Anyone familiar with alcoholic myopathy?
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Join Date: Jan 2018
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Anyone familiar with alcoholic myopathy?
My RAH has been to the doctors several times over the past two years for muscle weakness and some atrophy. The doctors have no clue and just say it's because he's older. He's 53, not 83.
So I consulted Dr Google and came across alcoholic myopathy. The symptoms fit. Muscle weakness in the hips, thighs and arm, he has had severe cramps in his thighs and calves so bad you can see the muscle spasms. He has a 40 year drinking career, and has sat in his chair, depressed the first 8 months of his recovery. That probably doesn't help the situation.
He is almost 11 months sober, and all my research says it should be better or gone by 6 months at the most after they stop drinking. It is getting worse though, his legs are weak and he has a bit of trouble getting out of the chair or going up stairs.
He can't get a doctor to take it seriously, and he is getting worried, so I though I'd ask if anyone else has had a loved one with the same issue. How is it treated? Was treatment successful?
So I consulted Dr Google and came across alcoholic myopathy. The symptoms fit. Muscle weakness in the hips, thighs and arm, he has had severe cramps in his thighs and calves so bad you can see the muscle spasms. He has a 40 year drinking career, and has sat in his chair, depressed the first 8 months of his recovery. That probably doesn't help the situation.
He is almost 11 months sober, and all my research says it should be better or gone by 6 months at the most after they stop drinking. It is getting worse though, his legs are weak and he has a bit of trouble getting out of the chair or going up stairs.
He can't get a doctor to take it seriously, and he is getting worried, so I though I'd ask if anyone else has had a loved one with the same issue. How is it treated? Was treatment successful?
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Location: USA
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Wamma, I am sorry he is going through this! Unfortunately, not all doctors take addiction as seriously as they should. I am unfamiliar with his issue, so no help there. Question though, is he taking a statin (sp?) drug for any other issues? My father was taking one for high cholesterol and it gave him similar side affects to what you are describing. No idea if it would be related, I just thought I would throw it out there.
Big hugs, I hope he gets some relief!
Big hugs, I hope he gets some relief!
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
"Use it or lose it," comes to mind.
When I was drinking I was also over-weight, sedentary, and eating a junk diet. It's a perfect storm for depression and lack-of-use muscle atrophy. I was his age when I lost a lot of weight and started exercising and eating well.
Just like the alcoholism, no one will be able to light much of a fire under him if he isn't ready to start moving more. If you're in charge of meals you can help with working on his nutrition.
Sorry, but it's one of those things he really needs to take charge of...maybe in time he will. Exercise and a healthy nutrition plan worked for me, now I walk big hills for an hour most days, and I'm at the lower end of my healthy weight range.
When I was drinking I was also over-weight, sedentary, and eating a junk diet. It's a perfect storm for depression and lack-of-use muscle atrophy. I was his age when I lost a lot of weight and started exercising and eating well.
Just like the alcoholism, no one will be able to light much of a fire under him if he isn't ready to start moving more. If you're in charge of meals you can help with working on his nutrition.
Sorry, but it's one of those things he really needs to take charge of...maybe in time he will. Exercise and a healthy nutrition plan worked for me, now I walk big hills for an hour most days, and I'm at the lower end of my healthy weight range.
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 92
Alcohol and drugs has adverse effects on the brain.
I relapsed and overdosed on alcohol and drugs.
I had cognitive difficulties for a period of time.
I have been been clean and sober over 7 years now,
and I am a screenplay writer.
I am blessed that I have been restored.
Every person is different.
I relapsed and overdosed on alcohol and drugs.
I had cognitive difficulties for a period of time.
I have been been clean and sober over 7 years now,
and I am a screenplay writer.
I am blessed that I have been restored.
Every person is different.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 681
Originally Posted by hopeful4 
Wamma, I am sorry he is going through this! Unfortunately, not all doctors take addiction as seriously as they should. I am unfamiliar with his issue, so no help there. Question though, is he taking a statin (sp?) drug for any other issues? My father was taking one for high cholesterol and it gave him similar side affects to what you are describing. No idea if it would be related, I just thought I would throw it out there.
Big hugs, I hope he gets some relief!
Big hugs, I hope he gets some relief!
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Midwest
Posts: 8,335
Maybe he should seek a second opinion to rule out anything serious....especially if his doctor isn't taking him seriously.
I don't know much about myopathy , however a friend who had it from heavy drinking had permanent problems with her feet.
I don't know much about myopathy , however a friend who had it from heavy drinking had permanent problems with her feet.
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 681
Originally Posted by biminiblue
"Use it or lose it," comes to mind.
When I was drinking I was also over-weight, sedentary, and eating a junk diet. It's a perfect storm for depression and lack-of-use muscle atrophy. I was his age when I lost a lot of weight and started exercising and eating well.
Just like the alcoholism, no one will be able to light much of a fire under him if he isn't ready to start moving more. If you're in charge of meals you can help with working on his nutrition.
Sorry, but it's one of those things he really needs to take charge of...maybe in time he will. Exercise and a healthy nutrition plan worked for me, now I walk big hills for an hour most days, and I'm at the lower end of my healthy weight range.
When I was drinking I was also over-weight, sedentary, and eating a junk diet. It's a perfect storm for depression and lack-of-use muscle atrophy. I was his age when I lost a lot of weight and started exercising and eating well.
Just like the alcoholism, no one will be able to light much of a fire under him if he isn't ready to start moving more. If you're in charge of meals you can help with working on his nutrition.
Sorry, but it's one of those things he really needs to take charge of...maybe in time he will. Exercise and a healthy nutrition plan worked for me, now I walk big hills for an hour most days, and I'm at the lower end of my healthy weight range.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 681
Originally Posted by BriarSkye
Alcohol and drugs has adverse effects on the brain.
I relapsed and overdosed on alcohol and drugs.
I had cognitive difficulties for a period of time.
I have been been clean and sober over 7 years now,
and I am a screenplay writer.
I am blessed that I have been restored.
Every person is different.
I relapsed and overdosed on alcohol and drugs.
I had cognitive difficulties for a period of time.
I have been been clean and sober over 7 years now,
and I am a screenplay writer.
I am blessed that I have been restored.
Every person is different.
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Wamama…...I agree with cryanoak, on this. Yes...the "use it or lose it" is an obvious first thought...but, if it persists, even when he is reasonably active....I think it would be time to consult a specialist....since there is a long list of neuromuscular diseases that can be more obscure...and, only a specialist would think of them.....Since he is legally blind, as I understand it...that is just one m ore complicating factor in his balance and physical stability....
If it were up to me...I would visit an Medical Internist, next...and then, they can make an even more specific referral, based on their findings.....
If it were up to me...I would visit an Medical Internist, next...and then, they can make an even more specific referral, based on their findings.....
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Originally Posted by dandylion
Wamama…...I agree with cryanoak, on this. Yes...the "use it or lose it" is an obvious first thought...but, if it persists, even when he is reasonably active....I think it would be time to consult a specialist....since there is a long list of neuromuscular diseases that can be more obscure...and, only a specialist would think of them.....Since he is legally blind, as I understand it...that is just one m ore complicating factor in his balance and physical stability....
If it were up to me...I would visit an Medical Internist, next...and then, they can make an even more specific referral, based on their findings.....
If it were up to me...I would visit an Medical Internist, next...and then, they can make an even more specific referral, based on their findings.....
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 16,246
Wamama…...A specialist in internal medicine....specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in adults....generally, diseases of the internal organs...
A family doctor is usually specializing in primary care of the entire family...from babies, and throughout the life span....some even deliver babies....
They generally practice more broadly t han the internist....although there can be some overlay....
The best way to know is to pick someone who has "internal medicine" after their name.....
A family doctor is usually specializing in primary care of the entire family...from babies, and throughout the life span....some even deliver babies....
They generally practice more broadly t han the internist....although there can be some overlay....
The best way to know is to pick someone who has "internal medicine" after their name.....
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