[37F] Experiencing severe leg swelling, fatigue, and numbness

Question

Any idea what is going on. With me I've been 2 three different hospitals and not one has helped or given me any real explanation nor any possibility as to what is the exact cause

Patient Description

A 37-year-old female has been experiencing significant bilateral leg swelling, severe fatigue, numbness in the arms and face, a migraine-like headache, and loss of appetite for the past 3 days. The swelling in her legs is described as hard to the touch and has doubled in size, with no relief found from any interventions. The numbness, which began in the upper lip and cheeks before spreading to both arms and hands, is characterized by a complete loss of feeling. The patient rates her headache as an 8 out of 10 in severity, which worsens with standing or exposure to light. Despite these symptoms, there has been no noticeable weight change. Additionally, the patient reports shortness of breath but no chest pain. There was a notable incident where the left leg turned purple and was warm to the touch, accompanied by significant swelling in the foot. The patient has a history of severe kidney issues diagnosed in 2013, high blood pressure, elevated pulse at various times, and has not slept in 3 days. She is not currently on any medications and has no known drug allergies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, several conditions could be considered:

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. It can cause leg pain or swelling and can be very serious if the blood clot breaks loose and travels to your lungs. The recent long flight and the swelling in your legs could be risk factors for DVT.

    • Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications to prevent the clot from getting bigger and to prevent new clots from forming.

  • Kidney Disease: Given your history of kidney issues, it's possible that your symptoms could be related. Kidney disease can cause swelling in your legs and ankles, high blood pressure, and fatigue among other symptoms.

    • Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying causes and managing symptoms. In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

  • Heart Failure: This condition, which occurs when your heart can't pump blood as well as it should, can cause swelling in your legs, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to seek immediate medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Given the severity and sudden onset of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, try to rest and elevate your legs to help reduce swelling. Drink plenty of fluids and try to eat small, balanced meals even if you're not feeling hungry.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Common symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) include swelling in one or both legs, pain or tenderness in the leg, warm skin in the affected area, and changes in skin color, such as redness or purple discoloration.

How can kidney disease lead to leg swelling and fatigue?

Kidney disease can lead to leg swelling and fatigue because the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. When they are not functioning properly, fluid can build up in the body, causing swelling, and the accumulation of waste products can lead to fatigue.

What are the signs of heart failure that I should be aware of?

Signs of heart failure include shortness of breath, persistent coughing or wheezing, swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen, fatigue, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. It's important to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.

Why might someone experience numbness in the arms and face?

Numbness in the arms and face can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve compression, poor circulation, or neurological conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.

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1 Comments

Leo#3962

7 mo ago

Edema can be due to a worsening in your kidney function as your kidneys may be less able to get rid of excess water. Additionally, fatigue, numbness (peripheral neuropathy), and headache are all symptoms of severe kidney function issues.

That being said, I assume that the hospitals must have run labs on your kidney given your history of kidney disease. What tests did they do and what were the results? Also, did you have imaging of your head done given your neurological symptoms?

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