[greenhaggis]

Hi,

Just thought I'd ask advice from all those lovely people on this board!

I have pains in both calfs since last night, my hands have started hurting again too (both of them).

The pains are managable (as just feel like twinges in the legs), which is good as I cant take Nsaids, but I just wondered more about the calf pains and what course of action to take!

I have in the past before a Lupus diagnoses had calf pains in just one calf. Always had the GP check and they always sent me away saying dont worry just a pain!

My thoughts are 'are the pains Lupus pains or are they caused by something else?".

I still find I spend by life wondering whats caused by what and the action I should take - probably as I'm not an expert!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Love Lesley

 

[Nutty]

Hi Lesley,

You should watch out for DVT's (blood clots). When you get out of bed, do you get an excruitating pain in your leg when you put your foot on the floor? Do you have any red, hot, swollen lumps in your legs? If so, I would get it checked out immediately. If you do and they are below the knee, they generally don't treat them anymore. Sometimes, if you can see them, they are superficial clots and are not dangerous (i.e. will not travel to lung or brain).

Nutty

 

[dudley]

Hi,

Pains in calf MUST be checked out. If doc disregards them see another doc or go to ER. It could be phelbitis. I know I have been there. Was mis DX for months.........was very lucky that did not brake off. This is nothing to fool around with. I had this way before lupus.

Seek help ASAP

Elaine

 

[peonyprincess]

If you have had leg pains prior, it could just be a continuation of the pain and is now, for one reason or another involving more of the leg, or it could mean that something a little more serious is going on. It is always best to error on the side of caution, especially where ones health is concerned. While it could be Phelbitis it could also be blood clots. One way to check, but not full proof, is to straighten your leg out and flex your toes back towards you. If that causes you alot of pain, then you had better get to an ER. Blood clots are quite dangerous and depending on the doc, he may want to treat it immediately. Of course the extra pain may be from increased fluid retention if that is a problem for you or it could be the lack of blood flow getting to your lower extremeties. Basically, it is best to get the proper medical advice, especially where there is a new and unfamiliar pain.

Nancy

 

[greenhaggis]

Thanks for all your replies!

I bought this up with Immunologist yersterday in amongst all the other things and hes going to arrange some sort of test to check on blockages!

Not sure at all about what this test may involve, but I'm glad to get any tests as part of ongoing investigations.

Did get a bit bambuzzled during the visit as I came out with requests for ECG, chest X-ray, bone density scan, vein blockages, 9 tubes of blood. Spent 2 hours in all being examined/tested and walked a few miles back and forth from different departments.

Still have bone density and vein test (whatever that may be) to be done in next few weeks.


Thanks again!

Lesley

 

[sjink]

Wow... sounds like your immunoligist is good.

I think your vein test may be an ultrasound scan which is totally painless as it is a device rolled over the surface of your skin that evaluates blood flow and spots thickening of arteries etc. I have one every year on my neck as part of a lupus study. I had bone density scan because I had been on steroids (prednisilone) as it can cause bone thinning. 9 blood tubes is around right for basic lupus tests at the clinic I go to, most I have had is 15. (They had to use both arms :rotfl:

Hope the calf pain has eased. Trouble with lupus is you never really have much idea what the next pain is all about until you see the specialist. Your consultant sounds very good.

Take care
Sara x

 

[dudley]

Hi
sounds like the test for your legs is an ultra sound. Does not hurt. They just put a jell on your legs and use an instrament to follow the veins.

What frugs are you on?

Years ago had serious phlebitis. I get a similar pain and get tested for it as a precausin (sp). Out come of test is usually vascular problems. They give me anti immflamatory drugs. I went for months with being mis DX'd. So I have a condition that will be with me for the rest of my life. However was very lucky clots did not break off. They just went into my capillaries.
I also need to wear these lovely support stocking. They are ugly but work. Also if legs hurt run them under cool water. Also elevate them above the heart and avoid standing.

A doctor saying that pains in calfs would send you away saying dont worry is totally unexceptical. I would look for another doc or at least get a second opinion.

 

[greenhaggis]

Well I have my scan booked for Friday 14th November, took so long as protcol at hospital said I had to have positive D-Dimer Test before scan would be sactioned! The wrong lab carried out test so results can be used!!!

Off to GP today though as I'm still having re-occurring pains/cramps in right calf and have now deep black/bruises would rather have the scan today just to be on safe side.

I'm feeling like a hypochondriac at the moment and I know I shouldnt, BUT can't help myself! The GP I'm seeing does not like the Lupus side of things and does not know how to deal with me :worried: so that makes me anxious! Can't put off this problem until the normal GPs available (next Monday), so this GP will have to do.

Will post on the outcome later!

Lesley

 

[kiaratrak]

Hi Lesley
Sorry to hear about these pains. Im sure you/they will get to the bottom of it together and soon, so that you can either have your mind set at rest or get treatment if possible..... I've got my fingers crossed that this GP will take good care of you today. Best Wishes

Kiara

 

[greenhaggis]

GP conclusion was - not to worry!

Even though I'm getting cramps/pains in calfs (right being far worse) and that I have unexplained bruising (he said this was old) that was not there the night berfore pains - I should still wait until Friday for the scan. He also said that as I had no swelling nothing was going on!

This morning I woke with my whole right foot numb/dead up to my ankles, took a while massaging to get the foot back in action and I still have cramps deep in calf of right leg.

Take care all!

Lesley

 

[Joandublin]

Best of luck on Friday Lesley Hope you can get this sorted out

Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:

 

[greenhaggis]

Thanks for you goodwishes Joan and Kiara and to all those that I have spoken too in chat as well!

I will report back later today in I get a chance!

Hugs!

Lesley

 

[KarolH]

Oh yes, please do Lesley.

Good luck and I hope you get some answers.:wink2::wink2::wink2:

 

[greenhaggis]

Well, thankfully all's well, and no major blockages!

Person doing scan said in her opinion nothing to worry about. She gave me this opinion as I told her that I was due for General Anthesetic on 27th Nov.

Does not explain the problems, so onto the next results and investigations into Vasculitis.

Take care all!

Hugs!

Lesley

 

[KarolH]

Due for General Anesthetic?????

Did I miss something Lesley?

Glad no blockages.

 

[greenhaggis]

(((Karol))),

You did not miss anything on this post!

I'm due to have multiple injections and x-ray for lumbar region and groin on 27th November!

Take care!

Lesley

 

[KarolH]

(((Karol))),

You did not miss anything on this post!

I'm due to have multiple injections and x-ray for lumbar region and groin on 27th November!

Take care!

Lesley

Oh I see. The 27th is Thanksgiving day for us. I will be thinking about you and hope you make out ok with the procedure.:wink2::wink2::wink2:

 

[kcmmem]

I hope that you get everything resolved. I have not been in that much pain, but I had a bout of rabdomylosis and I could not hardly walk for about 4 days and it did not get completely better for...going on a month. I know it is frusterating. I hope it all gets worked out. I took pain killlers (Vicodin) and muscle relaxers to get some relief so that I could get around. People stare at a 24 year old who is shuffle stepping and being assisted by her husband!!!

 

[Douglas]

Howdy Lesley,
Since it would seem the calf pains are nothing wildly dangerous - "just" painful - maybe I will throw in my experience. While doing iai (the Japanese sword drawing, cutting, sheathing kata)associated with the Aikido I have been doing for four decades) I would get screaming pain in my calves, so bad that I would have to stop practice sometimes. I learned that (now don't laugh!) if I ate a dill pickle the night before I would have no cramps.
It sounds strange I admit but others have found the same crazy cure worked for them.
Good luck!
Douglas+