BAD--BAD LEGS LATELY!!!

[spitfire989]

I have just had a TERRIBLE times with my legs since Thursday night when ALL NIGHT they had terrible spasms over and over!  And also felt like someone was pouring hot liquid down them all night!!!---Since then, these ole' legs are just like rubber!!--Not functioning very well.---I of course called my Neuro (he gave me his cell #, to be able to contact him at any time, I felt I needed to ), and he said there really is'nt "alot" that can be done, and that we just have to wait and ride it out and see if this is gonna be a perm thing, (as far as the rubber legs are concerned), but BOY OH BOY what a rough thing to go through!!!-----He also has "flipped" cuz I fax him a read-out of my BP readings and for about a week straight my readings have been "not good"---I've been running about 155-160/ 102-110, but my pulse has been running low ( around 60), so like he said we NEED to figure out what the heck is going on there cuz I'm on BP meds twice a day as it is!-----Ok, sorry this is so long guys---I just needed to vent about my legs and how there acting up so much!!!!---Any of you guys gone through this!?--If so, let me know some tippers on how to get through!

[Karen99]

Okay.  135/85 is better than 160/110.  This site can help you to understand high blood pressure and why it is important to manage it.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypertensive-crisis/AN00626

[spitfire989]

Hi again, umm , well, the truth to the BP problem started about 2 months ago--like I said with the chest tightness, lightheadedness, weird feelings, whatever.--And at thtat ime my BP's were'nt any different then they are now--meaning I was running high-ish then, as I am now.--When I was to the neuro recently, I gave him the read out and his response was--gee, I see it's still up there, and I said yup--but he claims it's not too excessively high. So, I just kinda put it to the back of my mind.--I guess excessive is higher then mine, I don't know. I just know I don't see a big variation to my Bp readings now vs before.--So, I don't push it too much.---He put me on Inderol 40mg 2x/day. And when I "read" after had taken my meds for awhile, it'll go down a little.--I took it awhile ago, and it was 143/93 p76.--So, like I said, I don't know. As I type this --it's 135/85 p 73, so I don't think it's too bad.----I don't know--it's all screwy. But I'll say I have less energy today, then normal.  Ugg!

[Karen99]

Attributing everything to MS can be a mistake that a lot of folks with MS tend to do.  I don't know what your BP usually is, but if my BP and heart rate stayed as high as yours for even a half a day, I would be worried about having a stroke and take myself to the ER.  I believe when the diastolic gets that high there is reason for concern.  Waiting two weeks is unacceptable, obviously the BP meds are not working for you. What did your blood pressure run before you started the meds given to you by your neurologist?

You need to find yourself a primary physician who can see you as a whole person and is not afraid to "handle" you.  There is a whole lot more to us than MS.  Of course, any therapy or treatments should be run by your neurologist.  High blood pressure can threaten your health just as much as MS, if not more in the immediate.  

If you are feeling more in la la land than usual, and that it is "different" go see a doctor ASAP.  Frankly, it angers me that your neurologist did not direct you to address this sooner than later.  

[spitfire989]

Yeah, I do agree there is a concern for the BP.--I take my readings everyday (at rest) and the readings lately are just crazy---yesterday it was 155/102 p83---today again at rest it was 155/104 p101. And as I said not too much of a variation the previous days. My pulse usually runs almost neck and neck with my diastolic.-- I think once in awhile I was within "ok" region.----And yeah, I never thought about my BP being a culprit.--I know I just feel like I'm in la-la land (more then ususal) hehe. I mean I know a good portion of my meds leave me kinda "foggy", but lately this "la-la" feeling is different.--I notice my hands are shaking more and more and I just kinda thought it was the MS acting up or whatever.--And yeah, my legs are still "tricky", and being tired a tad more then ususal, but again I just attribute everything to Ms or meds.--To which "No" I have not been on any new meds.---My Bp meds are 2x a day.---As to why my neuro is "dealing" with the BP, I'm not 100% sure:--other then for quite awhile I had been telling my Primary Dr that I was having sharp chest pains right in the heart area that would either be steady or come and go (nothing running down my arm or anything), or that I was having sharp intermittent pain across my chest area, just whatever---and I don't think my Primary was "picking up" on what I was trying to tell him.--So, I started to keep a daily log of my heartrate, and gave it to my Neuro (cuz my primary told me I am moreless in my neuuro's hands for my care now cuz he does'nt "handle" what I need from him anymore) (basicallyI would only see him for "other" things).--So, anyrhoot, when I gave my "read out" to my neuro, he said Jesus, your heartrate is all over (no Sh$# Doc!!) and he's the one that started the BP meds.---As for "tweeking" the Bp meds, I agree, but unfortunately he's on vac for 2 wks.--Bummer.---So, I just kinda "try" to deal with what's going on, but yeah I'm kinda concerned/scared as to what is going on.-----Som, anyhoot, that's that in a nut shell.---Any other suggestions, --I'd take them.-Thanks

[Karen99]

I am no expert, but your diastolic blood pressure is too high.  Who is monitoring your blood pressure besides your neurologist?  If my blood pressure was that high I am certain my legs would be wobbling too, and a few other body parts as well.  :-)  Especially if your pulse rate is decreasing while your BP is going up.  Sounds strange.  Perhaps the unpleasant sensation of having hot liquids poured on your legs could raise your BP.  When I had those sensations, small daily doses of Elavil brought me tremendous relief.  

Perhaps your BP medicine should be changed????  Have you started any new meds?  I don't understand why a neurologist would treat high blood pressure.  

[greenandchic]

I have had some mild spasms over the past 48 hours so I can only imagine how you feel.  I am sending positive thoughts to you tonight.  

[Sunnytoday]

well... I've got the rubber legs right now... are they contagious (smile)? And I don't have that wonder neuro to call. :) So, i'm just wobbling around, thankful for my AFO's. :)

Seriously though, I'm glad that you got ahold of him and that he is up to speed on both your BP and your rubber legs :). Be sure to keep monitoring that BP and to work with him to keep in under control... do you have a appt set up soon? I know that sometimes the doctor's actually work a bit better when they see your walk, etc. in person if you are having trouble walking rather than having it described over the phone and may be willing to treat it as a flare up, or as a symptom faster if they see it in person.

I'm sorry, I'm having a terrible time with names anymore, so forgive me if I should remember your story.... is this a problem you've had before? Are you diagnosed? Just smile and shake your head at me if I should know this already.
~Sunnytoday~

[spitfire989]

Thanks for getting back,---Yup, I am thinking good thoughts for these lil' ole' legs.  I'll probably just soak in the tub again, for releif. And "yes" my neuro is darn good---not many neuro's would give their cell phone number, but I'm glad he did.---As for the brother part, hehe, I wish he did have a single brother! hehe.----So, anyhoot, how are you doing?---Good I hope, but get back and let me know.----Ok

[saveone]

Sorry your legs are causing you problems....think good thoughts and believe they will improve.

Also it sounds like you have a great neuro....does he have a brother in my area...lol

Keeping you in my thoughts

terry