Blood flow circulation low. Suggestion needed.

[tomx2]

Hello.

About 2 months ago my left Foot, Arm and part of my Thigh tighten (felt asleep) to some degree.

2 weeks after, part of my left arm and my big toe remain having tingling feeling when I rub them. Whenever I put on a shirt(rubbing up on my arm), I get a sensitive feeling.

Has anyone ever experience this?

Went to Pattaya Memorial, had a CAT (brain) scan. Was told I had a tiny spot on my brain causing a irregular blood flow. Was given 81MG baby aspirin and B12 Complex.

After a month of taking the medication, changing my diet (adding some vegetables) walking more, I still have the same symptoms in my left arm and toe. Until I return to the U.S. (in 3 months to see my doctor), I am looking for any helpful alternatives that may increase my Blood flow circulation. I am a 60yr senior citizen.

Suggestion of vitamins, veggies, exercises would be helpful.

Thanks.

TC.

[Sheryl]

"tiny spot on my brain causing a irregular blood flow" does not sound like any recognizable condition to me.

Circulation to your arms, legs etc is not affected by brain lesions.

Brain lesions can, however, affect your ability to feel (and sometimes move) some parts of the body. Possibly you have had a small stroke.

In other words, your condition was either not properly explained to you or not properly diagnosed. In either case I suggest you get the scans (actual films) and any other test results and consult a neurologist in Bangkok Hospital Bangkok, where the level of care is vastly better than at BPH. Suggest one of these doctors:

Dr. Chanpong Tangkanakul (UK trained)

Dr. Jitphapa Pongmoragot (Canada trained)

Vitamins and exercises aren't going to do anything.

[Briggsy]

Sounds like the accountant at Pattaya Memorial had noticed the CAT scanner had spare capacity. Marginal costing and all that.

[hugocnx]

My suggestion; some neck problem, go see a chiropractor.

[DogNo1]

It could be a pinched nerve or poor peripheral circulation. Horse Chestnut (I think that it's sold as Reparil in Thailand) can help peripheral circulation but it would be good to get the exam that Sheryl suggests. If you've had a small stroke, rehabilitation would be in order. Good luck.

[jacko45k]

I would look for a second opinion from a different hospital.......

[oztaurus]

The dosages for B12 for nerve repair are significantly higher than found in most supplements, and need to be taken in a specific form (Methylcobalamin) for quite a while.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8021696

[moon0205]

I had similar symptoms after heart attack. since taking garlic supplement regularly (2 times 2 capsules) they are gone. Please look at this >

Garlic supplementation increases peripheral blood flow: a role for interleukin-6?

Anim-Nyame N¹, Sooranna SR, Johnson MR, Gamble J, Steer PJ.

Author information

Abstract

There is considerable epidemiological and clinical evidence that regular garlic supplementation reduces cardiovascular risk. In this study, we have investigated the hypothesis that dietary garlic supplementation increases tissue blood flow and this is mediated by the vasodilatory actions of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Venous occlusion plethysmography was used to measure resting calf blood flow before and after oral administration of 600 mg of garlic tablets once daily for 7 days in 13 young healthy female volunteers (treatment group) and 13 female controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Blood samples were obtained at the time of plethysmography to measure plasma levels of IL-6, nitrate, nitrite and c-GMP. In the treatment group, calf blood flow increased significantly from 3.01 (2.56 to 3.3) ml min(-1) 100 mL(-1) of tissue before garlic to 3.46 (3.0 to 4.03) ml min(-1) 100 mL(-1) of tissue after 7 days of garlic (P = 0.001). Plasma IL-6 concentrations increased significantly from 54.6 (32.3 to 151.6) mcg/mL before to 151 (135.75 to 422.3) mcg/mL after 7 days of garlic (P = 0.02). However, there was no significant change in the plasma levels of nitrate, nitrite and c-GMP after the garlic (P = 0.4, 0.9 and 0.65 respectively). In the control group, resting calf blood flow and plasma levels of IL-6, nitrite, nitrate and c-GMP remained unchanged after 7 days (P = 0.62, 0.92, 0.28 and 0.35 respectively). Calf blood flow showed a non-linear correlation with plasma IL-6 levels after garlic supplementation (r = 0.86, p = <0.001) but not before. There was no significant relationship between blood flow and plasma nitrate, nitrite and c-GMP in either groups and between blood flow and IL-6 in the control group. These data suggest that garlic supplementation increases resting tissue blood flow and this may be mediated by IL-6.

from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14711458

[faraday]

Have you seen a Neurologist?

This sounds like some sort of Sensory Neuropathy, but what this 'small spot' is, I've no idea.

I suggest gentle exercise, such as walking 30 mins per day, & swimmimg a little.

If you do take any B Vitamins, then take the whole group & not just B12.

Thinking about this further...perhaps the Docs meant 'Plaque' & not 'spot', which may possibly explain your symptoms a little.

I strongly suggest you get this investigated further.

[malt25]

I'd be seeking a second opinion from another hospital or doctor...... not a public forum. Best of luck.

[georgemandm]

Yes go home now

[SOTIRIOS]

....medical history and habits...habitat...are all factors...

...it sounds neurlogical...

...a change a of diet...not just 'a few more vegetables'....

...garlic...onions...extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil....

...B-12 Vitamin...B-Complex...Vitamin D-3.....whey protein....

...cut white flour and starches...cut artificial sweeteners....cut msg and other taste enhancers and preservatives...

...make sure that you are not exposed to toxins.....molds....pesticides around where you live...

...good luck....

[Srikcir]

I suggest NO change to your diet or exercise routine until your conditions are properly diagnosed.

And that should be done immediately.

The daily 81mg aspirin can be a preventative as well as mitigate to a small degree some potential causes for your problems. But should surgery be required it may hamper internal healing. So a mixed solution.

[MRH1959]

I have a similar sensation with my left foot, consisting with numbness and tingling from big toe and next 2 toes, and a slight swelling under the front of the foot.

This symptom first appeared 2 weeks ago at friend's new house in Korat while we have been painting and tiling the floors. I'm ususually quite robust and shug of 'minor' things as a 'possible insect bite, or similar', although, as this hasn't changed in 2 weeks I plan to visit the hospital in Ladprao tomorrow when not busy.

I noticed some skin itches when rubbing against the cement and the rubber backing of the tiles and also wonder about any chemical reactions my body may have.

Being so hot doing the renovations and either wearing jandals or having bare feet may also be of some factor.

The insect bites have also been annoying as the bites come up like blisters.

I have been using a lot of 'BALM' to limit the pain annoyance.

Please stay in touch with any updates, and I'll do the same.

At the end of the day, I think we are our own worse enemy and need to look at what we do daily.

[lomm]

You have just one thing to do and it's to go to see one more doctor.

Go to Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok, it's the best hospital in Thailand

and they check you.

The internet will not help you and it's realy bad idea to wait with that.

Bring with you every paper that you got in Pattaya.

Good luck.

[likeke]

Take Sheryl's advice. You need a complete neurological workup. See the physicians she recommended. Won't be cheap. You have insurance or the cash for this? If not, go back to your home country ASAP. Too serious to wait 3 months. A lesion in your brain is not necessarily reason for poor circulation. Sounds more like a stroke. Diet, exercise and vitamins will not help you with your current symptoms. You should be doing these things anyway.

[Mudcrab]

And leave the aspirin (and the other quack suggestions) alone until you have seen a specialist as Sheryl suggests. The last thing you want is any blood thinning agent if you've had a brain bleed.

[sead]

Get a young hot thaigirlfriend.Im fighting mine 24/7, If that aint getting your heart going then you aint human

[tomx2]

This is the OP.

Thanks for your helpful replies.

I'm assuming Bangkok Hospital Bangkok would be quite expensive consulting a specialist.

Unfortunately, my medial insurance does not cover overseas cost.

But I will see a neurologist when I return to the U.S.

TC.

[oncearugge]

This is the OP.

Thanks for your helpful replies.

I'm assuming Bangkok Hospital Bangkok would be quite expensive consulting a specialist.

Unfortunately, my medial insurance does not cover overseas cost.

But I will see a neurologist when I return to the U.S.

TC.

An outpatient consultation anywhere in Thailand will not be expensive.

Have you obtained copies of your notes and CAT scan images? These should be available whether you seek further advice here in Thailand or in the US

[DogNo1]

Please keep in mind that many medical problems are treatable if caught early on. I had a dear friend who hated going to hospitals and his liver cancer was diagnosed rather late. While his doctor was holding back on antibiotics to spare his liver, he died of pneumonia.

My stepfather was diagnosed with throat cancer and coronary vascular disease at the same time. He died of the cancer since they treated his heart first. The point is that multiple medical problems can occur at the same time so it is good to get each problem treated as soon as possible. If you can possibly afford it, see a doctor in Bangkok. It might save your life. Being alive and poor is better than being rich and dead. Good luck!

[Mike45]

This is the OP.

Thanks for your helpful replies.

I'm assuming Bangkok Hospital Bangkok would be quite expensive consulting a specialist.

Unfortunately, my medial insurance does not cover overseas cost.

But I will see a neurologist when I return to the U.S.

TC.

Seeing the doctors that Sheryl recommended will not be expensive. Probably be as cheap as $30 for the doctors opinion in Thailand...... in America it would probably cost $500. After listening to him you can make your decision how and where you want to proceed.

Don't ignore what's going on.....its possible to get a second stroke that could turn you into a vegetable...... How would you handle that with your insurance that won't cover it.

Good Luck..... Can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

[chubby]

sounds more like cervical spinal central stenosis, than brain related, what part of the brain was the spot ? aspirin is for prevention of heart disease, not usually mini strokes, anyway, if it was central nervous , i guess its possible esp if it is in the ?sensory cortex

[Sheryl]

This is the OP.

Thanks for your helpful replies.

I'm assuming Bangkok Hospital Bangkok would be quite expensive consulting a specialist.

Unfortunately, my medial insurance does not cover overseas cost.

But I will see a neurologist when I return to the U.S.

TC.

Bangkok Hospital/Bangkok is less expensive than its Pattaya affiliate. An outpatient consultation will not be at all expensive unless additional scans are needed. Bringing CT with you should help avoid that. Cost then inclusive of both specialist fee and hospital charge should be under 2,000 baht. Do not buy any medications at the hospital pharmacy, get them outside.

Indeed for the symptoms mentioned the differential would include problems of the cervical spine, recommendation to see neurologist is based on the fact that some sort of brain lesion was reportedly seen on th CT. If a neurologist does mot think there is anything on the scan or neuro exam that would explain the sptoms then next stop would be an ortho spine specialist.

[tomx2]

ok thanks Sheryl.

I have a copy of my CT scan.

When I return from Cambodia (Tourist Visa), I'll contact one of your suggested Physicians.

TC.

[Kitsune]

Saturated fats are really bad for circulation

Number one ubiquitous culprit in LOS is oil :

1 table spoon of olive oil reduces your blood flow by half for 10 hours.

5 hours after a Happy Meal your blood flow is still reduced by 20%.

So if you eat saturated fat at each meals your blood flow is constantly impacted and never have time to recover.

[gemguy]

Could easily be a vitamin or mineral deficiency and often over looked as the reason for any number of minor ailments.

To know if that is the case you still have to go and have some tests performed while all too many doctors will misdiagnose the problem or tell you not to worry...you seem fine.

Often enough you have to be diligent and figure it out on your own, in part, and then make some of your own decisions as doctors, sincere as they are for the most part, can very often misdiagnose people and or really do not put a whole lot of thought or time into your particular problem....but they still charge for their time and opinion while leaving you all the more confused about the exact medical ailment you are suffering.

Cheers and good luck.

[faraday]

I'd be very interested to see your CT Scan,but remove all the id.

[DisparateDan]

I have recently got the symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (my own diagnosis), and have started today a regimen of Aspirin.

I do walk and swim, no smoke or alcohol.

I can't imagine running the gauntlet of the hospitals here, Brain Scan for a first consultation !. ".I'll go to the foot of our stairs. !"

[Kitsune]

Food is the 1st culprit.

- Number one is oil: 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil slows your blood flow for 10 hours.

- Any saturated fat is also making your blood sluggish and damages the linen of your arteries.

.