Weakness in hands and feet?
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi Everyone,
This week is 3 month on Pred for PMR and GCA. Down to 40 mg of pred from restarting at 60mg again in Dec..
So many symptoms have cleared up so that is good. I've been keeping daily drawings of improvements to show the doctors.
One thing that seems to be worse though is the weakness in my feet and hands. Hard to hold cups without dropping; hard use scissors or hold fork, spoons, knives and pens. My feet feel like mush can cause me to trip and fall alot. I have a stick shift car but I don't have enough strength to shift gears and use the clutch.
Just wondering if others have had this and if it goes away? I haven't been given to okay to exercise yet until after the neurosurgery, pulmonary, cardiology, ophthalmology and rheumatology have review all the tests they did before the Holiday...so I will know more in the next few weeks if there are other issues?
Thanks again for any suggestions.
0 likes, 19 replies
iellen32 Artdesign
Posted
I am so sorry for all you are going through, how much it affects your life.
This is the case I would like to jump to help, to say a useful word.
I have GCA - vision is the issue. According to my rheumy I run the risk to loose it totally.
Yes, I take a day at a time, I do not think on the worst scenario - just the opposite.
I think it is the best I can do besides following the recommended treatment- Pred, diet, exercises - I do treadmill.
You will get replies I am sure, and hope you do.
As I am following this Discussion we may meet again.
In this meantime let's keep our hope alive so we will go through 2016 the best way possible!!
xxxx
do not have PMR.
iellen32
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Artdesign iellen32
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A day a time is good advice. Sorry to hear your vision. It's been hard to tell what are the symptoms of the illness and the side effects of the meds?
I like the idea of gentle exercise like, yoga, walking and someone suggested gentle Tai Chi which might be possible once the doc gives the okay.
Thanks for responding.
EileenH Artdesign
Posted
If I were you I wouldn't worry about "exercise" - since I get the impression that for many of you in the US that involves an "exercise programme", the treadmill and the gym. Just try to get out and walk - even if it is only a short one, 5min at a time repeated a few times adds up! If your weather is bad, then go to the mall and walk gently - you will build up strength and distance and speed over time but how much you do to start with is not so important. Getting out in the fresh air and meeting others also helps mood - very important in any autoimmune disorder, most of which are accompanied by low or depressive mood.
Anhaga EileenH
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EileenH Anhaga
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Artdesign EileenH
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I think you're right it's part of the illness. With the initial pain mostly gone, the weakness may be is just more noticeable?
I'm planning gentle exercise like walking, yoga or Tia Chi once the doc gives the okay.
I bought these rubber pencil grip Ergonomic Writing Aid this week and put them on my pens and pencils to help with writing and drawing. They seem to help.
Would be nice to get outside more and sketch and be in nature. I'm hoping to move to a milder climate this year into a smaller one floor home to make it all easier.
Thanks for your help and advice.
Anhaga Artdesign
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EileenH Anhaga
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Artdesign Anhaga
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I'm not sure if it's the meds or illness either? The shakiness from the pred doesn't help the situation for sure. But the doc added 2 new meds for anxiety induced trembling from the pred which has helped. I don't feel like I've been drinking too much espresso and I did give up all caffeine.
Maybe as we recover much of this will improve.:-)
Thanks for responding.
Elijo Artdesign
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iellen32 Elijo
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I have a long handle electric vibrator with a round/ thick pad specially for those issues you talk about.
It's great to massage the joints around feet/ankles, the wrist, arms, legs around the knees.
Having GCA besides Pred and diet I keep being active, I enjoy to workout on my treadmill while listening to those tunes appropriated to help me to work out without feeling boredom.
Bought the vibrator at a well known store where they sell all sorts of different articles to be used indoors and outdoors.
These massages are part of my daily routine.
I keep the legs on a stool the same height as the chair where I am sitting and after five, or ten minutes massaging each leg I feel it helps.
Elijo iellen32
Posted
Thanks for the input, I'll consider it. Miy husband does massage my feet manually sometimes and it feels good! He gave me 4 full body massages for Christmas which I'll spread out, but I always tell them to concentrate on my back, deep massages!
iellen32 Elijo
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You got the right gift for Chistmas, too!
Take good care of you, Elijo.
Elijo iellen32
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EileenH Elijo
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Elijo EileenH
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Artdesign Elijo
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Walking outside sounds very healthy. One reason I want to move to a milder climate so I can get out all year round.
Great goal for walking.
Thanks for responding.