1 reply to this topic

[cprahl]

Hi,
My name Chuck, I'm T-6 Paraplegic 52 years old in chair for 40 years now. Over the past 4-5 years I have been getting these spasms that are continous and last 15-20 minutes ending in a severe spasm nearly unable to breath its so strong. My body is always wet in sweat after these extreme spsams. Nearly 95% of the time I can deal with these spasms. Also these 20 minute spasms are usually associated with constipation if I take an enema It usually stops the spasms . I get these spasms when I wake up in morning or when after I eat. THis usually triggers them. But I can go 2-3 weeks without any of these 20 minute spasm attacks . In the last year I have had 3 Autonomic Dysreflexia bouts which were included in my 20 minute spasm making the whole process so painful I literally wanted someone to kill me. I have never felt such pain, it was so scary my head was dripping sweat and if I didn't have this Nitro Glyseren to lower my opressure I'm sure I wouldn't be writing to you now. What I hope someone can help me with here is if there is any new medications to control the pressure during these attacks. I know that I must find out whats causing them so I'm udergoing many tests now.If anyone else has had this problem please write me if you have any new medications to help.

[Simon]

Its likely you already know what causes them- your bowel being full. Normally AD only happens as a last resort by the body, so suggest you need to improve your diet so you pass your phaeses quicker.
Drink more at least 3 litres/day, pref mostly water.
GTN is still widely used for control, also nephedipine (spelling?) stronger and longer acting but slower to act at outset. Be aware if you take too much you can go the other way, low bp which is just as dangerous! That's why GTN tends to be used, quick acting and short half life.
Your body is clearly reacting to something big time each spasm episode and AD is saying its getting worse, try your diet/bowel area first.
Simon