advice? thoughts?

[Guest guest]

This is from my mother....

Fifty year old female with history of nonspecific

connective tissue disease,

currently on Prednisone taper down to 7.5 mg a

day for flare involving

widespread pain and weakness in major muscle

groups - flare occurred in

August, treatment with 10 mg Prednisone a day

initiated in September, taper

begun one week ago. Have had sudden acute onset

of nocturnal

calf cramps with residual soreness in the

daytime, occurring on nearly a

nightly basis. Onset prior to beginning taper.

Also beginning at

approximately the same time, repeated foot cramps

causing foot to arch, toes

to spread, relieved by standing and applying

weight to affected foot. Leg

cramps and foot cramps occurring at times in both

left and right limbs.

Currently living in the Caribbean on island

without advanced medical care.

Cause is NOT dehydration or too much or too

little exercise - daily swimming

and stretching exercises done, but not to excess.

Only change in diet is

substitution of fish and other seafood instead of

beef. Have attempted to

boost potassium level by consumption of bananas

and potatoes daily with no

apparent improvement. Desire to avoid quinine

because of possible side

effects. Prior flares have primarily involved

excruciating pleuritic chest

pain. Tests have ruled out lupus and RA, consult

with rheumatologist three

years ago yielded no diagnosis, but treatment

with Prednisone at that time

resulted in remission for two year period.

Positive response to treatment

with Prednisone said by MD to be diagnostic of

connective tissue disease.

Primary care physician says specific diagnosis

would not change either

treatment or prognosis, so have opted not to

pursue further diagnostic work

at this time. Meds include Atarax (as treatment

for chronic interstitial

cystitis - this one works, although treatment

begun on basis of anecdotal

evidence only - dose is 150 mg at night) and

Prednisone. Do have access to

Valium, 5 mg., but have not used on a regular

basis. Long term history of

restless leg syndrome relieved only by small

doses of narcotic analgesic.

RLS worse in recent weeks. Cause not believed to

be psychological, as am in

markedly better mental health than in the past

due to relocation and

reduction in stress level. Any and all

advice/suggestions much appreciated.

This concerns me guys... both mom and I suspect

fibro.. I've been unofficially dxed by a chiro

and my family dr seems to agree with the

possibility... and mom has pretty much the same

symptoms I do.. and after reading up on it.. came

to the conclusion its prolly also what she has..

..Anything yall can come up with.. would help a

lot... much appreciated.... hope everyone is

having a good day...

Serena

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