I have felt this cramping of the calves for what seems like a few months after my brain stem stroke in November of 2008 but did not think about it much since I have not been doing that much walking around since the stroke.
He explained to me that what I described is the perfect symptom for CLAUDICATION. I said, "what the heck is that?"
Claudication is the effect the calves receive from someone who has PAD and they have narrowing of the arteries in the leg cutting off the oxygen supply to the calf muscle and giving the person a cramping feeling in the calf. It will go away after a few minutes of resting the calf but will return again after a walk for a short distance.
So this coming Monday I have an appointment for an ultra sound on my legs to determine the blockage area in my legs.
In the meantime I have done some research on the web and believe it or not the suggested therapy for CLAUDICATION is to WALK up to the point of maximum pain and then do it again at least 3 times a week. The following week increase the distance of the walk each week for about 8 weeks or when there is no pain in the legs after 50 minutes of walking.
Tomorrow morning I will start this walking campaign by going to the YMCA early and using their treadmill to do my walking and measure the distance and time accurately on their treadmill.
My office visit blood pressure is the lowest it has been in months ... 121/81 with a heart rate of 68 and a weight of 190 pounds. My goal is to lose 15 pounds and keep my BP and heart rate steady and to walk for an hour without pain in my calves. The first step of many to reach that goal begins now.
The purpose of this blog is chronicle my progress so that I and others can see how I am progressing.
