Neuro appt tomorrow - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

lilc · 07-15-2007, 11:43 AM

Hi, All. I've not been here much lately - too much going on...But I'm seeing my neuro tomorrow and plan to mention some things I've previously forgotten to mention. Does anyone have trouble with random, non-painful cramping? Maybe it is spasms, I'm not sure. I have trouble with one foot and upper abdominal muscles mainly: Sometimes the muscles just knot up very suddenly. It isn't painful, but it is VERY strange and uncomfortable!
Thanks for any feedback.

duttin · 07-15-2007, 01:05 PM

Lilc,

Glad to here from ya!!!!

Yes,I get the cramps,what you are experiencing is a form of spacticity.There's several degrees of spasms.From mild with no pain to full blown spacticity with rigidness.

I'm glad you are seeing you neuro for this,there's mild meds to help.

I have went from mild spasms to full blown spacticity in the legs and the knee's.It's painful.

I still say it was brought on by the solu-medrol infusions.2 major attacks in less than 3 months.2 rounds of mega steroids.

I don't like the abdominal spasms either,them I get are not painful.Just the legs.

Keep me posted.

lilc · 07-15-2007, 04:03 PM

TONI, how are things???

Thanks - once again, your research and experience helps someone else! Actually, the thing that made me wonder is that the foot that gives me trouble seems to be "stuck" in a permanent state of semi-spasm, if that makes sense. One toe is even in a funny position - and I've never stubbed or broken that toe.

I'll check back later, I'm being "summonned" right now...

duttin · 07-15-2007, 07:52 PM

Lilc,

Things are going so-so.Just finished another attack.Second one since March.

But I'm still going strong.

For the spasms,yes they will make joints do funky things and can have them remain in spasm.

I currently have spacticity in chronic form with myoclonus(tremors on extertion)both legs.That has sat in from last attack.I honestly think it was solu-medrol induced.To many steroids since March 12th.

There are meds to reduce the spasm states.Baclofen,being the milder form,zanaflex this one will cause drowsiness,valuim also drowsiness with addiction,ativan same as the valuim and quinine which can induce tinnitus.

At the current time I take a combination 4 times a day of valuim,baclofen,zanaflex and quinine until the spacticity lessons.

Stretching mildly will reduce the spasms and help keep the tendons from shortening .

Physical therapy helps also.But my PT lacks MS knowledge which doesn't help me.

The permant state ,yes I can relate I have an ankle that does its funky thing,leg brace keeps it under control.

The one thing about spacticity is(any form)the brain is getting or sending the wrong messages ,so when one muscle is to tighten,the other is to lesson and they are getting crossed signals and doing the opposite of each other and thus creating the spasms with or without pain.Mine have pain.I can be walking and get wrong signals and the cramps(major charlie horses) can drop me like a ton of bricks.Oh,that honks me off.

Let me know what your neuro has to say.Make yourself a list to ask him

lilc · 07-15-2007, 08:23 PM

Girl, you are amazing. When I "fell off the radar" you were about to start the steroids again (something I haven't had to do, and am GRATEFUL). You had been sheet-rocking, graduating a daughter (right? - memory...), you just keep going like the energizer bunny! And do I remember correctly, the PT guy is major eye-candy? Too bad he doesn't have MS background, but I bet you are teaching him.

I've never heard of myoclonus, but I've had "intention tremor" for, well, must be close to 20 years now. "Intention tremor" occurs with exertion, I'm going to research and see if it is the same thing. It affects both arms and legs but the most aggravating is my head. I CANNOT hold it still. And it has gotten much worse this past year. And it gets worse when I am stressed or angry - things I've been feeling A LOT lately! I sure wish you could catch a break on all the stuff that affects your legs, ENOUGH already.

I feel fortunate that this spas-ey thing with my foot is pretty minor really. It does seem to be connected to the excrutiating pain I often have in that foot, and I sometimes limp a little, but so far I have been able to tough it out when I have to and keep up with others when I walk, and to not show the pain around clients. (The 2-person company I am with just got awarded a multi-million dollar contract. I'd be jumping up and down but am absolutely too tired. We have one month to get all the details worked out and in place.)

I heard a commedian one time talk about how cats will run across the tile floor and accidentally slam into the wall, then coolly act like, "I meant to do that". He said then the cat goes behind the couch, where nobody can see them and says, "S***, THAT HURTS!!!" That's how I feel some days. Can't WAIT to get behind that couch!

Will check back after I see the neuro tomorrow. Oh, after you told me about INO/BINO I did some research and found many references to tremor and L'Hermitte's also being associated with brainstem lesions. I felt like I hit the MS jackpot - WOO HOO!!! I am so blessed that things aren't worse. But I am a little frightened about "brainstem lesions". Seems like I read somewhere that that is one of the worst places to have lesions. What have you learned?

Thank you, again.