely wore gloves when doing dishes but it really isn't practical at most other times. I'm sorry that I do not have any suggestions regarding reduction of sensitivity. My fingernails and toenails did grow back normally.

    Good luck.

    IRENE
  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418

    Fingernail Problems
    Oh I most certainly do remember the fingernail issues. After my surgery I had 4 rounds of A/C and 12 rounds of Taxotere. The Taxotere really did a number on my nails. They were sensitive to the touch but it was not overly annoying. They became ridged and discolored. 8 of my fingernails eventually fell off. 2 of my toenails fell off. The bare nail beds were sensitive but it was sort of fascinating - in a somewhat gross way.

    I most definitely wore gloves when doing dishes but it really isn't practical at most other times. I'm sorry that I do not have any suggestions regarding reduction of sensitivity. My fingernails and toenails did grow back normally.

    Good luck.

    IRENE

    Thanks, Irene.  It's always

    Thanks, Irene.  It's always good to know I am not the only.  It's not scream-into-my-pillow painful, but since I've had long nails since i was 11 and use them for everything from typing to opening boxes it's a new learning curve not to use them.

    I also am on Taxotere and didn't realize my nails would get this way (much less have them fall off).  I'm glad in time they will return to normal.

    Thanks.

    Sandy

  • McMarty
    McMarty Member Posts: 212 Member
    Hey Sandy, 
    Someone on here

    Hey Sandy, 

    Someone on here told me about MetaNX.  You have to get your Dr to prescribe it.  I had to make mine google it :)  But he did and wrote the script.  It really helped alot with the numbness and pain in my fingers and feet. 

     

    That Dr also told me to keep my nails trimmed to the shortest possible length.  I HATE THAT!  But it really helps, especially in my toe nails.  My fingernails have NEVER been short so there is a part of my finger that has never touched anything and that is irritating but way better than the pain.  After I got used to the short fingernails, was WAY less painful amd now I can tell when they start getting sore, its time to go get the clippers. 

    I sure hope that helps you too!

    Marty

     

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418
    McMarty said:

    Hey Sandy, 
    Someone on here

    Hey Sandy, 

    Someone on here told me about MetaNX.  You have to get your Dr to prescribe it.  I had to make mine google it :)  But he did and wrote the script.  It really helped alot with the numbness and pain in my fingers and feet. 

     

    That Dr also told me to keep my nails trimmed to the shortest possible length.  I HATE THAT!  But it really helps, especially in my toe nails.  My fingernails have NEVER been short so there is a part of my finger that has never touched anything and that is irritating but way better than the pain.  After I got used to the short fingernails, was WAY less painful amd now I can tell when they start getting sore, its time to go get the clippers. 

    I sure hope that helps you too!

    Marty

     

    Thanks, Marty.  I did cut

    Thanks, Marty.  I did cut them all the way back (and now I can't button my own shirts).  As I was cutting them I noticed that the cuticles have detached from the top of a number of my fingernails and the side edges have started to detach.

    If I lose my toenails I can at least hide them in my shoes.  If I lose fingernails it will be different.  Do you think people will notice if I wear gloves in August when the temp is kissing 100 degrees.  Nay, no one could possibly notice. ha ha.

    I will check with onco about MetaNX.

    Sandy

    ps  I love your dolphin.

  • TexasCharlie
    TexasCharlie Member Posts: 76
    I am stll having issues with

    I am stll having issues with my nails and it's been almost 7 months since chemo. My wife found another toenail that came off in the bathroom, I didn't even know it. The discomfort isn't just in the nails with me, it's the whole fingertips and I got neuropathy in my left hand also. It's all getting better but it VERY slow in coming back and getting to normal.

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418

    I am stll having issues with

    I am stll having issues with my nails and it's been almost 7 months since chemo. My wife found another toenail that came off in the bathroom, I didn't even know it. The discomfort isn't just in the nails with me, it's the whole fingertips and I got neuropathy in my left hand also. It's all getting better but it VERY slow in coming back and getting to normal.

    Wow!  I didn't know the joys

    Wow!  I didn't know the joys of chemo would keep on giving surprizes so long after the last infusion.  Guess I play the waiting game to see what new surprizes come my way.

    Did the onco give you anything for the neuropathy?

    Sandy