Mobility and Daily Living Aids

Losing Ability To Walk Chronic Pain Undiagnosed 

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 xrays 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). 

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).

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

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.

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