Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Is she experiencing neuropathy?

Madeline has taken a turn for the better in regards to her cold - wonderful. But, this morning she experienced her legs feeling funny again. She's done this on and off since beginning her treatment. She only complains of this odd, tickling feeling (as she explains it) in the mornings.

It's always when I am ready to do her hair. She comes to my bathroom and sits by the jacuzzi and rubs her feet. She says they feel funny, tickle, then have a burning feel to them. My first thought is always...it's the JDM ready to attack. But, this morning it hit me that my dad has the same problems, but for him it's neuropathy.

I looked up Madeline's medication side effects tonight and I've attached what it says about cyclosporine. What did we do before Google??? Seems to me - the cyclosporine is the culprit.

Cyclopsorine side effects:
The most common and potentially serious side effects are high blood pressure and kidney problems. Both problems are more likely to occur in elderly people who take this medication. Approximately a quarter of patients taking cyclosporine for rheumatoid arthritis develop mild to moderate high blood pressure. Approximately half of patients develop mild kidney problems while on this medication, and may need to adjust their dosage or discontinue the medication. Kidney function usually improves after stopping the medication. Because this medication affects the kidney, cyclosporine can cause gout in some individuals or worsen underlying gout in others. Other commonly experienced side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or dyspepsia, and swelling of the hands or feet. In addition, approximately 10 percent of patients taking cyclosporine may develop tremors, increased hair growth, muscle cramps, or numbness and tingling of the hands or feet (known as neuropathy). Some patients taking cyclosporine develop swelling of the gums. Brushing and flossing regularly may help to prevent this.

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