For a long time now I have constant pain in my lower calves or possibly my Achilles tendons. This may have been addresses in the past but I don't remember any of the conversations so I'll address it again. I don't know if this is from medication or just a normal effect of this disease.
I am still able to do a little leg exercises like squats and a little on the treadmill but my thighs don't bother me; just my calves. . . . . . Any thoughts?
Somehow, when this conversation first started, I assumed your issues were beyond the usual compression socks. If you aren't using them, it would probably be a great idea. Also there is the Tommie Copper brand, which are supposed to work miracles.
Not being a back sleeper either, I know what you mean about the need to be in the fetal positon LOL!!!
In terms of your comfort, wouldn't the overnight compression help with the circulation and give you a more comfortable day?
Don, have you asked doc if you need to use these during sleep? I'm sure it would be covered under your Medicare Part B as "durable medical equipment" if doc states that it is necessary for your health.
WOW - what are leg pumps, Don? Never heard of them.
I'm so sorry Don that there seems to be no resolution for your pain. Sounds like you've done everything you can. You're right about exercise, I need to get back on the treadmill, I was doing well with it until I got the flu and pneumonia in January.
I have tried to wean off the pred but after so long, the adrenal glands atrophy and can no longer produce the hormones "cortisol and aldosterone." I've had all the tests and MRIs and CAT scans this ol' body can take. My PCP is board certified and I have had many hospitalists aware of the problem. When I was bed ridden in the hospital, they just put leg pumps on me to keep blood circulation going till I could get back on my feet. I've gone for second opinions and third opinions, sometimes there's just nothing that can be done.
not to be a nag, but I believe the inhaled corticosteroid is safer, PLUS it goes directly to the airways without entering the entire system (I use budesonide via inhaler) so one gets the medication without the side effects.
On another note: My bro thought he had strained pectoral muscles until he saw a real neurologist. After tests and MRI it turned out he has problems with the lower cervical vertebrae !!!
Thank you both, I truly appreciate your concerns. I have been to the doctor concerning this issue and the bottom line was . . . . wear compression socks.
I think I have researched prednisone more than any doctor and I understand the effects and results of long term use. This very same doctor put me on long term prednisone ten years ago.
Normally, your body burns the fatty tissue that your body stores for energy. With prednisone, the body burns muscle tissue for energy causing muscle atrophy. That's why you see many that are on pred with puffy faces and bellies and a humped back. Taking the zinc (calcium magnesium zinc supplement) seems to help as it is good for muscle and bone health and cell growth.
I do stretches and walk on the treadmill as much as I can; this helps but right now I have zero energy so it's hard but I still try to push myself.
Of all our meds and inhalers, exercise is our single best line of defense.
I wish I knew how to help. I think sister_petra seems to know and I agree with her on seeing your doc.
Probably should not have mentioned Achilles tendon as that is not where the pain is - it's in the calf proper. I recently stopped taking a zinc supplement and I think that's when it started to be noticeable. Will have to check a little further before yelling FIRE!
why would you say ". . . there's nothing that can be done." ? You should see a doc bout your discomfort to avoid any possibility of future exacerbation of the problem. My brother put off seeing doc about his shoulder. Doc said he might have been able to do something immediately IF he had come in sooner. My brother had waited over 2 years with a painful shoulder
Just found this, could very well be a snapshot of me:
Levaquin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking levofloxacin. Tendon problems may be more likely in certain people (children and older adults, or people who use steroid medicine.
I am in fact on long term prednisone - when I say long term I mean like ten years long at an average of
10 mg. Some other common long term effects are sensitivity to light which again is me. I love the sun but even after just ten minutes in the sun it takes me about twenty minutes to adjust back to normal light.
It has been probably three or four years since I last took levaquin but I guess if the damage is already done, there's nothing that can be done. I'll call the pharmacist now and my Doc on Monday. Thank you so much for your input.
try to get several opinions on this matter, Don. Some people pooh-pooh the whole idea of fluoroquinolones being dangerous
check with doc about the levaquin. I don't know if the effect is long lasting or what. I have fluoroquinolones listed as ALLERGY on my drug info.
I was put on Levaquin a few times but that was several years ago. I can't remember if this pain goes that far back. Oddly you mention abdominal aneurysm, my Mom died of that but I think hers was due to a lifetime of daily aspirin. I think she took two every four hours all day long for about thirty years.
are you taking ANY form of fluoroquinolones? Really scary stuff for Achilles tendon rupture has been pubished, also abdominal aneurysms and multiple other adverse effects