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I have myriad chronic health problems: Type 1 Diabetes since 1978 (on pump 4+ years); Chronic Unspecified Abdominal Pain (Possibly/likely Gastroparesis depending whom you ask) controlled with narcotics; a history of partial and total bowel obstruction due to adhesions and, finally, Stage III Renal Failure with Chronic Kidney Disease--surprisingly due to blood pressure rather than 35 years of Diabetes. I also have a plethora of peripheral neuropathies and have lost the great toe on my right foot due to a bone infection.
I'm 50 years old, 6'4", 280 lbs. I shattered my right tib/fib just above my ankle in 2009. 3 surgeries and 18 months later, I had gained 120 lbs. I've lost half of it with 60# to go. I walk 0.5-0.75 mile every day (the dog won't give me a day off!) I'm 100% disabled due to the kidney problems. I'm not on dialysis. So far, my kidney function (GFR) is ~32-35.
I'll be minding my own business, not doing anything overly stressful or physical, e.g. reading a book. Suddenly I will feel like I have a severe sunburn over my entire body. Sometimes I'll experience tingling in my chest. After 30 sec-1 minute, I break out in rivers of sweat--I mean SOAKED from head to toe. A couple of minutes later, I'm freezing. 3-4 minutes later, I'm fine. This happens, at worst, every 10 minutes or, at best once or twice a day.
There is no pattern with my blood sugar: It might be 130; 250 or 500. I've had stress tests, my heart is tip-top. I've had my testosterone checked, it's fine. I just endured urodynamics and a cystoscopy. I'm due for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy the end of July due to chronic nausea. I'm running out of places to have tubes/cameras/sailing vessels inserted.
My primary, endocrinologist, nephrologist, pain management, neurologist, ophthalmologist, therapist---NOBODY has any idea what this is. My primary insisted I take nitro. The one time I took it, I had a headache for a week and STILL had the sweats. The only common thread I can see is if my potassium level is elevated, the symptoms seem to occur more frequently but even that has been pooh-poohed by all the above.
I've checked and cross-checked my medications on my own and with my pharmacist. Nothing is apparent there, either.
I cannot believe that I am the only person out of the 10 or so billion people on this planet who suffers from this! If anyone has any idea what this might be, PLEASE contact me.
Thank you, sincerely,
JGView Thread

I spoke with my neurologist. He confirmed Cora's "diagnosis." He said it is actually unusual for someone who has been Type 1 for 3 decades NOT to have autonomic neuropathies at least to some degree. While mine are more severe than are most, they're still very common.
He also told me the best method of treatment is tight control of blood sugar. For the first time in my life, I have that, at least. My last a1c was 7.8. I had one done earlier this week and I'm down to 6.7 (146 eAG). I've NEVER had an a1c that low! Never! All because of a different infusion set on my pump.
Thank God and Cora and my docs for all the help!View Thread

I broached the subject again with my endocrinologist yesterday and, predictably, he pooh-poohed my potassium theory. His response essentially was "There is absolutely no scientific or medical link between potassium levels and hot flashes!" He listed Cymbalta, my narcotic pain meds as well as a couple of others I take as possible culprits. He also ordered a battery of blood work including testosterone levels (which I had checked a year ago in trying to figure this problem out--my level was perfectly normal).
I see my neurologist next month so I'll talk to him about it. Thanks so much again for telling me about this! You're in my prayers now for your health. Hope you have a great 4th!!
JackView Thread
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