Why patients should tap into a sense of purpose in the new year
Life dreams encourage gratitude and a reason to look forward to what's ahead

For neuropathy patients and caregivers, having a purpose in life may go a long way toward helping us manage peripheral neuropathy. Many familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) patients and caregivers, however, are forced to put a great deal of focus on simply surviving.
My mother-in-law has tingling and burning sensations in her hands and lower extremities because of FAP. Her daily routines are therefore difficult at times. As we enter this new year, though, she’s experienced much that’s given her a positive outlook, despite her physical pain.
Last year, her doctor found she had rheumatoid arthritis. That diagnosis was tough for her to stomach, as she already has pain in her extremities. Still, the news also seemed to give her some reprieve, since she’d been wondering if something else was wrong with her. In a later column, I’ll go into more detail about the symptoms and her feelings surrounding this diagnosis.
I’ve noticed that her headstrong personality helps give her seemingly superhuman strength, suggesting a life purpose. For a while, I wasn’t sure if the strength was just her nature or if she had a strange inner drive.
When patients experience blessings in suffering
In the past few years, she’s had a lot of great events to anticipate, including the births of two granddaughters. The girls were the fulfillment of a long-hoped dream, and they gave her a sense of joy and a newfound purpose. That joy and purpose helped her overcome the pain and burning sensation in her hands and feet, as well as the loss of Percy, the family dog.
She’s also surrounded by family, which helps her a lot with getting through a range of difficulties. Not all patients have helpful family situations, but other people can still fill that role. Aside from caregivers, great friends are crucial to help overcome isolation and loneliness.
Beyond such friends, the help can come from people who share similar interests. Whether people meet through an online group, an outdoor club, or some other forms of guided activity, a meeting’s sense of community and purpose may go a long way in helping patients find more meaning and fulfillment in their daily lives.
Reflections on life’s purpose
Those struggling with ailments such as FAP may find it challenging to be thankful for a life purpose when the rest of the world seems cold and dreary. But their simple awareness of a purpose can help.
It’s important for patients to feel that purpose and for caregivers to ensure that the patients not only feel cared for, but also that they can look forward to family, friends, pets, the outdoors, and good times. Some may take all of that for granted if they’re just living by going through the motions.
By contrast, patients and caregivers should know that every day is a blessing. When days are viewed through this lens, answered prayers and wishes granted are reasons to be thankful for every moment.
Note: FAP News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of FAP News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
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