Numbness

[simoh1490]

I've been getting numbness in my thigh muscles for at least eight years, typically when I sit in a movie cinema seat, for the past year it happens also whilst walking. For the past three years I've been getting progressive numbness in my toes and I now sence this is starting to spread (in the form of weakness) up my legs.

 

A spinal MRI six years ago revealed diffuse disc bulge at L4-5 & L5-S1 plus moderate joint hypertrophy from L1 through  S1 although there is no nerve root compression, given a history of prolapse discs over the years I strongly suspect the numbness is the result of spinal issues - the ortho. however, dismissed the possibility that thigh numbness could result from such things and advised a wait and see approach. Interestingly, the relief from thigh numbness is to bring the knee towards the chest for about five seconds, further confirmation to me that the issue is spinal. The symptoms seem to affect both legs equally but is more pronounced at night/early morning - calf cramps at night are not at all frequent but not totally unknown either.

 

Two other possible candidates include diabetes and claudication: I have a cardiac stent and my A1C is borderline at 5.6.

 

I'm going to work my way through the options and will be seeing Dr Torphong Bunmaprasert (spine surgeon) on Saturday, I'm also in the process of checking my A1C since it's been nine months. Question is, which medical specialist to see to check for claudification, I know that an ultrasound exam is a helpful check but which type of doctor to start with on this?

 

Many thanks for in advance for any useful input.

 

 

Edited March 7, 2018 by simoh1490

[Sheryl]

Prof. Pramook Mutirangura in Bangkok. He is the head of the vascular surgery unit at Siriraj. Can be seen at:

Siriraj's private wing http://www.siphhospital.com/en/index.html

Phyathai 2 Hospital http://www.phyathai.com/doctorsearchdetail/54384/PYT2/en

He is at Phyathai only once a week the location is more convenient than Siriraj  - it is right near Victory Monument.

[Oxx]

2 hours ago, simoh1490 said:

my A1C is borderline at 5.6

 

Not borderline.  Actually very good.

[simoh1490]

1 hour ago, Oxx said:

 

Not borderline.  Actually very good.

5.7 and above is generally considered to be pre-diabetic and that's what my endocrinologist uses for her measurement, the Mayo Clinic agrees on this: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643

 

[sanemax]

I sometimes get a numbness in my legs when I am sitting cross legged , to cure this , I cross my legs over in reverse . From right over left to left over right .

   This always works

[Oxx]

35 minutes ago, simoh1490 said:

5.7 and above is generally considered to be pre-diabetic and that's what my endocrinologist uses for her measurement, the Mayo Clinic agrees on this: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643

 

Sorry.  I'd assumed from what you'd written that you were already diabetic and were controlling the condition.

 

That said, that sort of level isn't going to cause any problems, and certainly not peripheral neuropathy.

[simoh1490]

On 08/03/2018 at 8:41 AM, Sheryl said:

Prof. Pramook Mutirangura in Bangkok. He is the head of the vascular surgery unit at Siriraj. Can be seen at:

Siriraj's private wing http://www.siphhospital.com/en/index.html

Phyathai 2 Hospital http://www.phyathai.com/doctorsearchdetail/54384/PYT2/en

He is at Phyathai only once a week the location is more convenient than Siriraj  - it is right near Victory Monument.

Thankyou but I was actually looking for the name of the type of specialist I ought to see in order that I can identify somebody near where I live in Chiang Mai. Presumably, a radiologist to check for blockages and if needed, a Vascular Surgeon for any related treatment. And BTW my A1C came back this morning at 5.9, just to complicate matters!

Edited March 9, 2018 by simoh1490

[Sheryl]

You need a vascular surgeon to examine the adequacy of blood flow (physical exam and ultrasound).

 

Though you might start by just getting an ABI done which check up depts of most hospitals can do.

 

Sorry didn't realize you were in CM.

 

Dr. Kittipan Rerkasemis, has his own clinic  http://www.legveinclinicthailand.com/en/about-dr-kittipan.html

and also at CMU so probably available through Sripat

http://inter.oop.cmu.ac.th/directory_org.php?dir_org_id=29

His clinic focuses on varicose veins but he has the necessary training, should be able  to assess for artrial blood supply.

 

[simoh1490]

To wrap this up:

 

A1C is 5.9

CAVI is 9.0 (!) - a ten minute test followed by a two hour wait whilst the printer was fixed!

Spine doctor suggests physiotherapy for six weeks, we'll give it a try.

 

Interestingly, I met a Brit in the hospital around my age with identical symptoms which confirmed it's a spinal problem.