Dopper test.

[Chrissy1953]

Hi

One of the problems I had before diagnosis of PMR was pins and needles in lower legs. A very tight feeling and swollen ankles. I slightly feel is coming back as I lower the Pred.

Should I be treating this in the same way as PMR and it will get better and will the test be of any good as I am on Pred. ? My Dr has arranged the dopper test for next Tuesday. ?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The Doppler test won't be affected by the pred - it is just listening for your pulses in the ankles in a fancy way.

Do you know why the GP chose a Doppler test to be done?

[Chrissy1953 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi.

Because I had told that these symptoms had been happening for a while. Kept meaning to make app. Of course always too busy. Then the painful PMR started to get worse although didn't know it was PMR then, and the leg problem got worse with it. They are not hot to the touch. I only wear shop flight hoisery if I know I'm on a long journey. Be interesting to know if there is something going on. As soon as I started the Pred it all got better.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Chrissy1953]

Oedema in feet and ankles is sometimes found with PMR - and that can lead to pressure that causes all sorts of things. My feet would sometimes feel as if they were going to explode. All eventually went away with pred.

[SnazzyD]

At least after the Doppler you'll have more idea if the veins are causing some of the ankle swelling or if your hosiery needs upgrading either because they've got old an ineffective or the prescription needs increasing to a higher pressure. If that's all ok, then perhaps the PMR is making it worse. If the lower legs are very swollen for the test, it might make the test inaccurate. Perhaps putting your feet up, if that helps to soften them, as much as possible a day or so beforehand will be an idea. I'm not saying you should wait for the Doppler before doing anything with the Pred though, but I'm not experienced in that bit, so will leave that to others.

Just another thought, did the swelling come up quickly as in over a day or two? If so, has the doc/nurse checked them for cellulitis (when an infection gets into the soft tissues) which is common with vein problems. The Pred may suppress the hot redness that you can get with this. However, it is usually painful once it gets going and can make you feel fluey.