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With Feet & Legs in Gear There's No Sleep
I have had something going on with my feet for awhile and can't quite figure out what it is.
Sometimes I think maybe it could be an arthritic type condition in my feet;but they aren't red and inflamed.And it's not a condition that flares.
When I stretch my feet and rotate my ankles,I get the "snap,crackle and pop" sounds as if I'm cracking joints.It brings sooo much relief!
At the same time,I've noticed that my legs are becoming more involved in this issue---like Restless Legs maybe--with the neuropathy! I've described what's going on to the Dr....no answers or tests yet.
Sometimes I think maybe it could be an arthritic type condition in my feet;but they aren't red and inflamed.And it's not a condition that flares.
When I stretch my feet and rotate my ankles,I get the "snap,crackle and pop" sounds as if I'm cracking joints.It brings sooo much relief!
At the same time,I've noticed that my legs are becoming more involved in this issue---like Restless Legs maybe--with the neuropathy! I've described what's going on to the Dr....no answers or tests yet.
Sorry to hear about your friend and the ALS. My son worked with a man that passed from it, actually during the 3 weeks hubby and I were awaiting his test results. It is such a devastating diagnosis, and I can't imagine how it was for your friend...and her also having her mother and aunt having had it. If that doesn't alert to a possible genetic link, I don't know what would.
I have to say Dennis is so right about the electric bill. During Summertime we also use portable ac units in our bedroom, and one for Mom in hers, much cheaper than central air trying to cool our whole house at night.
Hope you get relief from the painful spasms soon.
C
I have to say Dennis is so right about the electric bill. During Summertime we also use portable ac units in our bedroom, and one for Mom in hers, much cheaper than central air trying to cool our whole house at night.
Hope you get relief from the painful spasms soon.
C
Initially I tried just using a fan (stand type) and all it did in the summer was move the hot/warm around in my bedroom so I didn't get any relief. That was when I decided to get the portable AC for the bedroom.
What I have found is that my electric bill each month has gone down significantly (About $100) as I no longer have to cool off my whole house to get the 65 degrees in my bedroom. The portable AC also moves the air around the room a lot better than a fan did. My bedroom is only around 130 sq ft, but I bought an AC that can handle 400 sq ft so it doesn't have to run for very long to cool that area. That is another key to keeping the cost for electricity low.
Dennis
What I have found is that my electric bill each month has gone down significantly (About $100) as I no longer have to cool off my whole house to get the 65 degrees in my bedroom. The portable AC also moves the air around the room a lot better than a fan did. My bedroom is only around 130 sq ft, but I bought an AC that can handle 400 sq ft so it doesn't have to run for very long to cool that area. That is another key to keeping the cost for electricity low.
Dennis
Dennis,
A separate unit sounds nice.But since the apt complex pays the elec bill--it would probably be better if I got a fan for the room.Maybe a stand up type.Ever since you mentioned keeping the bedroom cool,I've been trying to do that and I haven't had as much trouble with my legs....just the awfullest toe cramps!
A separate unit sounds nice.But since the apt complex pays the elec bill--it would probably be better if I got a fan for the room.Maybe a stand up type.Ever since you mentioned keeping the bedroom cool,I've been trying to do that and I haven't had as much trouble with my legs....just the awfullest toe cramps!
I actually laughed when I read what your husband's endocrinologist said! That Dr very much reminds me of my visiting physician.He looks so serious,and you can tell he takes his work seriously.Ever since I told him my urologist said MS ought to be ruled out due to my symptoms,his response was very similar and he has asked alot of questions.He told me he was a urologist for 30 yrs,so he understands bladder problems.
I remember the first time my toe caught me off balance...on a patio that was 1/2 of an inch higher than the ground! I couldn't understand why that would happen to me!My foot should have lifted over that easily!
I lost a good friend to ALS in 2010.She kept hoping it was MS.But finally the tests were positive,and she could no longer live in denial.She didn't tell me of her mother and aunt who had ALS until she was diagnosed with it.
I've had a bad flare due to the weather system that just moved through the US (atleast that's what I'm blaming it on!) I've been in bed most of the time since this past Thursday.While I've had toe cramps before,they were bad enough to make me want to scream this time!!!
I remember the first time my toe caught me off balance...on a patio that was 1/2 of an inch higher than the ground! I couldn't understand why that would happen to me!My foot should have lifted over that easily!
I lost a good friend to ALS in 2010.She kept hoping it was MS.But finally the tests were positive,and she could no longer live in denial.She didn't tell me of her mother and aunt who had ALS until she was diagnosed with it.
I've had a bad flare due to the weather system that just moved through the US (atleast that's what I'm blaming it on!) I've been in bed most of the time since this past Thursday.While I've had toe cramps before,they were bad enough to make me want to scream this time!!!
Cramp,
I have a portable AC for my bedroom that I picked up at Lowes last summer. While I do have central HVAC it doesn't really keep my house cool enough in the summer, this unit does keep my bedroom at the right temperature. It has a 6 inch wide strip that goes in the window with something like a dryer vent duct connected between the unit and window. It can work in either windows that open vertically or horizontally.
Dennis
I have a portable AC for my bedroom that I picked up at Lowes last summer. While I do have central HVAC it doesn't really keep my house cool enough in the summer, this unit does keep my bedroom at the right temperature. It has a 6 inch wide strip that goes in the window with something like a dryer vent duct connected between the unit and window. It can work in either windows that open vertically or horizontally.
Dennis
I hate to hear your in "limbo land".
My hubby had an MRI about 3 yrs prior to his RRMS diagnosis. The MRI wasn't done for anything to do with MS, at that time hubby was diagnosed with Polyendocrinopathy..which includes Addison's, Hypothyroidism, and low T.
Funny thing is when I read the rsults of that 1st MRI, the only thing it said that was "off" was "Single abnormal signal in left corona radiata". His Dr hadn't mentioned anything, had actually said MRI was all OK. My being in the medical field (and yes, nosey) I just automatically read the results. I recall wondering, Hmm?? Wonder what that means? And I looked it up. All I found was it could be related to a prior stroke, tia's, or MS. For the briefest of an instant I hesitated, as hubby has an aunt with MS. But then I just let it go. Which honestly is NOT like me...
Fast forward 3 yrs. Hubby was limping, I asked if his leg was hurting? He said, nope..but it feels like it doesn't want to lift, like when I walk up steps, my left toe drags. Right then my heart dropped. I immediately thought of his aunt, and I said to myself, That's an "MS thing". I looked at his left leg, the calf muscle was noticeably smaller than his right calf. At this time he had been dealing with the RLS for yrs, too..tho I didn't connect it in then.
Couple weeks later, at his next Endocrinologist appt, hubby mentioned his leg stuff. Dr had him do a few quick tests, like walk on your heels, now on your toes. I also commented that he had an aunt with MS. Dr actually said "SΔ&t" (Sorry, have to add that and it gives me a much needed laugh, as that Dr is an awesome doc, but he looks so straight-laced, and like Poindexter, and we were shocked to hear that word from him..lol).
Very next morning Endo Dr had us in to a Neurologist. After a morning of tests, Neuro was 99% sure hubby had ALS/Lou Gehrig's. For the next 3 weeks thru new MRI, lumbar puncture, CT scans, blood work, etc. we lived with that awfulness..and also we lived by the grace of God, as I told hubby we are not claiming that, you do NOT have ALS!
We went in for results, nurse asked us to come back to exam room, we hesitated, she practically screamed "It's good news, it's MS!". When I tell this story, I get chills every time. And many people don't see it as "good news". But my husband and I know that day we definitely got good news...
Sorry for this long dissertation...I guess my main point is hubby's 1st MRI didn't show much, nothing remarkable according to Dr. His next one, 3 yrs later had lesions in the brain and cervical spine. So you never know. I think the only thing we do know is nothing is set in stone or "average" where MS is concerned.
Take care,
C
My hubby had an MRI about 3 yrs prior to his RRMS diagnosis. The MRI wasn't done for anything to do with MS, at that time hubby was diagnosed with Polyendocrinopathy..which includes Addison's, Hypothyroidism, and low T.
Funny thing is when I read the rsults of that 1st MRI, the only thing it said that was "off" was "Single abnormal signal in left corona radiata". His Dr hadn't mentioned anything, had actually said MRI was all OK. My being in the medical field (and yes, nosey) I just automatically read the results. I recall wondering, Hmm?? Wonder what that means? And I looked it up. All I found was it could be related to a prior stroke, tia's, or MS. For the briefest of an instant I hesitated, as hubby has an aunt with MS. But then I just let it go. Which honestly is NOT like me...
Fast forward 3 yrs. Hubby was limping, I asked if his leg was hurting? He said, nope..but it feels like it doesn't want to lift, like when I walk up steps, my left toe drags. Right then my heart dropped. I immediately thought of his aunt, and I said to myself, That's an "MS thing". I looked at his left leg, the calf muscle was noticeably smaller than his right calf. At this time he had been dealing with the RLS for yrs, too..tho I didn't connect it in then.
Couple weeks later, at his next Endocrinologist appt, hubby mentioned his leg stuff. Dr had him do a few quick tests, like walk on your heels, now on your toes. I also commented that he had an aunt with MS. Dr actually said "SΔ&t" (Sorry, have to add that and it gives me a much needed laugh, as that Dr is an awesome doc, but he looks so straight-laced, and like Poindexter, and we were shocked to hear that word from him..lol).
Very next morning Endo Dr had us in to a Neurologist. After a morning of tests, Neuro was 99% sure hubby had ALS/Lou Gehrig's. For the next 3 weeks thru new MRI, lumbar puncture, CT scans, blood work, etc. we lived with that awfulness..and also we lived by the grace of God, as I told hubby we are not claiming that, you do NOT have ALS!
We went in for results, nurse asked us to come back to exam room, we hesitated, she practically screamed "It's good news, it's MS!". When I tell this story, I get chills every time. And many people don't see it as "good news". But my husband and I know that day we definitely got good news...
Sorry for this long dissertation...I guess my main point is hubby's 1st MRI didn't show much, nothing remarkable according to Dr. His next one, 3 yrs later had lesions in the brain and cervical spine. So you never know. I think the only thing we do know is nothing is set in stone or "average" where MS is concerned.
Take care,
C
Oh my goodness! The visiting physician asked about my neck;if it's been hurting.He's trying to evaluate my condition,as he is a consultant with all of my other Drs.He's better than my PCP! I told him my neck is the same as when we discussed it in Nov.I had just finished PT bcuz I had neck & back pain;learning exercises to relieve the stiffness and pain.Instead of concentrating on MRIs and x-rays of my lumbar spine (bcuz of spinal stenosis),maybe they need to start looking at the cervical spine.
I wish I had a fan in my bedroom.I have ac in my apt,but bcuz of the layout,the air doesn't get in my bedroom.In fact the air in there feels stagnant.With this warmer weather going through,I opened my window up enough to cool the room off (but not let the rain in).It's no wonder my legs give me fits!
I wish I had a fan in my bedroom.I have ac in my apt,but bcuz of the layout,the air doesn't get in my bedroom.In fact the air in there feels stagnant.With this warmer weather going through,I opened my window up enough to cool the room off (but not let the rain in).It's no wonder my legs give me fits!
Actually my first MRI of my brain didn't show any lesions either. Just some atrophy (the lesions had already turned into black holes) inconsistent for my age at the time. It didn't get my DX until the did an MRI of my spine and saw that my spinal cord shrunk to 1/2 normal size in my neck (can you say black hole again).
I normally keep my bedroom at 65 (which turns out to be the optimal temperature for good sleep). So most of the time I just make sure my calves are out from under the covers and that chills them. But if even that doesn't help I take one of the cooling packs from my cooling vest and wrap it around my calves. I use those phase change pack so they are at 58 degrees instead of the 32 degree of ice packs.
Dennis
I normally keep my bedroom at 65 (which turns out to be the optimal temperature for good sleep). So most of the time I just make sure my calves are out from under the covers and that chills them. But if even that doesn't help I take one of the cooling packs from my cooling vest and wrap it around my calves. I use those phase change pack so they are at 58 degrees instead of the 32 degree of ice packs.
Dennis
Dennis,
Yep,I think Fibromyalgia is the diagnosis given when they're not sure what's wrong!It's very frustrating,simply because I want the proper diagnosis!Not because I want more sympathy or more meds! I even asked the Dr I had at one time,for a brain MRI to rule MS out.She wouldn't have ordered it,had a NP who had alot of influence in the office and seen me for years,backed me up on the suggestion!But then when it came back without showing any lesions,she had that sarcastic smirk on her face as she reported to me that the MRI showed that "You definitely do not have MS!"
BTW,how do you chill your calves?
Yep,I think Fibromyalgia is the diagnosis given when they're not sure what's wrong!It's very frustrating,simply because I want the proper diagnosis!Not because I want more sympathy or more meds! I even asked the Dr I had at one time,for a brain MRI to rule MS out.She wouldn't have ordered it,had a NP who had alot of influence in the office and seen me for years,backed me up on the suggestion!But then when it came back without showing any lesions,she had that sarcastic smirk on her face as she reported to me that the MRI showed that "You definitely do not have MS!"
BTW,how do you chill your calves?
Cramp,
Wow that was the same year I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Of course with me it turned out to be PPMS.
While I don't get the popping sound when I stretch or move my ankle, I do get that restless feeling in my legs. I have found that if I chill my calves that feeling will go away fairly quickly.
Dennis
Wow that was the same year I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Of course with me it turned out to be PPMS.
While I don't get the popping sound when I stretch or move my ankle, I do get that restless feeling in my legs. I have found that if I chill my calves that feeling will go away fairly quickly.
Dennis
Thank you so much for your reply! It helps to hear from someone else who knows what I'm talking about!
Yes,I have that feeling like I "just can't find a comfortable position for my feet".I started remembering this morning that my mother used to flex her feet alot.I didn't really realize how much I was moving my legs and feet at night until my dog who sleeps with me,decided at times to find a different spot to sleep!
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2006.I've used a CPAP off and on.At times I didn't use it because I was needing to order new equipment (like now) and it seemed useless to try to use it when I was a caregiver for my husband,as I was up at all times of the night.Trying to get used to the mask again causes me panic!
Yes,I'm in that "wirty-dord" limbo! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2002.But I've always had gut feelings that I have MS or something that mimics it.In fact I was told by my urologist last month that MS ought to be ruled out.
Yes,I have that feeling like I "just can't find a comfortable position for my feet".I started remembering this morning that my mother used to flex her feet alot.I didn't really realize how much I was moving my legs and feet at night until my dog who sleeps with me,decided at times to find a different spot to sleep!
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2006.I've used a CPAP off and on.At times I didn't use it because I was needing to order new equipment (like now) and it seemed useless to try to use it when I was a caregiver for my husband,as I was up at all times of the night.Trying to get used to the mask again causes me panic!
Yes,I'm in that "wirty-dord" limbo! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2002.But I've always had gut feelings that I have MS or something that mimics it.In fact I was told by my urologist last month that MS ought to be ruled out.
My hubby has suffered with leg issues for years, after sleep studies he was found to have severe sleep apnea. He tried a CPAP, could never adjust to it, even w diff masks and pressure adjustments. He eventually had a surgery (UPP) in which his uvula, toncils,and adenoids were removed..and his soft palate was trimmed as it was too long. Between that and the uuvula removal the thought was it would open his airway more and fix the sleep apnea.
He was diagnosed with RRMS 3 yrs ago, and neither of us ever thought to attribute his RLS to the MS. Not until after he was diagnosed and looking back at the infrequent odd symptoms did we see they were all possible indicators of MS.
At times when we are sitting, watching TV for instance, I will notice he is constantly moving his legs, I don't think he even realizes it half the time. He says the feeling is like he has to move his legs. Sometimes he says there is cramp/achy pain along with the "need to move". Sometimes he says it is not really pain, but more like a sensation of buzzing or something crawling on his legs.
It would be a good idea to talk w your Dr about your symptoms, and try to get some answers/relief.
Are you diagnosed with MS? Or "in limbo"?
Take care,
C
He was diagnosed with RRMS 3 yrs ago, and neither of us ever thought to attribute his RLS to the MS. Not until after he was diagnosed and looking back at the infrequent odd symptoms did we see they were all possible indicators of MS.
At times when we are sitting, watching TV for instance, I will notice he is constantly moving his legs, I don't think he even realizes it half the time. He says the feeling is like he has to move his legs. Sometimes he says there is cramp/achy pain along with the "need to move". Sometimes he says it is not really pain, but more like a sensation of buzzing or something crawling on his legs.
It would be a good idea to talk w your Dr about your symptoms, and try to get some answers/relief.
Are you diagnosed with MS? Or "in limbo"?
Take care,
C
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