Diagnosis
As the "pins & needles" pain in my lower left leg continued, I went to my primary doc who diagnosed Restless Leg Syndrome, prescribed 2 meds, and sent me for an ultrasound on my legs. 10 days later the doc and I had a virtual visit and I told him that I felt no relief. It’s strange as this only “attacks” at night. During this virtual visit he told me the findings of the ultrasound — that several veins were blocked.
The doc contacted a vascular doc for me to see. I extensively read and researched Restless Leg, neuropathy, and PAD so I could talk intellectually with the vascular doc. As the vascular doc was doing his examination, I told him about my reading and research. He said I was studying the wrong diseases. He said I had varicose veins! I was very surprised and told him that my mother had suffered from varicose veins. He said, “That’s why you have varicose veins.” They are inherited! My veins are the problem but my arteries are normal.
Then we began to discuss treatment protocols.
Thank you for this update, I am glad you have the right diagnosis now and can start the right treatments.
I didn't know that varicose veins can run in the family, I think my Mom had spider veins (a milder type of varicose veins and are smaller than varicose veins) on her face. I'm definitely going to have to talk to my doctor about that and the cardiopulmonary specialist I am currently working with about my heart issues/breathing not always being autonomic.
I hope the wrapping helped of you leg helped. Wishing you good luck on your journey
🌈🦄 Ray (Team member)The vascular doc wrapped my affected leg with a medical material and a pressure bandage, and told me to wear it for 5 days. (Today it get removed). In early November, the doc will do an ultrasound looking for the affectived/blocked veins. Then he will do a procedure in his office to close the affected veins. He says that other veins in the lower legs will take over to bring blood back to the heart. He sounded quite confident
Oh, I hope this works out for you! Keep us posted! My father had problems with arteries in his legs (intermittent claudication) and I don't think he ever quite found relief for it. He also had varicose veins. But you sound like you might have some hopeful therapy coming that should improve your circulation. Best of luck to you! Tamara, RLS community advocate
Thanks for keeping us updated! I'm so glad that your doctors were able to come up with a diagnosis. How have you been feeling since getting your diagnosis? Has the new treatment method given you any relief? Wishing you the best! -Aron (Team Member) The vascular doc wrapped my affected leg with a medical material and a pressure bandage, and told me to wear it for 5 days. (Today it get removed). In early November, the doc will do an ultrasound looking for the affectived/blocked veins. Then he will do a procedure in his office to close the affected veins. He says that other veins in the lower legs will take over to bring blood back to the heart. He sounded quite confident. Glad to hear your adjusted treatment plan is moving along and your doctor is confident that the treatment will be effective! Best Wishes! -Aron (Team Member)
Hi
, thanks for sharing an update! I'm so glad to hear that you were finally diagnosed. Have you been feeling any relief since changing treatment protocols? Best, Allison (Team Member)
