Different diagnoses based on same symptoms
Posted , 4 users are following.
Two and a half months ago started with bad calf pain in left leg. Eventually doctor did D Dimer which was negative so he assured me no dvt. A week later no let up in pain and another doc
said thromophlebitis, gave me Hirudoid and sent me away. Another couple of weeks and another negative D Dimer, was advised to wear compression stockings, went to get measured but then told hardening of arteries.
A private vascular surgeon said arteries fine, thrombophlebitis. A GP said, veins are "red Herring" its neuropathy. Good pulses in feet.
So all these weeks on constant calf and leg pain and cramps but no swelling.
I am considering going to A/E and say I think I have a DVT. They might be able to diagnose something, or they might just refer me back to GP which will achieve nothing.
GOT vascular clinic in June but thats a long way. I'm going with the thrombo, although I thought D Dimer was raised then as well. Wits end has been reached. How often are two D Dimer tests wrong....?
0 likes, 7 replies
christine232 Stargazey
Posted
I am on treatment at this time for DVT & Pulmonary embolisms in my lungs. Have they measured you leg? That's the first thing that was done. Mine was 1.5inches bigger at the calf, than the left leg. Next they did d-dimer. Chest x-ray as I have asthma & copd then CT scan with contrast on my lungs.
Just in case they injected delteparin & sent me home, it was late in the evening.
An appointment was made for me the following morning for an ultrasound on my leg. This will show straight away if you have a blood clot & they tell you there & then.
I am now on treatment for 6 months unless there is a change.
I have to tell you that I have had bouts of phlebitis in that leg on & off for years. As I have been taking prednisolone for asthma difficulties I also have acquired Addison's through their long term use.
I know it's very stressful until you are diagnised but try measuring your own leg first. It can be difficult to detect as there are so many complaints with similar symptoms.
Try to get your GP to refer you to an Ambulatory Emergengy Care Unit, where you live, which deals with this sort of thing on a regular basis. This has to be a referral you just can't walk in.
My own GP did not refer me it was a Walk in Centre doctor who picked it up, although I had been telling several doctors about the swelling. They just blamed prednisolone(steroids).
Don't give up & try to find someone to refer you. Good luck.
GazzaD57 Stargazey
Posted
Stargazey
Posted
I bought some Class 1 compression stockings but they made legs hurt more, I have some white surgical ones left-over from an operation. I cut the tops so they aren't too tight behind knee
And they really do seem to help. Aren't they better than nothing? I hope you get better soon Christine. I live in depth of country so health care optiins limited. 30 miles to hospital. Not breathless or anything
Just very bad leg pain in both legs now from hip to feet. If I decide on A/E it will have to be tomorrow or Thursday, no point going weekend or Friday.
christine232 Stargazey
Posted
If I was so concerned I would go to A&E. Thrombosis(blood clots) of any description can be life threatening. Mine broke off the dvt & went walkabout. I am exceedingly lucky that it was picked up.
If they say the test are uncertain, just to put your mind at rest, you need to know. Stress can make these things worse.
Do see if your unsure. Best of luck. Hope all goes well for you.
Regards
Stargazey
Posted
No swelling. They are happy with D Dimers. Wearing very light support stockings. I don't know what I'm more worried about - dvt or blocked arteries. As I said, so many symptoms the same. My GP says I have neither but doesn't know what it is as I have symptoms of both ànd until I get a scan on both legs I won't know.
JTjudas Stargazey
Posted
Did you ever get a diagnosis on this? I've had pain all over my lower leg and primarily my calf that comes and goes sometimes it's mild and sometimes moderate. My d dimer also came back negative but I still don't believe that it's not DVT. Then again I have major health anxiety issues too.
Stargazey
Posted
The consultant thinks it is coming from my back, or thyroid or its neuropathy, so in answer to your question no, have not had diagnosis. Was given amitryptyline and that made me feel dreadful. Don't think it can be dvt but like you I am anxious because d dimer can throw up false negatives but rarely. Still got the pain but its better when I walk about.
Walked four miles on Saturday with minimal pain but yesterday and today got buzzing, twitching, pain. I think it would be worse with dvt. If you have had this for over two months dvt with no worsening and negative test you shoukd be reassured. But I do know where you're coming from. I still think what if the vascular consultant was wrong. I've just sent for some CBD (Google it) but don't know if it will help. Otherwise its keep taking my tramadol. Let me know what happens.