In the DVD Coping with Chronic Neuropathy: Tips and Techniques on Living with Neuropathy, Eugene Richardson, MDiv, EdM, MS well fulfills the promise of the DVD title. Mr. Richardson brings uncommon understanding of neuropathy from his perspective as a long-term neuropathy patient, professional counselor, and patient advocate. He also displays humor and hope while covering this difficult topic.

Topics covered in this comprehensive look at coping with peripheral neuropathy cover not only the practical issues of receiving a proper diagnosis and medical care, but the practical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects of coping with peripheral neuropathy on a day-to-day and ongoing basis. I particularly enjoyed his discussions on the importance of humor in coping and on the spiritual aspects of chronic illness, areas often overlooked. As a support group facilitator, I also appreciated his coverage on the importance of support from other patients with similar diagnoses.

The Neuropathy Association supported the creation and distribution of this DVD. The motto of the Neuropathy Association reads, “Together we can beat this disorder.” Mr. Richardson is the founding director of the Neuropathy Support Network, LLC. Both organizations focus upon patient support, advocacy, and research. While the Neuropathy Association has made this DVD available free of charge, I encourage donations to the Neuropathy Association towards research on peripheral neuropathy.

A number of neuromuscular diseases include peripheral neuropathy as a common symptom, for example mitochondrial myopathy. In a number of neuromuscular diseases, including Charcot Marie Tooth, Dejerine-Sottas Disease, and Friedrich’s Ataxia, disease of the peripheral nerve is the primary cause of symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy also affects many others, sometimes for unknown reason (called idiopathic neuropathy) or caused by other types of illness, such as diabetes. Experts estimate that 20 million individuals in the USA alone suffer from peripheral neuropathy.

While the causes of peripheral illness vary, and sufferers will have differing experiences, we remain united in our humanity. Mr. Richardson’s coverage of peripheral illness highlights our common human experience as neuropathy patients while respecting individual differences and does so with optimism and hope. I highly recommend Coping with Chronic Neuropathy: Tips and Techniques on Living with Neuropathy to peripheral neuropathy patients and their families and medical care providers.

Resources:

Neuropathy Association (website home), (2011). https://www.neuropathy.org/site/PageServer . Retrieved 5/13/11.

Neuropathy Association, (2011). Coping with Chronic Neuropathy: Tips and Techniques on Living with Neuropathy DVD Project Launched to Increase Knowledge, Raise Funds for Research. https://www.neuropathy.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8053&news_iv_ctrl=1221 . Retrieved 5/13/11.

Neuropathy Association, (2010). Coping with Chronic Neuropathy: Tips and Techniques on Living with Neuropathy DVD. Seminar by E.B. Richardson, with introductions by T. Tocharshewsky and T.H. Brannagan.

Neuropathy Support Network (website home), (2011). https://www.neuropathysupportnetwork.org/ . Retrieved 5/13/11.

Disclosure: I received this DVD free of charge from the Neuropathy Association. The DVD Coping with Chronic Neuropathy: Tips and Techniques on Living with Neuropathy can be ordered (at the time of this article, free of charge) from the following address: https://www.neuropathysupportnetwork.org/order-neuropathy-dvd.html . Retrieved 5/13/11.

The books below were mentioned in this DVD, and are highly recommended by Mr. Richardson and by me.