9 replies to this topic

[sporty]

My spasms in my right leg are now a regular occurence, my neuro surgeon and neurologist are both suggesting the baclofen implant, but am at the moment putting it off as I can cope with the current discomforts, but recently my right foot, sometimes just the toes, change colour after a bad day of spasms or one intense one. there is no swelling, but it looks like briusing, after 10 minutes or so it gradually dissapears. is it a circulation problem ? Does anyone else experience the same ? I have booked to see the neurologist but would be intrested to hear from anyone who has similar symptoms

[Stickman]

sometimes it looks like my foot turns purple or is bruised and then normal an hour later. I have spasms too and my doctors have been suggesting the pump but im trying botox first.

[sporty]

I saw my neurologist yesterday and he was not concerned about the foot colouring,and at the moment no baclofen implant needed as the downsides outweigh the plus's

[pinkcloud]

[quote name='Stickman' timestamp='1296966390' post='207732']
sometimes it looks like my foot turns purple or is bruised and then normal an hour later. I have spasms too

Same as me, me consultants were not concerned. They just put it down to the muscles not being to active and thus circulation was affected. I have had it for a year and I am not dead so I trust that its kind of 'normal' for some of us sci's. Sure is scary when it first happens though

[sporty]

.due to the spasms my legs have very hard muscles, good in a way for i can still stand and walk with two sticks, so as the consultant explained, the spasms are good for me at the moment but did say that in the future the legs will gradually lock, but will worry about that when it happens,

Edited by sporty, 19 February 2011 - 08:15 AM.

[aainme]

The one thing i am sure of is that no matter what crazy thing my body is doing, i will find the answers here. my right foot and leg have serious spasms everyday,I can look down and see it is dark red-purple and cool to the touch. I have good pulses and it goes away by itself. The spasms have gotten worse, it has been over a year.... i was praying the spasms would get better with time, not worse. When I get up my leg then feels like it weighs a hundrad pounds. My primary Dr. is clueless sometimes...I can function only because i take 2 vicoden every 6 hrs....Is anyone taking a timed release pain medication once a day? If so let me know, i sure would love not having all the ups and downs..... love you all

[sporty]

for the last three weeks, my right foot , up to the calf, swells up then subsides, I am still spasming, is it to do with that ? the purple colour still appears then goes, but for the last few days the swelling does not go completly and does make that leg ache.
Anyone else experienced the same ?

[mellowgator]

sporty,

is your leg hot? if so you could very well have a blood clot. i'd get it checked out.




mellowgator

[Simba]

The foot discolouration is probably due to blood pooling in your feet and if not adressed properly through being able to get into a standing position through using a frame or standing wheelchair could become serious. If you are able to and have the right equipment be sure to stand on a regular basis!

With SCI your circulation in your extremities will always be affected to a certain extend as the heart has to work so hard to pump the blood around and there is a decrease in circulation due to paralysis and having no voluntary movement to assist in the circulation. It is essential that you improve the circulation through i) getting into a more vertical position regularly ii) doing passive exercises as ongoing deprivation of flowing blood in your legs could otherwise start affecting in particular your digestive system and making things worse for you. Ongoing lack of adequate circulation could possibly cause further damage to your cells & tissue as lack of nutrients being distributed will cause a certain amount of atrophy (dying off). Basic anatomy - if one system is compromised the other connecting systems in your body will also be effected.

Swelling could also be due to fluid retention. Passive exercising of your legs and feet should help remove the extra fluid build up a little. Detoxifying is also important in removing fluid - diet should be looked at - make sure you eat lots of fruit & veges, cranberries are one of the best at detoxifying your bodies so either juice or tea should help.

A blood clot also seems like a reasonable explanation, but judging the duration which you have had the discolouration for it is unlikely. Still talk further to both your GP and neurologist on this matter and they will be able to further comment on what is going on with your body and recommend form of treatment.

[sporty]

Thanks for the advice and comments, my foot is normal temp to touch but can feel very hot/cold to me, will see the neurologist

Edited by sporty, 13 April 2011 - 05:54 AM.