atherosclerosis

[Dogchasers]

here’s another one to throw out there any thoughts on aching legs lve been diagnosed with atherosclerosis and my leg aches are getting worse

Used to walk 10 or 12 miles with no problems now I’m down to 3 or 4 and get painful cramps or aches in my calves after a couple of miles enough to make me stop for a few minutes

I had really high cholesterol for ages before I got on statins so now I’m left with this problem

Any thoughts

[Sljp0000]

HiHave you discussed this with your GP? Sounds like it could possibly be peripheral artery disease? I'm no medic but I would certainly as for a referral to the vascular team.

Are you diabetic?

Of course, statins can cause leg pain but that's normally at rest. It sounds like your legs aren't getting enough blood flow to me.

Or, maybe its as simple as lack of hydration. Do you drink plenty of water?

Hope you get to the bottom of this problem. Its so annoying when you're trying to do the best for yourself and your body won't let you. I know how that feels.

Take care

Susie

[Dogchasers in reply to Sljp0000]

Hi yeah its pad ,statin test proved ok ,i am drinking plenty thanks I’m not diabetic

Just up and down with my moods

Been to the docs loads of times had vascular test so I there is blood getting through ,so I’ve been patted on the back and sent on my way

No suggestions from the doctors so I’m stuck

Feeling better today but the legs still ache

Thanks for the reply

Look after yourself

[MarmiteB]

Hello lovely!

Have you been to the Dr about this? I could be very wrong as I do not know your history. To me it sounds like you could have a bit of intermittent claudication in your legs - that’s when they don’t get the right blood flow due to your arteries being a little narrower due to atherosclerosis when exercising. If you get to a dr and get the right meds (statins, anti platelets, antihypertensives and naftidrofuryl oxalate) you could potentially get relief from it happening. Also, even though it sounds counterintuitive, keep exercising!! Depending on how much you push it with your dr, you could fight for an angiogram to check your leg blood flow, which would give a better picture of what’s happening.

If you’re a smoker it will put you at much greater risk.

I hope this helps and doesn’t scare you!!! Xxx

[Dogchasers in reply to MarmiteB]

Hi thanks for the reply sorry I haven’t picked it up sooner I’ve been to the doctor so many times they are starting to fob me off I had the test for blood flow to my legs and was told it’s ok managed to talk them into swapping my statin but there’s been no suggestion of trying other medication

[Lowerfield_no_more]

If you are taking statins for cholesterol one of the possible side effects are muscle and joint pains. I suggest you discuss with your GP whoever is prescribing to see if this is likely. There are several statins to choose from and you should be offered an alternative statin which may not carry any side effects. But if you turn out to be statin intolerant there is other cholesterol medication available to manage your cholesterol should this be necessary.