painful legs

[coco4]

Hi everyone and thanks for all the help you gave me regarding insulin storage when my fridge broke down recently. New fridge freezer finally delivered and working and collected new insulin from docs yesterday. Can I have your opinions/advice please although it might be like asking how long is the proverbial piece of string. Is it possible to have developed neuropathy after being diagnosed as Type 1 just 16 months ago after being admitted to hospital with DKA with readings in the 30s. I was in intensive care and the high dependancy ward for a week. I have had 4 HBA1C tests in that time and are as follows:- 7.7, 7.8, 7.8 & 58%. I am 56 years old and have developed pains in my lower legs and around my knees, pain is continual and my legs are very restless at night. Thanks Carole

 

[andrianna1981]

Doctors will tell you that neuropathy develops over time with high sugar levels.but in my opinion .being a sufferer myself.I'm 31.I would say it is possible.does it get worse when your sugar levels are running high? Get yourself checked out.and ask for a vascular specialist to take a look at you.hope that helps

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Are you on statins as these can cause the symptoms you describe?

 

[Hobs]

Get your self straight down to the surgery (or A&E) and checked out for DVT's, just incase there is a serious vascular problem. Leave it too long and face the posibility of serious trouble.
If there is a clot and part breaks free, it could end up anywhere
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Deep-vein- ... ptoms.aspx

 

[BaliRob]

Dear Carole,

Do not frighten yourself. You would know if a serious problem like a thrombus was present. Even if there was, you would not feel the discomfort in both legs. And before anyone jumps on me - I did post my experience after a trauma to lower ankle which caused three partial closures behind the knee and in the groin (all on the same side) which were very serious for the whole of the year ending in August when they were finally dispersed. However, the enormous swelling of the affected leg together with the severe pain both in the calf and under the thigh were good reasons to get off to the hospital. As a diabetic we will often experience the symptoms you report especially in the legs - much of which is caused by high sugar levels or, in the case of kidney sufferers, caused by oedema affecting exterior blood flow - this can last for a few hours. Restless legs and 'twitching' can indicate a cramp warning and can be alleviated with Magnesium - not Quinine Sulphate which some UK doctors still advocate. If a CKD sufferer once the level of diuretic needed is established more peaceful nights will ensue.

All the best,

Rob

 

[coco4]

hi thanks so much for replying, I'm happy to report that for the past few days my legs have not ached at all. I am not that naive to imagine that everything is okay though. I am not on statins so I can rule out those being the cause. The DVT aspect did cross my mind, but feel encouraged by what BaliRob has said, but I think the bottom line is I must go to the Docs and get this checked out. I wish I wasn't such a worrier I'm getting to the point where I don't want to leave my house even if it is just to go to the local shops. I hate this thing called diabetes because I feel it has "killed" the person I was. Tears are never far away and I feel I am alienating friends and family. I am so grateful I have all you forum friends. Sorry I must sound selfish especially when I read how parents have to cope with children with this horrid complaint. Thanks again :clap

 

[Indy51]

If you are seeing the doctor, ask for a Vitamin B12 test as a deficiency can be involved with restless leg syndrome.

 

[LesleySmith]

At the risk of sounding like a parrot; it would be vital to seek medical assistance. The long term effect of diabetes can indeed have lasting effects on the body and may even leave many of us suffering severe mobility issues and relying on wheelchairs and stairlifts. Try not to panic as your pain has only just appeared so your swift action will hopefully benefit you greatly.

I hope things go well for you. Best of luck!

 

[coco4]

hi, I have an appointment for Friday, thanks Indy51 I will definately ask for a B12 test :thumbup: Thanks for your advice and good wishes LesleySmith

 

[Hopeful Alfie]

I have lived with increasingly painful legs for some 12 years now. At first I thought it was just wear and tear, then maybe just 'old age', so I took things easy at the time. However, in 1998 I was diagnosed Type 2 (diet controlled) and My GP thought I had Claudification. By this time I had to walk with a stick and the pains were getting worse. There is no pain at all when I am resting or walking around the house ( a bungalow), but now if I walk a hundred paces or so along a road the pain begins and I have to stop for a while to let it dissipate, then carry on and repeat the process ad lib. The pain runs from the buttock area right down to the feet, and the left leg is the worst. The Web was a relevation - I discovered I had a classic csse of Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy, for which unfortunaely there seems to be no cure (although quack ones are on offer!), and the side effects of tablet treament can compound the suffering ! I heard of another case of a lady who is now very restricted to the use of Zimmer frame, and another man who lives in a wheelchair. I did not fancy either alternative, so I read further on the Web, and found several specialists who advised MORE walking to remain mobile. I duly followed this advice and can gladly say it has helped tremendously. I am STILL walking, the pains are still there but not so strong, and now I know more about it I can live with it and fight it. I am now 83 and despite all this I still really enjoy life.

 

[manxfrank]

I to have pain in my lower legs,I was diagnosed this May as type 2 but had none of the symptoms.Im 41yrs old 5ft10" and 11st my diet was pretty good and I run or ride 3 miles a day.I was told after a check that I had slight retinopathy but it could clear up itself with good sugar control.My HBA1C was 45mml.My lower legs twitch and ache,but the pain goes If I run or walk and when I go to bed they dont hurt.Does anyone have any ideas what it is.?

 

[Hopeful Alfie]

Hi manxfrank, Sounds like the good old twichy leg syndrome. My wife has it and so did her father. Our GP's reaction was "Yes, I sometimes get that too". Seems you are doing the right thing - 'get up and go'. Not much help perhaps, but do be aware that it seems to a rather widespread condition - even affecting doctors