Here are some tips for dealing with common symptoms, from amyloidosis patients’ advice:
Dealing with postural hypotension
- After sitting down for more than half an hour, always stand for about 30 seconds before moving off.
- If feeling lightheaded or you have ringing in your ears when walking, stand still for a few moments until it passes
- If it gets really bad always ask for help or sit down
- The postural hypotension can get worse when you get a cold or virus. Taking the standard doses of paracetamol can help
- When getting up from bed in the morning, sit on the side for a few moments before walking off
- Never run and always pace yourself
- Always allow more time than you think you need!
Dealing with painful neuropathy symptoms
- Weekly muscle build-up and light exercise at the gym helps a lot
- Having a regular leg and feet massage eases leg pains and stiffness
- Keep your legs and feet always moisturized
- Carry out daily hand exercise to keep them working
Diet
Adjusting the diet can help bowel problems, particularly after level transplant,
- Reducing the amount of wheat, e.g. sandwiches, cakes, pastry
- Try not to have processed foods and have cooked food at lunchtime and in the evenings
- Cut out sugar as much as possible
- Restrict to only having mild curries