I put this here because I suspect this is not directly masto-related

Over the last few years I've been having increasing problems with pain in my lower legs, specifically when I walk more than a few blocks.  It's worse when I wear shoes that aren't supportive.  I've had to pretty much give up on flip flops, ballet flats, etc...  Two weeks ago I started a new exercise program (yay, me!)... weight lifting and walking.  So far... as long as I'm careful and I pre-medicate... it doesn't set off my mast cells.  What has been a problem, however, is pain in my lower legs along my shin bones.  This week I tried using a "curve" treadmill.  It's powered by me instead of electricity, which is great for exercising at my own pace.   I bought a good pair of running shoes and they're new... my feet feel great... and my legs don't hurt on the treadmill.  On the (indoor) track it's a different story.  Ugh!  It's so bad that it feels like I'm going to trip if I'm not very careful about picking up my feet after each step.  My last workout was on Thursday and I stopped walking after 3/4 mile.  My mast cells were fine, but it hurt too much.

Yesterday I was reading about "chronic compartment syndrome" and it fits my symptoms... sharp pain with exercise that goes away within a few minutes after you stop.  Last year my GP thought that the pulse in my feet was unusually weak and had me get a doppler ultrasound to check my circulation... that was normal.  Compartment syndrome is caused by fascia that are too tight... when you exercise it restricts your nerves and blood vessels, which is the source of the pain.  My mom has fibromyalgia, which is a disorder of the fascia... and I have autoimmune issues of my own.  I suppose this could all be indirectly masto-related, but it seems more like a "normal" thing that happens to a lot of non-masto people.

What do you think?  Anyone with a similar experience?  I'm going to stick with the treadmill for a while

Heather

Update...

I saw a sports medicine doctor on Friday.  He took x-rays, reviewed the results of my doppler study, and did some poking around.  I don't have shin splints... I don't have a stress fracture (yay!).  He suspects "chronic compartment syndrome" too.  Unfortunately, nobody in town does the test for it  So... I'll have to drive up to Indianapolis.  

BTW... Deb!  Apparently the place they want to send me (Methodist) is in Carmel.  Want to have lunch?  

Heather

ps - After having sooooo many bad doctor-patient interactions when I was trying to get a diagnosis for my mast cell disorder, it was so NICE to have a doctor who believed me and came to the same conclusion I did... and said, "Well... two rational minds are probably right then."  Rational minds!!!!  Can you believe it?  That was almost too easy.  Fingers crossed that the next doctor is so cooperative.