PLEASE HELP - Muscular Dystrophy Message Board

momoftwo1128 · 07-25-2003, 09:21 PM

I have a question about my brother's illness. My brother has had muscular dystrophy for quite some time. He is on a bypap machine at night. My other brother has to help him in and out of the shower and while holding him up lost balance and he lost the grip on my brother. They did use a lift most of the time but found it a little easier to just lift him. Because he was gaining weight I guess it got a little harder. Well he broke his hip and his knee. Have this disease is bad enough on its own without having more to worry about. But the other problem with it is he started having this other symptom of something that the doctor says he can't figure out what it is (GO FIGURE). If my brother puts his hands in cold water, his hands swell and turn reddish. This happened a few times and he checked with the doctor and he said he really doesn't know what it is and has been running tests. Well the other night he ate a water ice and the same thing happened to his throat. He said it felt like his throat was closing. I really am anxious to see if anyone has ever heard of this because it is quite depressing and I am really worried about it. I told him to see another doctor but we all know how that goes! But please if anyone has ever heard of this symptom please please please let me know.

Thank you.

lg · 07-30-2003, 07:11 PM

Hello, I am sorry I have never heard of this. I wish I had something to say that would help but I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and your brother and you are in my prayers. Here is a hug for you too. Lynn

Rayman · 10-06-2003, 02:36 PM

. With DMD the body is already at a max type load of processing cell waste as the breakdown of muscle tissue is high. This is the main reason for the initial cpk tests as a marker for the disease. The extra load of the healing limbs make the lymphatic system work even harder and slowed response such as when nodes or pathways are obstructed or destroyed during surgery/injury can the result limb swelling as flow back to the trunk is impeded. Have not heard of temperature changes causing this elsewhere.