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Radiation induced radiculopathy

Sar57
Posts: 1
Joined: Feb 2011
Feb 09, 2011 - 3:25 am

Hi found this board and just thought I'd connect with others having same
Issues. Benign tumor removed from lumbar spine 20 years ago. Radiation treatment
afterward.

Diagnosed 2008 but have been fighting to stay upright. Still am! Hard some days but take it a day
at a time. Get a bit down knowing i won't do things I planned but thankful
I managed raising kids while I could still carry them around. All are college
age now. Trying hyperbaric/ and I take pentox. Dont expect much but I can hope.
Anyone else out there?
Sorry abt format, typed on my cell.
Date should say february 2011!

n5
Posts: 1
 Joined: Jun 2011
Jun 01, 2011 - 7:31 am
RIRP

Hello,

Have had RIRP (radiation induced radiculo polynuropathy) for 15 years diagnosed for 11 years. This was after cancer treatment and having both radio and chemo treatment in 1981/2. The RIRP was caused by an overdose of radio'. I have tried all sorts of treatments and the conclusion is that there is no medical treatment that will have an affect.

What I do is go to physiotherapy and hydrotherapy twice a week to try and keep the muscles in my legs as strong as possible. Yes it is very difficult as I too was a fit outdoor sort of guy, but now have slowly given up all sport. Still walking with difficulty and the help of two 'foot off' orthotic leg braces.

Have not used any hyperbaric treatment, but have used pentoxifyline with no success, all it did was make my legs swell up. Anything is worth a try in my view!

The reason for the deteriation in your muscles is due to an overdose of radio ie probably a crossing of two radio fields (it is in my case) this it seems causes damage to nerve connections that carry the messages to the muscles and stops them from regenerating properly. It seems this an ongoing process which gradually seems to get worse. The only thing that seems to work is to exercise through physio or hydro as much as possible because this keeps stimulating your nerves and muscles and therefore keeps them as active as poossible. Appologies if you are aware of all this.

Good Luck
Nick

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