What is going on with my legs?: Went to the doctor... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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What is going on with my legs?

Kern1410 profile image
22 Replies

Went to the doctor today about those nasty spider veins and why in the last 2 days 4 have shown up! No definite answers but here is my problem - my legs are killing me! Pred is supposed to help inflammation - my feet, ankles, Achilles and calves are killing me! There is swelling and tingling and just an underlying dull ache. What is going on?

I’m leaving tomorrow for my trip and I can’t have this going on!! Help! Tips!

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Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410
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22 Replies

Kern

In your place l’d go to A&E this needs checking out before you go away. Are you flying?

MrsN

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply to

Yes. I mentioned it to the doctor today and he said probably the prednisone. I also started a new blood pressure med about 2 weeks ago - I’m wondering if that has anything to do with it. I’m tempted to stop it and see what happens. Or do I need some potassium??

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toKern1410

I would be inclined to check the side effects for the BP tablet.

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply toDorsetLady

I started taking Losartan 25 mg about a week after starting the prednisone (approx 3weeks). Reading reviews and side effects. Eye pain and leg pain - to the point of not being able to walk - which I feel - in the last 2 days is where I’m headed. I’m going to try and get into urgent care but I think I’m going to stop the losartan and see what happens.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toKern1410

As others have said you certainly need checking before contemplating flying.

Please let us know the outcome!

fmkkm profile image
fmkkm in reply toKern1410

I started blood pressure meds a month ago and have had some strange side effects also. At one point I thought I was having a flare so I upped my prednisone which did nothing. Some BP meds are well known for causing swollen ankles.

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply tofmkkm

Yes - the pred shouldn’t be causing leg pain - right?!

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

I think we’re beyond tips and quick fixes to be honest. I also think flying with those symptoms could be risky, especially if it’s more than a quick hop. Even if it is “just the Pred” (lazy doctoring if you ask me), it’s doing something to cause these symptoms which in themselves need investigation. If it was me I’d be asking by what physiological mechanism I am getting each of the symptoms to check that they are not predisposing me to thrombosis. Pred doesn’t automatically do this to legs, something is awry or perhaps you are getting an extreme reaction such as acute tendon damage. Your bp med change might be implicated too such as causing major electrolyte imbalance due to effects of Pred combined. At some point you have to see that you can’t keep blindly forging ahead because you don’t have time for it; it is going to bite you in the rear eventually. Sorry to sound harsh but it comes from worry. I think you need to go somewhere else, A&E if necessary.

in reply toSnazzyD

I agree snazzy. There is no way I would consider a flight at the moment with everything going on.

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply toSnazzyD

Trust me - I’m taking this seriously. 5 doctors - pursuing every avenue. Reading everything. I’m really pushing and advocating for myself but I keep having these setbacks - and no clear diagnosis (at least from the doctors). I am going to check in with urgent care and stop the losartan for now.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply toKern1410

I have no doubt and it’s awful that you are having to do so much leg work instead of just being cared for. It is mid numbing when you have to deal with life, learn a massive amount of new info, second guess your symptoms all whilst being pickled in Pred.

Slosh profile image
Slosh

Not a solution to you problem but my veins spider and other have got way worse since been on Pred

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply toSlosh

Thanks - but I wonder why? I’ve been looking into that too!

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply toKern1410

Because of the Pred’s effect on the capillaries making them more fragile and dilated.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I trust you HAVE seen a doctor before even thinking of flying? The comment from your gP about "it's the pred" is just downright lazy as Snazzy says

We give advice about flying based on not having bizarre and undiagnosed problems in advance. In your position I would be thinking VERY hard about going. It isn't a good look when you have to divert a plane - or spend your entire vacation in hospital.

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply toPMRpro

Yes - we have talked on here and I have talked to all the doctors and they say it’s fine. I’ve had tingly feet for awhile - but this leg pain just cropped up 2 days ago. Saw doctor yesterday and going to urgent care this morning. I know this is NO excuse - and we all can relate - but I have my whole family going on this trip - leaving today - insurance was purchased - but I don’t know about calling it all off. And before you tell me - and I know our health is of the utmost importance - but if it’s due to a BP med and will resolve in a day - it might be ok - will talk to doctor. And I do appreciate your advice and experience!! 🌸

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toKern1410

As long as it is approved by someone. I've done hospital when on holiday - an accident as it happened but it improved no-one's experience.

Where are you off to?

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply toPMRpro

Hawaii. Made it here - the Valium helped for anxiety. Stopped the Losartan and my legs are slowly returning to normal - but it did a number on them for sure! We are leaving today. It’s been nice to take a break from my health issues and life in general!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toKern1410

How strange - Losartan has never been a problem for me though I have now been taken off it.

Good journey home!!!!

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply toPMRpro

Thanks - the time change is killing me!’

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply toKern1410

What utterly awful timing; your stress levels must be through the roof. I can see your reasoning with the Losartan, but seeking an alternative rather than no cover at all would be sound. There are choices with different modes of action so it’s not just more of the same. If nothing else because if something did happen and the insurance company sees you’ve not taken your prescribed meds, they might be difficult.

Where is the pain in your legs?

Kern1410 profile image
Kern1410 in reply toSnazzyD

It was the losartan. After 2 days I could barely walk. Everything hurt - which is weird because prior I had no issues! It really did a number on them. I’ve never had feet, ankle or leg pain before - and now the residual issues are slowly disappearing. If I wasn’t on the predisone I think I would have seen the side effects way sooner! Another med that has caused unnecessary harm. Scratch it off the list!

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