Dystonia, right leg and foot
 

Guys I need help tonight ASAP. Anyone diagnosed with dystonia? My right leg has been so spastic for the last 6 weeks that I am beside myself. I'm maxed out on both Baclofen and Valium and took an ambien to sleep but the rippling contractures are so agonizing I can't even lay down. The neurologist I saw today suggested it is either caused or exacerbated by the bipolar med I take, Geodon. I only take 60 mg. He added in cogentin but wants me to consider going to lithium. I find it odd if it is med related that 7 months after I started Geodon, the dystonia started.
My question is, I work retail part time. Am on full disability due to EDS, but need the income from work... I have to be into work in 6 hours and have no idea how I will be able to tolerate standing for 6 hours without a break. I have called out due to this same issue before so if I call out again I'll be fired. Should I just go on and resign? I've been putting employment apps in to careers where I will not have to be on my feet all day.
Also, is there ANYTHING I can try to relieve the pain and spasms? Oh, also, I have had cervical dystonia in the past. Any physical exertion makes my leg so much worse.
Thanks so much

I have not heard of dystonia involving the leg. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. Had spasms of the left side of neck, shoulder area. This would also bring on migraines. I did see a neurologist from Rush Medical Center in Chicago who gave me a series of Botox injections on the side and back of neck, and shoulder area. It did nothing for me.

If this continues; You certainly can't continue working in a job that requires a lot of
standing. I think it would be wise to try applying for positions that would allow you to sit. Obviously, the standing is aggravating whatever is affecting your leg.

Hope you can get some relief soon.

Gerry

Gerry, are you fixed? Did you have any sort of whiplash injury? Also did you get your shoulder evaluated on te side of dystonia? Shoulder imbalances can cause these issues. I apologize if i am being presumptuous just trying to help.

Thanks for your input.
No whiplash; but it appeared like a muscle/vessel on the left side of my neck would bulge/protrude; eventually began to extended to my shoulder, then to my shoulder blade. It was more like spasms.

I suffered from migraines since early teens. Light especially would cause my left eye pressure; then the side of the neck ( muscle/vessel) would stiffen/protrudel. This continued until the bulge all the way from neck to the shoulder remained permanent. Some days worse than others. I did have physical therapy and manipulation to attempt to realign my neck, etc.

During an eye exam by an Ophthalmologist I was asked me if anyone had ever mentioned I had Cervical Dystonia. This was the first I had heard of this. He recommended a Neurologist at Rush Medical Center who specialized in using botox for treatment of Dystonia. She said I had a milder form of Cervical Dystonia. I had a couple of botox treatments but didn't notice any change so I stopped.

A few years ago, along with some other meds, I was prescribed Vallium. After a few months I noticed I had started to be able to lay on my left side. (I hadn't been able to do that for several years.) Valium is not only for anxiety; but muscle spasms. While I still have these issues,; they are much milder and less painful.


Gerry