radiation Nerve Damage

andrewmary
andrewmary Member Posts: 2
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I have had radiation treaments that ended March 10, 2014, and since then I have had some new problem eveyday day the one I have now, is as long as I'm sitting down it don't happen but sometime I stand up and my legs start jerking and I have to hold on to something before I fall then my hands start jerking and if I I'm holding something I drop it, it only last about a miute them I'm back to normal, there is no pain, no numbness, or tingling. I was told twice it could be nerve damage from the radiation, could some one give me some information on this, and I'm 67 years old if that matters.

Comments

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #2
    Welcome to the H&N

    Welcome to the H&N group, and sorry you need to be here as well. You have found the best group to be with atleast. I did not have radition, only surgery so others will be better to answar your question than I can. Before I had my cancer I did have bone spurs in my neck that would caus so much pain, even with meds my eyes would tear up at work. Mine was in my arm and felt like I hit my "funny bone" 24/7 for three weeks. Mine got better and I avoided surgery for now, but if it had been a differant dic it would have been my legs instead. Let your doctor know and it might be you need some PT to help get over that problem.  Best of luck, and others might have better ideas to help.

    wmc

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    #3
    Nerve Damage

    You describe what my husband goes thru on a daily basis.  His is mostly at night when asleep.  But his hand does jerk when he is doing his tube feedings from time to time and he spills his nutrition or water all over.  He is on hospice and when I asked about it no one seems to know.  It doesn't keep him awake at night, only me.  He thinks I'm making it up, but some nights his arms and legs jerk really bad.  I tell our sons that if they see bruises on me, it is from their father LOL.  My husband underwent 72 rounds of radiation, so nerve damage must be the cause of his.  

    Wishing you the best -- Sharon

  • andrewmary
    andrewmary Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Ladylacy said:

    Nerve Damage

    You describe what my husband goes thru on a daily basis.  His is mostly at night when asleep.  But his hand does jerk when he is doing his tube feedings from time to time and he spills his nutrition or water all over.  He is on hospice and when I asked about it no one seems to know.  It doesn't keep him awake at night, only me.  He thinks I'm making it up, but some nights his arms and legs jerk really bad.  I tell our sons that if they see bruises on me, it is from their father LOL.  My husband underwent 72 rounds of radiation, so nerve damage must be the cause of his.  

    Wishing you the best -- Sharon

    Sorry you have to go through

    Sorry you have to go through that, it does sound like the same thing I have but I don't do it sitting or laying down only when I stand up and start walking

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #5
    andrewmary said:

    Sorry you have to go through

    Sorry you have to go through that, it does sound like the same thing I have but I don't do it sitting or laying down only when I stand up and start walking

    Question

    Your question certainly seems doctor worthy. I have been radiated 3 times and have slight tingling in my hands at times but never experienced anything as severe as you have described. 

    Good luck,

    Candi

  • amr2662
    amr2662 Member Posts: 45 Member
    #6
    Blood pressure

    Do you feel lightheaded or have any other symptoms?  I have low blood pressure issues when I first stand up  from sitting or squating. Especially if I get up quickly.   My pressure will fall and I will have weakness in my arms and legs and my arms will jerk sometimes.  I have even dropped items.    I usually have other symptoms too, like greying-out vision and a buzzing in my ears.   My symptoms worsened over time and I started passing out.  I am on medication now and rarely have any problems.

    I would recommend seeing a doctor about this to get some answers.

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #7
    definitely see your doctor

    My husband is a four year survivor who, unfortunately, developed chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) from Cisplatin.  Jim takes neurontin (gabapentin) four times daily.

    CIPN has caused the following symptoms for Jim: muscle spasms, muscle weakness, dizziness, falling, and serious blood pressure drops which cause him to black out.

    It can be treated successfully.  See your doctor and explain your symptoms.

    The latest issue of "Cure" magazine has a great, descriptive article.

  • Jeff2159
    Jeff2159 Member Posts: 108
    #8
    Something similar

    Happened to me. Can't remember if it was at the end of 35 rads and 3 doses of carboplatin or weeks afterwards but had my legs go out from under me 4-5 times either standing, walking and even once peeing and I was lucky as I only brushed my nose and eye on bowl and only got a bloody nose and slightly cut eye. It was always in morning and came on fast. It may be blood pressure or possibly dehydration. It lasted maybe 3-4 months and no issues since

    Jeff

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