Atrophy

[Antoinette]

I had polio at age 12.  Now I'm 50.  This past March I began an exercise program at my local healthclub.  I lost 25 pounds between March and Sept.  In July, I began having some health problems and had to quit the gym.  Three neurologists and 2 doctors still don't know what happened to me.  One doctor thinks it's related to a virus and some sort of stress.  I've had MRI's, EEG, and all sorts of blood tests.  Since then, I noticed that my lower legs (which were already atrophied from the polio)seem thinner.  In addition, my arms from the elbows down also seem smaller.  For example, my watch (which I've worn for at least 5 years) is so big on my wrist that it spins.  I do not feel weakness, but I'm worried that for some reason my limbs are beginning to atrophy.  Could this be related to a physical problem or because I stopped my exercise program?  Do you think I should see another doctor?

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Antoinette:

Sorry that your having what seems to be muscle atrophy.  It is difficult to tell you much without seeing the before and current findings.  Were you trying to loose weight?  The is an entity of "post polio syndrome" where one can have some muscle weakness and atrophy.  Whether you have this is unknown and I can't speculate.  Some of what your noticing is likely due to the weight loss, general loss of body weight.  I would seek a second opinion, especially since you need to know if there is another reason for the loss in weight.  I am sorry that I am not much help.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Antoinette]

Thank you for your response.  Yes, I was trying to lose weight for my son's wedding.  I was on a reduced calorie diet and doing water aerobics 3-4 times a week.  While I was doing this, I felt great!  Then in July I became ill.  I stopped going to the gym and dieting in August.  I have gained back approximately 15 pounds, but my lower legs and arms have not "caught up" with my middle!  Is it common for the limbs to be the last to gain weight?  or could this be atrophy?  As I said, I do not have any weakness.  I'm just worried about what might be wrong with my arms and legs.  Perhaps this is needless worry and due to my past experience with polio.  I did see a doctor who specializes in "Post Polio Syndrome" and he felt I did not have it.  He only did a physical examination and asked me alot of questions.  He didn't perform any tests.  Thanks again for your time!

[Antoinette]

Thank you for your response.  Yes, I was trying to lose weight for my son's wedding.  I was on a reduced calorie diet and doing water aerobics 3-4 times a week.  While I was doing this, I felt great!  Then in July I became ill.  I stopped going to the gym and dieting in August.  I have gained back approximately 15 pounds, but my lower legs and arms have not "caught up" with my middle!  Is it common for the limbs to be the last to gain weight?  or could this be atrophy?  As I said, I do not have any weakness.  I'm just worried about what might be wrong with my arms and legs.  Perhaps this is needless worry and due to my past experience with polio.  I did see a doctor who specializes in "Post Polio Syndrome" and he felt I did not have it.  He only did a physical examination and asked me alot of questions.  He didn't perform any tests.  Thanks again for your time!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Antoinette:

I am not sure what the loss of mass in your extremities is from.  I would need to see you to judge, so I will have to leave this up to your neurologist.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD