NeuroTalk Support Groups

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Peripheral Neuropathy (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/)

- - Muscle loss (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/220465-muscle-loss.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by canagirl (Post 1143317)

Eventually, testing ruled out all the really nasty stuff. Over a period of weeks my strength came back, and medications controlled the twitching and cramping. Unfortunately, just when I thought everything was OK, the burning feet started........

I'm sure this is not exactly like your case. But, I do believe that any person who starts to closely examine their body will start to find things that they never noticed before or don't look right. And, that can kick off anxiety that just makes it worse.

Which medications controlled your twitching ?[/QUOTE]

Gabapentin - 1800 mg/day, helps my twitching and cramping considerably. Although my lower legs are acting up today - not sure why.

For me, it took about two years before my muscles were noticeably wasting. I have also lost weight and get the twitching leg muscles. The lower calf/ankle area is thin and bony, didn't used to be.

Magnesium citrate helps my twitching and cramping.

I don't see how sfn could cause muscle wasting. Perhaps it's due to less activity due to the pain?

My very limited understanding is that loss of muscle tone can occur without properly functioning (motor) neurons. It can also occur from inactivity.

PN is #1 on the list of possible causes of muscle wasting on the Healthline site.

http://www.healthline.com/symptom/muscle-wasting

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellsac (Post 1143182)

Hello

I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. NVC and EMG back in January were completely clean.

It seems as though I am losing muscle mass, though...or maybe I am imagining it. It can be hard to tell the difference sometimes haha. My muscles wear themselves out much faster, and I feel like I have lost tone. I don't necessarily think I am less active...but perhaps I am.

I also get a good amount of twitching and some deeper muscle pain at times...at least it feels deeper. I am seeing my neuro again in a few weeks for a follow up. Does anyone get these issues with small fiber only? I am scared that my motor nerves are now being affected.

I do of course have other problems...autoimmune Addison's disease and hypothyroidism which are both well managed (as much as they can be anyway).

My diet is as far as I know very good. I eat tons of veggies, some fruit, seafood, whey protein, some whole grains.

Hi ellsac

Just a follow up to my previous post. The neurologist I saw yesterday said it was very likely that autoimmune Addison's Disease can cause PN/SFN in the same manner as other autoimmune diseases, (and you have the Lyme to contend with as well). He was less certain on the PN being the cause of muscle loss but said it could be PN/SFN combined with other factors including autoimmune, restricted mobility, pain, weight, age etc. Hard to tell the cause when there are multiple factors.

Beatle's link on the post above had some useful info. It appears the treatment for maintaining muscles is fairly standard (ie: no miracle cures - use 'em or lose 'em!) If the loss becomes severe or very sudden it'd be worth getting your doc to check it out. In the meantime you can test limb strength with weight tolerance at the gym using arm and leg pulls, increasing the weights and comparing limbs, to see if one is stronger than the other.

All the best for getting those muscles back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluesfan (Post 1143513)

Thanks, Bluesfan. That's helpful. yeah-Addison's is so rare, I feel there is just a lot they don't know about it. I'm going to try and get back to the gym slowly. I'm actually gaining weight (cries)...but it certainly isn't muscle! haha