Type 1 Abdominal/Back Muscles

[IanPainter]

I have been a Type for 56 years. Hba1c always in the 7’s. I am male and weigh 75Kgs. Had a Total Knee Replacement 12 months ago. For 9 months or so my abdominal/back muscles have been getting weaker. My Endo says not a Diabetic or Thyroid problem. Have had CT Scans, Ultrasounds, MRI and numerous blood tests with nothing jumping to the head of the list. My GP, Specialist Sports Physician, Spinal Surgeon and Neurologist all say “your symptoms are too vague to be able to pinpoint the causation factors of your problem”. I need to use a walking frame to get around. It is difficult to stand up and lean forward at over 45 degrees when walking at home. It is very difficult to lift arms above shoulder height including cleaning my teeth. My situation keeps getting worse.

 

[wiflib]

Hi and welcome.

Are you taking statins? Your HbA1c shows you are running high blood sugars, what drugs do you take and what do you eat?

 

[EllieM]

Are you taking statins? Your HbA1c shows you are running high blood sugars, what drugs do you take and what do you eat?

Hba1cs in the 7s are pretty good/normal for T1s. My consultant only complains if they go into the 8s (I can do better than that) and 6s (I personally risk loss of hypo awareness if I go too far into that level.) But you make a good point about looking at any non insulin drugs taken.....specially the statins...

My GP, Specialist Sports Physician, Spinal Surgeon and Neurologist all say “your symptoms are too vague to be able to pinpoint the causation factors of your problem”.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I assume you've googled all your medications to death, to see what side effects are reported. (I'd include your insulin on this, as not all insulins are equal and there are other types you can try if that is the cause.) I wouldn't rule out food allergies either....

Good luck.

 

[IanPainter]

Thanks for your thoughts so far. Hba1c on 4 Sept 2019 - 7.2 Not taking statins as they react on me. Diet is good including no junk food. Perhaps the environmental factor is at play so no more alcohol until an improvement is noticed. Medications include Siffrol for restless legs and a low dosage blood pressure medication.

 

[EllieM]

Thanks for your thoughts so far. Hba1c on 4 Sept 2019 - 7.2 Not taking statins as they react on me. Diet is good including no junk food. Perhaps the environmental factor is at play so no more alcohol until an improvement is noticed. Medications include Siffrol for restless legs and a low dosage blood pressure medication.

Hmm, when I google sifrol I get pramipexole with this side effect included....

Postural deformity warning: This drug may cause certain changes in the way you hold your body. These include antecollis (leaning your neck forward) and camptocormia (bending forward at your waist). They also include pleurothotonus (leaning sideways at your waist). These changes typically occur after starting this drug, or increasing the dosage, and may occur several months after you start treatment or change your dosage. If you notice symptoms of these conditions, tell your doctor right away. They may change your dosage or stop your treatment with this drug.

I suggest you check your blood pressure medication too.

 

[IanPainter]

Many thanks EllieM. I have googled and the results will be discussed at my Neurologist appointment tomorrow. It's promising.

 

[NicoleC1971]

I have been a Type for 56 years. Hba1c always in the 7’s. I am male and weigh 75Kgs. Had a Total Knee Replacement 12 months ago. For 9 months or so my abdominal/back muscles have been getting weaker. My Endo says not a Diabetic or Thyroid problem. Have had CT Scans, Ultrasounds, MRI and numerous blood tests with nothing jumping to the head of the list. My GP, Specialist Sports Physician, Spinal Surgeon and Neurologist all say “your symptoms are too vague to be able to pinpoint the causation factors of your problem”. I need to use a walking frame to get around. It is difficult to stand up and lean forward at over 45 degrees when walking at home. It is very difficult to lift arms above shoulder height including cleaning my teeth. My situation keeps getting worse.

Hello Ian, it is possible that your loss of those important muscles is a combination of ageing and being sedentary post knee surgery? What exercises have you tried to strengthen those areas? Btw it sounds as if you are also losing shoulder and leg strength too which as you are discovering is making normal activities difficult so you are right to be concerned. Perhaps if you decided that the root of the problem is muscle loss, you might find someone to show you exercises you can do with a chair and some weights.

 

[EllieM]

Many thanks EllieM. I have googled and the results will be discussed at my Neurologist appointment tomorrow. It's promising.

Good luck. Please let us know how you go.

 

[IanPainter]

Thanks for all the replies. My Neurologist said that, in his opinion, an increased dosage of Sifrol and the prolonged use of Ezetrol (cholesterol absorption inhibitor) may have caused both of my neurological and muscular problems. He recommended that I stop taking these medications. Day 4 so far and perhaps an improvement but realizing that 2 to 4 weeks could be time expanse required to notice any change to my condition. More in 4 weeks.