« Thoughts on diabetes, kidney failure and gastric issues »

June to August 2006

Almost 44 and I'm falling to bits already!

A few years ago I was superfit… OK, I wasn't rippling muscles, but I could press my own weight and run a five minute mile without breaking a sweat. I rarely caught the bug and viruses that did the rounds, not even sniffles and with one or two exceptions* I had a steel stomach, so to speak. It's practically a family joke that I'm a human dustbin where food it concerned!

*Barring chocolate and tea which give me migraine.
Oh yes and Stilton cheese (the mouldy blue-veined one) which is, let's be frank, disgusting!

Anyway, I was feeling a bit down and we all know misery loves company, so I thought I'd share

A few years ago a virus appears to have triggered triggered HSP, a degenerative neural disorder akin to Motor Neurone Disease (but without the fatality rate). As I said, one day I could run a 5 mile miles without breaking a sweat the next - literally and every since I struggle to even stand and walk short distances.

A few years of 'interesting' tests followed, including but not limited to blood, x-rays, DNA tests, MRI scans, CT or CAT scans and a lumbar puncture (that one HURT). Oh yes, and years of manic/clinical depression… and just as I'm dealing with things another ruddy something knocks me for six. Bearing in mind I tend avoid catching or quickly shrug off colds, flu's and the other annual ills that go round I tend to be a rotten 'patient' I also have a proverbial steel stomach and not without reason my family considered me a human dustbin as there is virtually nothing I can't eat…

Or wasn't until two months ago. It took my doctor a month to exclaim I had indigestion. Me!? I ask you! Never in my life (I'm 44, almost). Apart from the fact the indigestion went on for weeks and now months.

I'm tired all the time (even more than usual at any rate), piddling every hour - all through the night - thirsty all the time (vicious circle that), have a vile taste in my mouth most of the time and am sick to death of stomach cramps and nausea.
(With the rapid weight gain and cravings my wife has decided I'm actually pregnant! *mutter*)

So they send me for more blood tests, come back in 3 weeks. Later that day it's more a case of We got some results back, see me first thing in the morning.

Net result is I'm rushed off for even more blood tests, and am awaiting an tests and appointments for a gastroscopy (a camera down your throat) and x-ray/sonic scan.

I have to await some more tests and test results but practically overnight, it seems, I have suffered kidney failure, might have developed diabetes and have developed gastric problems. If never rains but it pours, eh!

Doing a little research, many of the symptoms can be related to complications associated with HSP, especially the bladder problems. As it happens my next appointment with Dr Steiger, my consultant, is tomorrow so I'll see what he has to say on the matter, that and spend yet another month doing the rounds of the hospitals in the region. Ho hum.


Continues here:

Thoughts on diabetes and kidney failure

and in my Kidney Failure diary

What is Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia?
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), also called familial spastic paraparesis (FSP), refers to a group of inherited disorders that are characterized by progressive weakness and stiffness of the legs. Though the primary feature of HSP is severe, progressive, lower extremity spasticity, in more complicated forms it can be accompanied by other neurological symptoms. These include optic neuropathy, retinopathy (diseases of the retina), dementia, ataxia (lack of muscle control), icthyosis (a skin disorder resulting in dry, rough, scaly skin), mental retardation, peripheral neuropathy, and deafness. Diagnosis is primarily by neurological examination and testing to exclude other disorders. Specialized genetic testing and diagnosis are available at some medical centers.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

See also: Spastic Paraplegia Foundation

Also of interest: About: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia