Legs on fire

Dear Colin,

Thankyou for your very interesting letter- I have noted the problems you had originally with Simvastatin especially with regard to the neck pains experienced. I have never mentioned this on any of my posts because did not want to appear to be a moaning bule (foreigner for those who do not speak Bahasa) but I have had a progressive neck pain (unable to look to my right properly) which has been around too many months now. Thus, when I finish this box I will try Atorvastin to see if my condition generally improves. I will, of course, speak with my doctor.

Yes, it is a worry living alone in a foreign country with Diabetes, in fact with any debilitating illness, because of the costs involved and the language problems. I could and would not stay here if I had Type 1 - not to say Type 2's effects are not as serious long-term - I would be too worried about having a non-assisted hypo.

When you return to Jakarta perhaps you could email me.

Regards,

Rob

To everyone who contributed to this post. I have established the cause of my 'Legs on Fire' . The symptoms are the effect of stopping Lasix (diuretic) for experimental periods. My kidneys have been damaged through using Quinine Sulphate for too long a period. The kidneys, failing to excrete water at the rate they should, now means that this excess is stored in my lower legs, ankles and feet. The pain is caused by the legs gradually filling with water when not on the medication. The pain is worse at nights when the legs are horizontal and starts from the second day without the diuretic. Once the legs get used to this absorbsion they tend not to be so troublesome.

I do hope this might help those who suffer like this but, of course, should only apply to those with regular oedema and should, therefore, have their Creatinine levels checked.