Blockages in arteries in legs?

392 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Blue*Mist, Aug 31, 2008

Karly1964

Discussion Starter · Aug 30, 2008

:worried:I recently went to my cardiologist and found out that I have minor blockages in my lower legs. It is good that they are minor and that the lipitor, and toprol will be helping with the cholesterol and high blood pressure. I am supposed to walk 3 to 4 times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each time. I started walking to build up to that but for the past two days it has been unbearably hot and humid here, so I will have to walk inside until it rains or a cool front passes over here. Does anyone else have this problem? It is really hard for me to get past the leg cramping to make the walk, but I think I will be able to build up to walking longer as the weather cools down if that ever happens. I am also on a 1500 calorie diet because I have become glucose intolerant, so the weight loss should help as well. Is this a common thing to have with lupus or ra?

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KarolH

· #2 · Aug 31, 2008

Karly,

Do you have a treadmill so that you can walk indoors where it is air conditioned?

If not have you given any thought to buying one?

I get horrible muscle cramps but mine seem to bother me more at night, especially after I lay down to go to sleep.

I take Baclofen for muscle spasticity and it really helps me a lot. Are you on anything? if not it may be worth talking to your doctor about.

I hope you get over this soon.:wink2:

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lazylegs

· #3 · Aug 31, 2008

Hi Karly,

The following link shows there may be some evidence that inflammation causes a build up of plaque. Since both RA and Lupus involve inflammation we would be at higher risk.

http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/web...ew_newsroomnews.aspx?articleid=1419&zoneid=59

When the weather isn't suitable I walk inside also. It isn't the same quality of exercise so I do it more frequently. A treadmill is a great idea if you can afford it.

It appears your doctor has prescribed the normal treatments for you. I hope you can get things under control quickly.

Take care,
Lazylegs

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sjink

· #4 · Aug 31, 2008

Hi

I am part of a research study looking into the risks of artheriosclerosis (spelling) in lupus, it is considered a risk factor. I also have APS/Hughes and high cholesterol, all factors involved in clotting and possible thickening of the arteries.

Would an exercise bike help or does it have to be walking, bikes being cheaper than treadmills I think. I take lipitor and also an aspirin a day. Like you I find it hard to walk in heat, I get drenched with sweat very quickly so only walk in the later afternoon at the moment when it is cooler.

Love
Sara

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Nutty

· #5 · Aug 31, 2008

I don't have any experience with blocked ateries in my legs, but I do like these tapes for walking inside. You can start with the 1 mile. Sometimes you can find a boxed set with athe 1,2 and 3 mile.

It makes walking inside a lilttle better/more fun. You can also use light hand weigts to use througout the walk.

http://www.amazon.com/Walk-1-2-Mile/dp/B000069I2S

I'm sure there are other ones out there too.

Good luck,

Nutty

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Blue*Mist

· #6 · Aug 31, 2008

Hi...
When I didn't have a gym membership, I used to walk early mornings at the local mall... before stores open, there were quite a lot of us, we got to know each other and I looked forward to the social aspect and of course, the exercise ! That was a number of years ago, not sure if its still an option.
Good Luck

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