Hi, I had some bloodwork done after I went to see my neurologist. I told him my legs feel like they are getting very weak. I have difficulty walking up stairs. I have to stop for a bit when I get to the top. My legs feel tired all the time. I am getting a little nervous about it. I was getting use to dealing with everything else but I am afraid if this progresses I may not be able to keep working.
My neuro said he was going to do the BW and may want to do a muscle biopsy (if anyone has any ideas why it will be appreciated).
The abnormal labs were a glucose of 110, carnitine esters of 3, RBC 3.69, hemoglobin of 11.6. By the way the labs were fasting. I have always tended to be slightly anemic so that explains (at least I think) the RBC & Hemo. I don't quite understand the carnitine levels the normal said 3.8-19. Could it be that a level of 3 isn't that much off.
I would appreciate any info anyone has to offer on the blood levels and the muscle weakness.
Right now I am home sick. I think I might have bronchitis my doctor ordered an antibiotic. At least I get to lay down for a few days.
hopeful

I hope the antibiotic is not a fluoroquinolone!

Our bodies make carnitine but it can get low with age.
There is some carnitine in meats....but if you are low, it wouldn't hurt to take as a supplement. Start at 500mg a day acetyl carnitine, and you might feel better.

Carnitine helps the mitochondria use fatty acids when glucose is low. So energy needs can still be met.

110 fasting glucose suggests insulin resistance. Not high enough to be diabetic yet. But when glucose cannot get into cells, the cells cannot produce energy...another reason to use carnitine.

Two major families of drugs can deplete carnitine in the body.
Depakote (valproic acid) and the antivirals used in HIV treatments.

Here is a monograph on Carnitine;
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/c...e-l-000291.htm

The muscle biopsy is to look for mitochondrial damage. Some people carry the genes for mito disorders, and muscle weakness is one sign of that.

Hi Mrs. D, Thank you for the information. Should I request any other tests to r/o insulin resistance? I know my A1C in good at 5.4.
Do you know if there are many of us that end up with mitrochondrial disorders. Can they start with SFN? As I said I was able to find a way to deal with SFN but this muscle weakness is really scaring me.
I am afraid I am going to lose my ability to get around. I am a fairly young 53 year old. I have my first granddaughter and another on the way. I have to work full time. Unfortunately, with the economy my husband lost a lot of work and we can't afford to be without my income. I also have a job I have been at for 12 years from which I will get a pension. My husband has no pension. I know that I have to stop worrying because this does not help. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work and could just take care of myself.
Well that is enough complaining. Sorry! I am usually not this down. I do have so much to be thankful for. My personal life really couldn't be much better. I also have all of you to talk to. By the way I am taking a z-pac. I believe that is OK?
Thanks for all you do. hopeful

Yes, Z-pak is okay as far as we know now still.

Dr. Bruce Ames believes that as people age, the mitochondria may age too. I have some links about them in the SubForum:

This link to the first post in that thread has links to explain the mitochondria with pictures.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post657829-1.html

Over the years, I've read some of the mito sites. I recall one doctor who said that people who carry only one gene (it takes two to create the genetic disorder which is apparent in children), may develop mito issues sooner than those who do not carry the one gene. I don't know if that has been proven or not.

Mitochondria can be poisoned, or be damaged by toxins or drugs. So it may be acquired as well. And you may not have this at all. The biopsy is more to rule out probably than to confirm. Your doctor is just covering the bases.

Thanks again! Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Muscle weakness is the scariest thing for me too. I don't know if massage might help -- under normal metabolic conditions muscles take care of themselves, but not so much for people with neuropathy. I've read that massage can both increase circulation and release endorphins.

Just a thought. My best to you and your family!

One has to be careful with massage. If the masseuse presses too heavily on the dorsal root ganglia along the spine, it can activate problems. I had one do this to my upper back/neck once that stimulated my shingles pain. I couldn't move for 3 days after that. The pain resulting from that was immense!

Have the masseuse stay way from your spine.... just in case.

If you have lots of weakness... do you have double vision that comes and goes or drooping eyelids? This may signal another autoimmune problem-- Myasthenia gravis. Keep that in mind too.

Thanks, I have been sick so I haven't been on. I have been having double vision only upon waking. I have been sick so I thought possibly was that. I will keep an eye on it. hopeful

The muscle weakness is scary. Like I said I can tolerate all the rest. As I said to Mrs. D though, I have been sick maybe it started with the weakness and it will go away.
Thanks for the reply. My best to you and your family also. hopeful