Neuropathy

Recently I have had pain in my right thigh when getting out of bed, which cleared once I up & about. Last Wednesday the Dr prescribed quinine, for cramp.

Thursday I drove 126 miles to Wall Heath, W. Midlands, without problems to a 7-year-old birthday - Alexander. We stayed 2 mights.

Friday the pain was acute on getting out of bed, & again on Saturday. I was able to enjoy the party at a "Gokidzgo" play barn, but we considered it unsafe to drive home, so the AA (Saga Insurance) drove us. A dodgy right leg is rather dangerous on the motorway :evil:

I haven't been diagnosed yet but this seems to be it:

[Diabetic] Proximal neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that causes pain and weakness in the hips, thighs and buttocks. The symptoms may grow more severe as the condition worsens. For many people, proximal neuropathy interferes with the ability to stand from a sitting position.

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It is a strange condition. Yesterday afternoon I was able to drive to church, stand to preach & sit to play the organ, but when I went to the toilet afterwards, I realised I should have used the disabled one when I wanted to stand up.

Physicians frequently prescribe medications for pain relief and physical therapy for muscle strengthening. The best way to delay or prevent the onset of this condition is to control glucose and maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise and quitting smoking.

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I've been going to the hospital gym (heart rehab class (with Ann)) twice a week, & playing tennis 2-3 times a week. Blood glucose is below 7 (indicating good control) & I have been maintaining a good diet (low sugar/salt/fat.) I stopped smoking 50 years ago.

I will see the Dr this morning, & the Physios at the gym this afternoon.
Drs will consult each other, physios had never heard of it.

9 years ago, at age 60, I went to the Dr with a numbness in my right thigh. He suspected diabetes & the HbA1C was 11. I gave up sugar & a repeat test was 8. Its never been out of control. Last test was 6.7. I've been on Metformin & mini-aspirin for about 3 years. My BSL rarely goes below 5.5,& then only before lunch after an early breakfast.

The wonderful news (Praise the LORD!) is that after a week of intense pain getting out of bed, I was OK yesterday, & was able kept my tennis session in the evening. I was able to play 3 sets in 2 hours without pain. I am OK again this morning, though I am cautious & avoid sudden movements.

Incidentally, I have been on the forum for a few months as "Ebenezer" but could not get back in, so had to re-register with a different name.

Just checked my overnight BSL readings:

February averaged 6.7
March averaged 7.1
April averaged 6.7

My meter averages the before & after meals & the before 7/14/30 day average are all 6.8 - this includes before lunch when my readings are always low. I went through the results individually to get the o'night readings.

It does indicate that my problem was due to a rise in BSL. I had the same problem when I was prescribed niacin to reduce cholesterol - the BSL went up, & leg pain began.

6 weeks ago I though changing my Landrover Freelander for a small automatic car was urgent, & wondered if I was becoming disabled.

I said, "The pain disappeared suddenly Tuesday - April 8." In fact it became bearable, & I could get in & out of bed & stand up without acute pain.

Its been like that for the last month, though I left it to April 30 to renew my tennis club subscription. Hospital gym session were rather cautious for me (even though its a heart rehab class) & I could not step up leading with my right leg.

I've been following the carbs thread closely, & 10 days ago thought I would give it a try. My average bs is 6.3, & the fasting readings are now often below 6. The pain has now gone completely, unless I do something awkward. Stepping up is no problem.

Thanks Fergus & others for the valuable information. I shall report back to my Dr.

My overnight BS now averages 5.8 - for the last 3 weeeks. It was 6.3 the previous 3 weeks.

The neuropathy hasn't gone away completely, but its not a problem. It's intermittent. I gave tennis a rest after the 4 set match 10 days ago, but I will resume tomorrow.

Sorry to hear that, Calmwaters. Do you take statins?

My brother in law had a kidney transplant 10 years ago, & is doing OK. He's very thin, & cycles or walks everywhere. It gives a wonderful freedom!

The reason why we immediately think statins cause muscle pain is that it is a well known side effect that can easily be verified by stopping them for a short while. In your case, this should only be done in consultation with your Dr. Ask him if it is OK to stop say for a month, & then go on to another statin if necessary. I found the pain crippling, & it stopped in a week. My chol was around 5 & they wanted it down to 4. Reduced carb consumption has now reduced chol to 4.3. (5.4 at the previous blood test.) It was 7.6 at diagnosis. You can also ask if statins have any real benefit for your condition. The Drs tend to prescribe them freely.