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Losing Ability To Walk Chronic Pain Undiagnosed

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Losing Ability To Walk Chronic Pain Undiagnosed 

You may not have all of the symptoms written below: but do check your symptoms out and go see your Doctor (it may save your life).

This was me for over 10 years until the 5th July 2017. It was not that I hadn’t tried different doctors I had, and I had x rays and ultra sounds three times over that period.

Hi my name is Michelle and this is my personal story:  I hope by sharing this story that it may help someone else find answers as to why they are losing their mobility and suffering pain when walking (Claudication). 

 

losing ability to walk chronic pain undiagnosed

 

I thought I had symptoms of Arthritis in the Hip

Initially I suffered increasing pain when walking, in my right hip joint.This eased when at rest.  My late mother had two hip replacements. I thought I had to have inherited Arthritis in the hip and made a appointment to visit a GP. I Asked for my first lot of xrays on both hips and was then referred to a Orthopedic Specialist.

Results No Arthritis but the Orthopedic Surgeon Specialist felt I had referred pain from my lower back . I felt this was probably right and took prescribed anti-inflammatory and natural pain relievers for back pain. I had Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments. The years move along and nothing improves this pain.

 Losing ability to walk chronic pain undiagnosed 

My symptoms are worsening as the years pass by, at times I can barely walk down my own hallway. Chronic disabling pain, depression, anxiety and freezing cold feet for which I purchased Foot warmers, because No socks would ever keep my feet warm

While off work with a work injury some years later I ask again for more, xrays and a ultra sound. Though I show some degeneration now I am offered no explanation as to why I limp along. I am prescribed Fentanyl Pain Patches, the biggest mistake for me, well for anyone,  avoid like the plague.

I Feel My life Is Hopeless

My Life Is Hopeless
My Life Is Hopeless

I now rarely go out why would I, the chronic pain when my hips grind like a rusted wheel , have made my life a misery. I am virtually a recluse. Do I try one more time, another doctor , more xrays and scans, “nothing to lose” my daughter tells me.

Outcome same no opinion given really and no suggestions as to why. Rather than being defeated this time, two weeks later I seek another doctor to ask for an MRI, she read my report!.

Blockage Abdominal Aorta

Seriously this lovely doctor reads that last x ray and ultra sound report thoroughly, yes the ones I have just told you about from only 2 weeks ago. The radiologist had reported seeing a blockage in the Aorta in my stomach just above my navel. Not only is my doctor shocked it was missed!  I am thinking what the hell is this. 

Peripheral Artery Disease

I had pad symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease, also called PVD Peripheral Vascular Disease. However I did not have all the usual stated symptoms.

  Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms

Please be aware that you may not have all of the Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms: I didn’t. I suffered the first two symptoms: None of the others apart from Hair loss on my legs, that I had put down to Ageing.

  • Severe pain lower back or hip area which eases when sitting down or resting
  • Losing the ability to walk far- your mobility
  • Tired and aching legs
  • Numbness in feet or legs
  • Sores on your feet or toes that doesn’t heal
  • Bluish hue or very pale skin on legs and feet
  • Loss of hair on your legs

And I guess this is why no doctor ever gave this a thought, I still get frustrated about this lack of diagnosis.


 Support Group pad

I belong to a Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease group on Facebook. This is a lovely friendly private group full of personal and helpful information and support.  Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease Support Group On Facebook


As you do I Googled and of all the sites I found this one by the Mayo Clinic  the most helpful. They list everything you need to know which you can compare. For me symptoms that I did not have were Leg pain or weakness, sores on toes or feet and there was no color change in my feet or legs. Seriously in that regard I was extremely lucky because I could have lost my toes and or my feet.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease

Basically a blockage or narrowing of the Coronary Arteries with Cholesterol and fatty substances, along the inside walls. This used to be called hardening of the Arteries and is  now called Atherosclerosis click here. My chronic pain felt across my hip and backside was Claudication click here

This was the start of quite a medical journey for me, first my Vascular Surgeon and onto a complete medical workout. This included blood tests, heart and lung tests. A Dopler Ultra Sound scan to check the blood flow through arteries and veins.

blog Peripheral Artery Disease
Personal blog Peripheral Artery Disease

 

 

I had hardly any blood flowing into my legs and down to my toes

I needed Aortic Bifemoral Bypass Surgery what a shock after all these years. My Surgeon guaranteed I would be able to walk again so my losing ability to walk chronic pain undiagnosed was on it’s way to being fixed.

To say I was Gobsmacked would be an understatement, rather I was petrified


My Aortic Bifemoral Bypass Surgery

Losing ability to walk chronic pain undiagnosed
Losing ability to walk chronic pain undiagnosed
do check your Cholesterol
Please take your health seriously

Body Washing Without Water

This post may contain Affiliate Links At No Extra Cost To You

 Body Washing Without Water

Bathe Without Water remain clean and hygienic.

Wash hair without water with a  No Rinse Shampoo.

Body Washing without Water

Body Washing Without Water

Is it possible and is it hygienic. The answer is yes to both questions.

Are you a carer for a bed-ridden person who is unable to bathe or shower.

Perhaps like me you have had a- Click here to read> major operation. Unable to take a shower for medical reasons. 

There are many other instances when water may not be available to you. There are suggestions for these further down this blog post.

Elderly bathing aids

Elderly bathing aids, disposable wash cloths are available to you, not only in keeping your loved one clean and fresh but for good hygiene for incontinence.

Perineal cleansing products such as Peri Wash (as shown below) and skincare products to protect and care for delicate skin are all available.
Simply Right Member's Mark Adult Premium Disposable Washcloth Value Pack 288Simply Right Member’s Mark Adult Premium Disposable Washcloth Value Pack 288Simply Right Member's Mark Adult Premium Disposable Washcloth Value Pack 288

Body Washing without water
I personally highly recommend these disposable Adult Wash Cloths .
Have you been unable to bathe in water or shower because of a medical condition
Perhaps after an operation or broken bones .
Are you a carer for a bed-ridden person who is unable to bathe or shower.
Men and Women with incontinence.
Handicapped persons.

 

Bathe without water, shower without water.

 

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Stay clean and hygienic what ever your circumstances.

Did you know the Astronauts used these when up in space and our soldiers in the military love these waterless body products because they can use them for good hygiene while they are away overseas.

What about hygiene while backpacking or camp sites without easy water access

Suitable also for after Natural Disasters,Campers,Truckers,Boating

In a hurry read for more information and the great reviews

 

No Rinse Body Wash (2 Bottles), 8FL bottlesNo Rinse Body Wash (2 Bottles), 8FL bottlesNo Rinse Peri-Wash Body 8 oz Spray Bottle (Set of 2)No Rinse Peri-Wash Body 8 oz Spray Bottle (Set of 2)Simply Right Adult Washcloths - 480 ct.Simply Right Adult Washcloths – 480 ct.No Rinse Shampoo - 16 oz -3 PackNo Rinse Shampoo – 16 oz -3 PackNo Rinse Shampoo Cap (5-Pack)No Rinse Shampoo Cap (5-Pack)No Rinse Hair Conditioner, 8 OunceNo Rinse Hair Conditioner, 8 Ounce

&

 

 

Walking Aids for disabled people

 

Body washing without water

Giving a Bed Bath If you need more help Video

Test for Peripheral Artery Disease

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Test for Peripheral Artery Disease

  Peripheral Artery Disease Blog posts, are all written from my own personal experience with this disease.

 

test for peripheral artery disease
Test for Peripheral Artery Disease PAD
Ankle Brachial Index ABI

 

One Test for Peripheral Artery Disease is the Ankle Brachial Index Pressure Test

 What is the Ankle Brachial Index test or ABI. What Happens and Does it hurt?

The ABI or Ankle Brachial Index test is a non invasive test. As simple as taking your blood pressure.

Performed when a low blood pressure pulse has been detected in the legs or feet.This can be a symptom of a blocked Artery in your leg.

Can also be found in your arms.

Do you have undiagnosed Chronic Pain in legs,hips,buttocks or thighs read here…

Ankle Brachial Index Pressure Test is a Test for Peripheral Artery Disease.

Put simply the blood pressure pulse at your ankles is measured against the blood pressure pulse in the upper arm.

This is done using a blood pressure cuff, you will feel pressure, and a small hand held ultrasound device Dopler Ultrasound, to which a gel has been applied. Sound waves now produce images.

Looking for information on Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease read here…

 

test for peripheral artery disease
Dopler Ultrasound Investigation chart

 

  Preparation For The Ankle Brachial Index test

Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access for the blood pressure cuff at your upper arm and ankles: and really that is all.

Generally the ABI pressure test is performed in a Radiology clinic.

The patient lies on their back on a narrow bed/table.

What is Claudication Pain read here..for more information.

 

Symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease Legs

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Symptoms peripheral artery disease legs

Symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease Legs

 Also known as Hardening of the Arteries.

I write these blog posts from my own personal experience with Peripheral Artery Disease or you may know it as Peripheral Vascular Disease.

My first blog post was about the chronic pain I suffered read here… in the crease of the buttock and hip of my right leg. This remained misdiagnosed for over 10 years.

I have since written on my Aortic Bifemoral Bypass read here… to improve the blood flow from my legs to my feet and toes.

Today I wanted to go over the symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease.

 In the Support Group on Facebook that I belong too I have found from other members that there are more signs and symptoms that P.A.D (Peripheral Arterial Disease) sufferers experience than is often written.

I will add a link to the support group further down.

Symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease Legs

The Pain maybe mild to Chronic.

The most common area it seems of the leg, for pain and cramps to be felt is the calf

Pain in your Legs, Buttocks, Hips. Left, Right or Both

Pain in the Feet.

The pain you feel will generally occur while you are walking, even with something as slowly as when out shopping. Playing Golf, Strolling the beach.

The pain for most people will ease when you stop walking, rest or lay down.

This pain is called Claudication read here… felt because the leg muscles are not getting enough blood. 

 Atherosclerosis: the name given to blocked Arteries and Veins

Support Group pad

I belong to a Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease group on Facebook. This is a lovely friendly private group full of personal and helpful information and support.  Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease Support Group On Facebook

Quote from member Ms B.H …”this disease is so undetected because the symptoms mimic other conditions”.

While many members join for themselves some join to be able to help and understand to support loved ones and friends.

 Symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease Legs

Cramping legs and feet 

Leg Cramps at night a classic sign read here… may occur in bed while asleep or awake.In the calf and feet

Muscle Cramps legs, particularly in the calves.

Muscle Cramps in feet 

Cramps may travel right up into the groin

Symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease Legs

 Changes to Skin

Sores or ulcers develop that won’t heal, legs and or feet

Continually Cold feet and legs

Changing color of skin in legs or feet possibly a bluish tinge

Dry flaky skin legs and feet

Loss of hair on legs, many put this down to ageing.

 

symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease Legs

Shiny skin on legs and feet

Slow growing toenails.

Numbness in your legs and feet.

Heaviness of the legs and feet

Swelling of the legs or feet.

Burning in the legs and feet.

Tiredness of the legs

A Big Thank You

To the members of the Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease group on Facebook.

For sharing not only your pain and experiences of this most terrible disease but also the anxiety and depression that follows.

 

 


Vascular Disease causes night cramps

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Vascular Disease causes night cramps

That’s not to say that you have a Vascular Disease (Peripheral Artery Disease) there are other causes of cramping in the legs and feet.

Why do I make this statement and what then is Vascular Disease

Read Below on what products I found that relieved these awful leg ,feet and even hand cramps.

.Hi my name is Michelle, and I speak from my own personal experience having suffered unknowingly for more than 10 years (Peripheral Artery Disease) A Vascular Disease.You can read my story here.

What is Vascular disease,

Think of your heart as a pump and your arteries and veins ( The circulatory or Vascular System as the tubes) that run throughout your body carrying the blood to keep your body healthy.

When any one of these tubes (arteries or veins becomes blocked) this is when the health problems can start.Thus causing CAD Coronary Artery Disease your heart or as in my case PAD Peripheral Artery Disease.That is I had little blood flow to my legs and feet.

Here you can read my personal story on the pain associated with Peripheral Artery Disease pad.

Something else I want to say before I continue. I feel most people think of Vascular Disease as just associated to your heart. It seems that until someone is diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease pad that they had never heard of it.

Vascular Disease causes night cramps

So for me Vascular Disease caused night cramps:  No one is going to convince me any different. Possibly if you are reading this I take a guess that you are suffering those horrendous Night Cramps in your legs,feet,and toes too. And sometimes cramps in the hands.

 

Vascular disease causes night cramps

Night Cramps Legs Feet

Back to those cramps or whats that funny name Horse Cramps no Charley Horse leg Cramps. 

You know the pattern,  you go to bed a lovely warm bed and you relax or start reading a good book. You may even have gone to sleep.  Slowly there’s a kind of mild tightening.

Now mine always  started in my big toe, this feeling that creeps,twinges,spasms right over the top of your foot and if you’re real unlucky right up your calf muscle.

 

Vascular Disease Causes Night Cramps

I can’t remember when my nocturnal cramps started I do remember that over a period of years. they became an every night event. As you do I visited many websites for causes, I often saw these words (can be associated to a medical condition.) Well that wasn’t my problem! Or was it.

As far as I knew at the time I didn’t have the illnesses stated on most websites Read Here ….

 I could not exercise due to chronic pain and decreasing mobility, and lack of exercise can cause night cramps. 

Though I do know I didn’t drink enough water and still don’t! you do really need to drink a good amount of water approximately upto 2 litres per day or 8-8 ounce glasses a day. Though having said water you can drink other fluids.

 Help Ease Night Cramps

Most often advised is to try and stretch out the cramp which sounds an easy answer, however not being so young and supple one can’t always drop to the floor for these muscle stretches. Not always achievable with agonizing cramp of the calf muscle of the leg. I could ease sometimes a foot cramp by pulling my toes back.

There are many suggested natural cures for leg cramps at night and three products helped me.

Liquid Magnesium I rubbed madly and as best I could massaged from toes and up my leg.

A Magnesium Powder Supplement this a powerful supplement for the muscles helps ease night cramps and is to aid relaxation, in fact I found I relaxed more in general and slept better.

Tonic Water which contains Quinine. I found this extremely effective I took a glass to bed, sipped about a 1/4 cup when I felt a cramp coming on. It worked very quickly for me.

Some of the medical profession are against Quinine check with your doctor to be safe. While Quinine can be dangerous for some it has not been banned by the FDA

Peripheral Artery Disease

I never asked my Doctor about these night cramps, even though I was there often with Chronic pain and losing my mobility

If you follow my link and scroll through you will see that I was suffering Peripheral Artery Disease 


 Support Group pad

I belong to a Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease group on Facebook. This is a lovely friendly private group full of personal and helpful information and support.  Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease Support Group On Facebook


Vascular Disease Causes Night Cramps

On the 5th July 2017 I had Aortic Bifemoral Bypass Surgery  You can read my story here on my Aortic Bifemoral Bypass.  I have never had those horrible night cramps since.

 

What is severe Claudication Pain Legs Buttocks

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What is severe Claudication Pain Legs Buttocks

what is severe claudication pain in legs buttocksClaudication is pain which can be felt in the muscles. Predominantly in the lower half of your body your legs,hips, buttocks and thighs. And sometimes your arms.

Mostly when walking and exercising

It may be only mild pain but in my case it was severe,chronic and disabling pain.. that went undiagnosed for 10+ years.

Claudication pain will cause limping which is where the word Claudication came from the Latin word Claudicare meaning to limp.

It is TRUE that Claudication is NOT just an older persons ailment. .

TRUE 50% of smokers will get claudication and atherosclerosis causing Peripheral Artery Disease. This happened to me!

 

What is severe Claudication Pain Legs Buttocks
Most likely your pain will be at its worst when walking and or exercising

 I suffered undiagnosed for 10+ years I had no idea that my pain was even called claudication. Neither did the Doctors I visited!

If you complain to your Doctor about consistent pain when walking, in your hips,thighs and buttocks. Chances are they are not going to look for a blockage in your Aorta or other Arteries for that matter.


Support Group pad

I belong to a Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease group on Facebook. This is a lovely friendly private group full of personal and helpful information and support.  Peripheral Arterial- Vascular Disease Support Group On Facebook


 

I recently wrote a post about my personal journey with claudication read here>>>

Many websites when you look up “what is claudication” inform you that claudication is pain and or cramping that affects your lower legs.. I’m here to tell you from my own personal experience it is not just your lower legs!

 Agonising pain was in my right buttock. Buttock Claudication Symptoms. I used to say my hip but that is not totally correct. Basically the pain I felt was just below my bum.

Causes Intermittent Claudication

What Causes Blockage in Legs… Claudication

Intermittent Claudication is… pain so called because the pain is spasmodic.That is the pain is not continuous.

Intermittent Claudication is… pain ccaused by a  build up and blockage of fatty substances (plaques) lining the inside of your Arteries. This condition is called Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis was known as Hardening of the arteries. This is a sign of a medical condition called Peripheral Artery Disease. 

Most likely your pain will be at its worst when walking and or exercising. To ease the claudication pain you have to stop walking and rest.  I had to stop and sit down. I found this embarrassing and sometimes stopped walking to pretend that I was looking at something. 

Some days as the years went by I could barely walk around my own home I stopped going out.

Causes Intermittent Claudication
To ease the claudication pain you have to stop walking and rest.

 

Buttock Claudication Symptoms

What is severe Claudication Pain Legs Buttocks

I mentioned earlier that my agonising pain was in my right buttock and this is what the difference was for my claudication symptoms.

Where your pain can be felt gives an indication as to which artery may be blocked. And there can be more than one as it was in my case.

 One blockage was in my Aorta just above my navel ( Belly Button) also I had a Femoral Artery Blockage in both legs. The Femoral Artery is the large artery in your leg and thigh this delivers the blood supply to your leg.

Causes Intermittent Claudication
Causes Intermittent Claudication: can be caused by a blockage in the Arteries

 

Femoral Artery Blockage

The Femoral Artery is the large artery in your leg and thigh this delivers the blood supply to your leg,feet and toes.

When the blockage is in your Femoral Artery the pain (Claudication Pain ) can generally be felt in the thigh and also legs and hips.

Pain in your Calf Muscle also comes from a Femoral Artery Blockage and also the Popliteal Artery (behind the knee) depending on where you feel your pain. This Claudication Pain may be felt either in the upper or lower parts of the calf muscle.

You may like to read my post Peripheral Artery Disease Surgery Here…

 

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Myshelle

mobility and daily living aids
Posts I share with you are from my own experience with chronic pain and health issues. I recently had a Aortic Bifemoral Bypass due to Peripheral Artery Disease. I write about my mother and the Insidious Disease Alzheimers Dementia. I nursed in aged care. Mobility Aids I use or have observed used. I may make a small amount as an affiliate at no extra cost to you this helps me a little to remain on this website online. .

Recent Posts

  • Losing Ability To Walk Chronic Pain Undiagnosed
  • Body Washing Without Water
  • Test for Peripheral Artery Disease
  • Symptoms Peripheral Artery Disease Legs
  • Vascular Disease causes night cramps
  • What is severe Claudication Pain Legs Buttocks

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Medical Disclaimer This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this blog should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
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