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!
Written by
Kern1410
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
22 Replies
•
Kern
In your place l’d go to A&E this needs checking out before you go away. Are you flying?
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??
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!! 🌸
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!
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.
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!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.