Sweating below level of injury on one side only?

[CaliforniaAndMe]

New here, but have read many posts in the past 12 years that I've been hurt. With age in disability comes new questions. Aaah, fun.

In the last year or so, I've started to experience sweating at night below my level of injury (T8 Complete, sustained in 2000). In the last two months or so, I've begun to have only one leg sweat at night - and it's drenching my sheets and nightgown. As you know with a SCI - and at night when I'm half asleep - it's hard to know if my bladder has let out or if it's just sweat! I don't believe it's AD as the only AD I get is due to bowel/bladder which comes in a slight form of my face getting red at the bridge of my nose and and across my cheeks as well as a headache. Each time these night sweats happen, both are empty so they don't seem to be what is triggering these sweats. (And no, I'm no where near menopause age!)

Has anyone had this experience and know why or what causes it and how to fix it? It's becoming frustrating for sure. Thanks for your help!

[t8burst]

AD is pretty unusual for someone with a T8 injury. Logically it seems unusual for all of a sudden after 12 years for you to get night sweats on one leg. Any chance you injured your leg or hip on the left side? Did you have sciatica before your injury, any chance you injured your lower back (not in an SCI type injury but more of, oh my aching back type injury)

[ancientgimp]

I have experienced a very similar problem w my right leg which sweats where it contacts the sheets while my left leg remains dry. I am T-10 42 years post sci. I initially thought it was related to some problem w my right foot which turns outward fairly radically when I lay on my back. I bought a foam foot positioner which kept foot in upright position w/o too much difference. I have been largely sleeping on my right side for 42 years. I switched to sleeping on my left and the sweating stopped completely. I still don't know causation but the change stopped the sweating.

[CaliforniaAndMe]

Thanks for your responses.

T8burst, yes, AD is not normally seen in the T8 level. It only shows up in the form I mentioned if it's the last second before my bladder is about to spill out haha.

I was actually thinking about my hip potentially, so interesting that you mention that. Didn't have sciatica before, but I have recently found that it is what has been causing a lot of neuropathy in my legs. Frustrating when the sensation isn't there so I just have to "guess" as to what it might be, meaning if my hip is out of place or not.

ancientgimp, wow... 42 years post. I can only imagine the advances you've seen in research! Yes, I typically start out sleeping on my stomach or on one side, but recently I've tried switching to the other side to "even things out." I read some other posts about the foam foot positioned you mentioned. Twelve years ago, I was taught to keep my heels off the bed, and I do so with a foam roll. However, maybe that's something worth looking into? I've done just about everything to the book since I learned 12 years in rehab and thankfully it's prevented pressure sores, etc. I'm cautious to try another method in fear it may make things worse. Aaaah, the ever changing world of SCI.

Thanks for your help both of you! I'll keep you posted.

[ancientgimp]

The foot positioner I use is I believe called the Minty Fresh Foot Positioner (color of Crest toothpaste) purchased from amazon for around 11.00 or 12.00. It is all soft foam so it cannot cause pressure problems w your other leg should it make contact during sleep. Properly adjusted, this positioner can keep your foot vertical or nearly so when you lay on your back.

[TomRL]

If the above adjustments don't work, try running it by your doctor. I think it's always worthwhile to make sure your doc knows about changes.

[SCI-Nurse]

Dear CaliforniaAndMe,
It is rare but not completely unheard of to have AD in a T-8 SCI, but your symptoms of sweating below the level of injury indicates a change in your baseline function.

In my practice, any time a SCI individual has a change in their baseline it is necessary to get evaluated. We use the ASIA exam as a marker exam to look at changes in musculoskeletal function and sensory changes. A review of any traumas/falls, B & B function, spasms, pain level, etc also indicated.

A MRI of the spinal cord may be in order to see if there are any changes in the cord since either your initial injury or the last time it was imaged may be in order.

pbr

[stumpybushman]

I'm a T4,5,6 incomplete and 19 yrs. post. I sweat below my level when hot, but also sweat like crazy when I need to empty my bladder but cannot due to not being in a place where I can at that moment. I do have sensation which makes us a little different, but I agree that you should tell your doctor.