Hello, Is there anyone else here whose spouse has FTD with the Motor Neuron Varient? As I said before, Jim is beginning to retain large amound of fluid throughout his limbs instead of just his legs. Lasix isn't doing much.
Susan, I don't know anything about this but I am sure others will have some insight. My thoughts are with you and Jim though and I hope this problem can be dealt with soon. It sounds uncomfortable for him and scary for you. Sue
In the Motor Neuron Variant Patients with FTD/MND may present with the same behavioral and/or language changes seen in other subtypes of FTD. In this syndrome however, these changes are accompanied by a deterioration of motor neurons that manifest as weakness in the muscles with stiffness, difficulty making fine movements, atrophy (shrinkage) of the muscles, and fine muscle twitches and cramps. Muscle changes can affect the arms and/or legs on one or both sides of the body, or the face, tongue and mouth, depending on how the nervous system is affected in that individual. As the disease worsens, more parts of the motor system become involved.
Patients with FTD/MND may first present with features of either FTD or ALS with the additional symptoms developing as the disease progresses. All patients with FTD/MND will experience a gradual, steady decline in functioning.
You can find more information at www.ftd-picks.org/frontotemporal-dementias
This is my opinion from the above info: muscles help move fluids through the body and because of the muscle atrophy and nerve damage his body is not as able to keep fluids flowing thus the water retention. I would think it would be like when we sit or stand too long due to the lower legs circulation being compromised by gravity and inactivity, fluid builds up. When we stand or move the blood gets flowing moving the fluid out. Sounds like this is similar to what is happening to Jim only he isn't/can't move to get circulation going. Whether in time they can solve it with meds or activity I don't know. I know how painful it can be when traveling and my feet/calves swell, Jim's has to be way more painful. My heart goes out to him for the physical pain and you Susan for the heart pain it causes.