Recovery to Heal and Minimize Pain

The number of tumors a person with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) might develop in their life varies from person to person and might be as few as two tumors, but can just as easily mean hundreds. The number of tumors determines the number of treatments an individual might need. It is therefore important to know how to recover between treatments and to delay damage from tumor cell growth. Some of these options include; 1) food, 2) vitamin B12 3) exercises and 4) keep a positive attitude.

1. Food

Some food choices that can help involve;

• Limit eating Red Meat
• Avoid Processed Foods (Chemicals)

Fresh food is idea, but sometimes frozen food is heathier than canned.

• Bright Vegetables
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish and Nuts)^{[WebMD, Omega-3]}

Nuts are cheaper than fish. Nuts can be easily incorporated into any meal. Pre-packaged fish can be purchased on sale and not spoil before use.

2. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. ^{[NIH, 2011]} Vitamin B12 is important in the formation of all cells in the body, especially red blood cells and the covering of nerve cells (myelin). ^{[WebMD, B12]}

While protein in food can help raise B12 levels, food alone is not enough to replace the ongoing nerve damage caused by NF2 and is a supplement generally recommended by many NF2 doctors.

3. Exercise

Simple low energy stretch and balance exercises can go a long way in helping to relieve some stress in muscles that seem to not have low nerve connectivity. For more advanced help a little extra effort to build Core Muscle Strength, strength in the stomach muscles, can help with overall balance if balance is particularly poor.

4. Positive Attitude

A positive attitude can aid in all efforts to heal and be healthy or healthier faster to recover. This is something a person with NF2 needs to have for themselves to test their true limits. This is important as people with NF2 often have a higher recovery rate following medical treatments than most doctors expect following treatments. Never Give Up!!!

5. Reference Sources

1. Web MD. The Facts on Omega-3 Fatty Acids. (2012) http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet
2. National Institute of Health. Vitamin B12, Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. (June 24, 2011) http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional
3. Web MD. Vitamin B12. (2012) http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/vitamin-b12