Author Topic: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?  (Read 1930 times)

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« on: 26 June, 2019, 03:27:11 pm »
I talked briefly about this elsewhere the other day but short potted history.


She started getting pains in her foot about 2 years ago - so bad that she had to give up a social walking group she used to attend.  It has gradually got worse, moving up her leg and now almost up to groin area.
Been to the doctor on many many occasions.  Initially it was 'mild arthritis', just put up with it, type stuff but pain killers didn't help and it gradually got worse so eventually he decided it might be varicose veins.  So sent her for a visit to a specialist at the hospital.
That doctor without much hesitation immediately diagnosed that it was artery problems - she saw at least two classic symptoms. 1.  Difference in measurable pulse in each of her legs. 2. When her legs hurt, if she lets it rest for a minute or two, she can proceed for longer without pain... repeat ad nauseum.
So she *finally* got a scan today.... (after much complaining as they had managed to lose her in the system  ::-)  ).
So ultrasound today has detected.... no blocked arteries...  ???


 
Whilst of course, we are very pleased it's not arterosclerosis (might have been nice if they hadn't lost her records or whatever and made us wait 8 rather worrying weeks to find this out).... we're - or rather she of course - is back to square one.


What could present such 'classic' syptoms of arterosclerosis in the leg - but not be?


Yes of course she's going back to the GP - but he's about as much help as a chocolate teapot - it took 2 years for him to bother to take it seriously in the first place  >:(


Just really wondering if anyone's come across anything like this before?  It's not arthritis, she's been x-rayed for signs of damage - none visible.
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #1 on: 26 June, 2019, 04:23:52 pm »
Internet medicine is SO awkward!

It seems walking provokes the pain but how would the pain get described? Sharp? Dull, achey?
Does the pain radiate anywhere?
Is the foot or limb red/pale/blue/swollen?
Is anywhere tender to touch?

Are there symptoms in the back/belly/elsewhere?

Has anyone compared blood pressure between arm and ankle?

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #2 on: 26 June, 2019, 05:35:53 pm »
Internet medicine is SO awkward!


Yeah I know but just thought I'd see if there was anything remotely feasible out there. I've no confidence our 'GP'* is not going to just revert to 'just put up with it' again  :(


Quote
It seems walking provokes the pain but how would the pain get described? Sharp? Dull, achey?
Does the pain radiate anywhere?
I'll ask - don't think it radiates but I can find out for sure.

Quote
Is the foot or limb red/pale/blue/swollen?
Is anywhere tender to touch?



No and no.

Quote
Are there symptoms in the back/belly/elsewhere?


Sort of - but difficult to distinguish from the fact that she has a hiatus hernia so gets stomach aches and stuff like that anyway.


Quote
Has anyone compared blood pressure between arm and ankle?


Yes, pretty sure that's how her consultant went straight to that diagnosis a few weeks ago - that and the recovery thing upon stopping confirmed it. Scan has of course, deconfirmed it now *sigh*






* see here https://www.iwantgreatcare.org/gpsurgeries/greenmount-surgery what a carer thinks of our GP - ignore the top review - that was me ;)
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #3 on: 26 June, 2019, 06:08:32 pm »
I am mystified but of course, I've not seen the poor lady.

Is the affected limb the same temperature as the other?

Peripheral vascular disease is not very common in non-smoking, non-diabetic women.

Spinal claudication is A Thing but needs special investigations.

Wishing you well anyway.

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #4 on: 26 June, 2019, 07:21:15 pm »
She has hereditary high cholesterol (she’s on statins) so it’s not all that unlikely.


Pain is actually just up to her calf and is ‘very intense and like a permanent cramp’ apparently.


Oh well, let’s see what the future can bring. Thx anyway
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #5 on: 26 June, 2019, 07:38:12 pm »
This makes vascular disease more likely.

I'd be inclined to repeat a test whose results don't fit the clinical picture, if possible. Clerical errors can occur anywhere...

Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #6 on: 27 June, 2019, 12:01:09 am »
Like Helly I wondered about spinal stenosis as well. An aortic problem would be a possibility as well giving claudication but not infra I nguinal disease

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #7 on: 27 June, 2019, 11:36:12 am »
Interesting, might be, some of those symptoms look to correlate.  Thanks. Having had a proper chat about it yesterday with her, I'm now inclined to agree she does not have peripheral arteriosclerosis as she now says the symptoms of numbness in her feet (how it started) started about 12 years ago at least, I think (?) blocked arteries would have progressed beyond where it is now some time ago.
We'll see what the docs say - she's going to make sure she sees our very excellent GP and not the other one next.  She is very thorough, sympathetic and well just great - she's just part time unfortunately.
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: So what's wrong with my wife's leg?
« Reply #8 on: 29 June, 2019, 03:42:44 pm »
Update, she's just got a letter from the original general surgeon she saw - the one who sent her for a scan to check for blocked arteries, another appointment on 31st July.  Outstanding - this is very reassuring.  We're not just back to square one with the GP thank bod. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
It's a reverse Elvis thing.