Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: oldsheep on April 27, 2015, 01:31:28 PM
-
I was in the pool this morning just starting my swim. Everything was fine until I started swimming. First 2 lengths, the sole of my foot was incredibly itchy. Then it turned into pain. I couldn't touch the area without flinching.
I finished my swim (puffing today), then walking to the change cubicle was very painful.
The big vein under the ball of my foot seems a bit darker than normal but otherwise can't see anything.
It wasn't a trauma, as I wear slip slops to the poolside and didn't stand on anything. I cycled home (10 mins) and even pressing the foot down on the pedal hurt.
Is it a burst blood vessel do you think? Anything to worry about or will it just go away? I'm going to put arnica on it. Not sure if taking aspirin would help or hinder? Think may put my feet up and and read my book this afternoon and housework can wait!
thanks for any ideas!
-
Sounds really painful. Could it have been some form of cramp? My foot sometimes becomes very painful for no apparent reason. I can be walking along fine, next minute I'm in pain. I hurple along for a while & then it goes as quickly as it came. I rarely wear anything higher than a kitten heel, so it's not that which causes mine. Weird.
-
Hi, CG. No, not cramp. I think it must be a burst blood vessel. It's sore to walk. Really weird as you say.
There's a big bruise this morning all along the main vein in the ball of the foot. No GPs appointments until 12 May, only emergencies if you show up at 8am.
Just put on arnica and trying not to walk where possible.
-
Could be plantar fasciitis - my husband has it - if you google it you will find info. Might be worth getting it checked if it doesn't settle in case its some kind of clot (not wanting to alarm you) - better to be safe
-
hi CJ, it's the ball of the foot area. Can you get plantar fasciitis there too (I was thinking just your heel?).
I'm not sure if I can take aspirin or not.
I usually take aspirin for fibro pain. Don't get on too well with ibuprofen.
-
I have itchy insteps when in the bath but not pain.
Plantar fasciatisis is under the heel, there is a spur which when walked upon can be very very painful on pressure.
Take the Aspirin?
-
I think you're right, its usually the heel. The only other thing I can think of is gout!
-
In the base of the foot? at the root of the joint maybe ……. not something fortunately I have suffered with.
How is it now?
-
I hope you don't mind but I have come out of 'Lurk Mode' to offer a possible answer :). Could it be Achenbach syndrome? It usually occurs in the hands (mostly at the base of fingers) predominently in women. I have had several occurences characterised by sudden intense itching followed by sharp pain at the base of my middle finger and then swelling of the vein. Immediate application of ice helps but it always seems to result in an ugly bruise for a few days. Out of the blue I had one on the sole of my foot too which felt like I had stood on a sharp stone.
I did a lot of Googling and discovered that it is supposedly rare but there are thousands of people out there reporting similar symptoms online so I think it is just underreported TBH. I have never been checked out at the doctors but it has been suggested that it may indicate clotting issues. However most of the discussions I've seen are from perfectly healthy people who have no underlying problems at all.
Hope this helps.
-
:thankyou:
:welcomemm:
-
I hope you don't mind but I have come out of 'Lurk Mode' to offer a possible answer :). Could it be Achenbach syndrome? It usually occurs in the hands (mostly at the base of fingers) predominently in women. I have had several occurences characterised by sudden intense itching followed by sharp pain at the base of my middle finger and then swelling of the vein. Immediate application of ice helps but it always seems to result in an ugly bruise for a few days. Out of the blue I had one on the sole of my foot too which felt like I had stood on a sharp stone.
I did a lot of Googling and discovered that it is supposedly rare but there are thousands of people out there reporting similar symptoms online so I think it is just underreported TBH. I have never been checked out at the doctors but it has been suggested that it may indicate clotting issues. However most of the discussions I've seen are from perfectly healthy people who have no underlying problems at all.
Hope this helps.
Thanks Saffy! That sounds like what happened. I'm going out tonight right the other side of London (concert) and will have to walk on the foot and stand on public transport- hopefully not too sore. Have rested today as don't feel great. The possible clotting issue (I'm on hrt) concerns me but I'm obviously hoping it's just a one off. Might take 300mg aspirin.
How long should it take to wear off? Do you think I can swim tomorrow?
Did you just rest or carry on as normal?
Thanks X.
Welcome here and thanks for posting x
-
Thanks for the welcomes :). I've been lurking a long time but not suffering much (yet...) so just soaking up info :o.
Oldsheep, after the initial icing I just carry on as normal, it's just a bruise really. In the fingers the pain goes pretty quickly after the first few hours but with my foot I think I hobbled around the house for a couple of days and then wore only comfy, squishy soled shoes for the rest of the week with very little walking. I do have 'princess and the pea' feet 'though ;D. I'm sure swimming will be fine.
-
If there is no break in the skin, then swim. Is there a physio/trainer/gym in the building, where you could ask advice?
-
as I can't see the GP, I've got a physio appointment on thursday and I'll ask her to see what she thinks. I have muscle pains all over my leg but think that's from favouring the leg.
Anything vascular does make me nervous though, being on HRT.
This is when I wish I had one of the rare London great GPs.
thanks x
-
starting to be a hypochondriac I think. I went for a swim. My calf is so tight and sore and I feel about 100. The foot is just bruised now. I got cramp after just 16 lengths of taking it easy, in that leg. I then got cramp in the other leg! Finished the length by just using my arms.
I've had a burny tingling in the toes too. I'm starting to worry as the GP is hopeless (the one on duty until tuesday diagnosed a friend's little girl with a slight fever as having "scarlet fever" recently). My usual GP is only there from tuesday I think.
Took 2 aspirin and am resting. It doesn't hurt when I rest. My calf is not swollen or red but really sore, including to touch. The physio worked on it yesterday for 20 mins and said the inside calf muscle is locked down tight.
-
I bet ;) you haven't enough salt in your diet, cramp is a sure sign that the body is lacking!
-
Think I'm run down. I'm so tired. I can't see a GP until weds and the stiffness and pain in the inside calf isn't great. Pondering whether 8 hours at A&E would even be worth it. Just tempted to stay in bed!
Me again - pain was nasty so I went to A&E where I saw a nurse. They did a blood test to measure DVT markers which was a bit elevated but below the 0.5 threshold that they use. She also said it's not the major vein so they don't scan just yet. She didn't want to do the bloods but was overruled by her senior nurse. (I'm sensing budget cuts here).
Lymphocytes came back low so I've been told to go to the GP next week as might need more tests.
I really don't feel v well. Sorry to be boring :P
-
Not boring - we are here to listen! Get the GP to check salt levels!
-
Thanks X
Hope he'll check the lymphocytes being low. They're 900. Normal is from 1400.
I'm sore all over and a bit snuffly with a slight cough but feel exhausted. Even picking up a mug of tea hurt my arm muscles. Weird.
-
I thought of you as I woke this morning at 6.30 …… how was the trip to A&E did you need to wait very long?
How are you today?
-
thanks CLKD! x
I'm just eating and watching TV (mostly other people exercising ;D just watched a Chris Froome documentary)
I am very sore, but now it's all over. My arms are really bad. Feel about 100.
I'm trying not to worry about the low lymphocytes but I'm an anxious person and I do. Googling just makes it worse! I'm telling myself it's just a virus but I don't have any classic virus symptoms really, just an intermittent dry cough and the muscle pains.
PS was in and out of A&E in 3 hours. Didn't see a doctor though. For London, that's quick.
-
I'm watching men in Lycra too :-* :-* from the comfort of our settee.
You could have a virus …… a blood test will show. What does Dr Google suggest? ???
-
I'm watching men in Lycra too :-* :-* from the comfort of our settee.
You could have a virus …… a blood test will show. What does Dr Google suggest? ???
low lymphocytes = mega alarming. I doubt GP will do any blood tests as I've just had one that showed the levels. I'll have to go back weekly if it doesn't go or gets worse.
-
Oh Dr Google tells me:
"Outlook
"Lymphocytopenia can range from mild to severe. The condition alone may not cause any signs, symptoms, or serious problems.
"How long lymphocytopenia lasts depends on its cause. The treatment for this condition depends on its cause and severity. Mild lymphocytopenia may not require treatment. If an underlying condition is successfully treated, lymphocytopenia will likely improve.
"If lymphocytopenia causes serious infections, you may need medicines or other treatments. …… "
Did you make an appt. with your GP and do you have someone to go with you?
-
I'm going on wednesday morning, thanks. No, will go by myself. Usual 2 mins! ::)
-
Think you need to put your foot down with a firm hand and ask for this to be sorted ;) - choosing the non-itchy foot of course :P
-
Think you need to put your foot down with a firm hand and ask for this to be sorted ;) - choosing the non-itchy foot of course :P
:D I'll have a go. Think he'll be v busy after the long weekend. He always says "what can I do for you" before you've even shut the door going in.....but he's the only one there who is clinically ok, London qualified. So everyone wants to see him.
-
Don't think it makes much difference where a GP qualifies it's the bed-side manner which matters ;)
Our GP uses the same words ::) …….. and my reply is 'how long have you got' ……… then 'how can you help with A,B,C?'
Le us know how you get on! How's the energy levels today?
-
Not good,thanks though for asking. Lots of muscle pain all over and tum not feeling good. Ive started pre and pro biotics. Just rested all day.
-
Rest. As much as you can.
-
saw him today and he didn't rush me actually. He doesn't know what it is, possibly a flare up of the M.E but as the other bloods were normal, he's not at all worried about the low lymphocytes at all.
On Friday I'm having other tests done - bone profile, CK (muscles), ferritin and thyroid.
I'm going back next week weds. He said to try swimming again. Might ignore that advice, given how exhausted and sore I feel....
didn't fuss at all about the foot popping either.
-
He said to try swimming again. Might ignore that advice, given how exhausted and sore I feel....
Oldsheep - I know it's difficult to exercise when you are exhausted and are sore. But, the daft thing is that gentle exercise will actually give you more energy.
I have MS and getting totally knackered, oops sorry, fatigued, is one of the main problems that MS causes. The temptation is just to do nothing but then all movement and activity becomes difficult. Use it or lose, it is the phrase often used.
What does help to give me more energy is gentle exercise, it sounds counter intuitive I know, but it really does work. The main thing is not to do too much and take breaks as you need them before you get wiped out.
-
thanks Limpy. I'm going to re-start swimming very soon I think (I was doing 4x a week in the 50m Lido and have been all winter :)). I've been a bit spooked - last monday (not this week) I had the popped vein story and last thurs I got in and within 10 lengths of geriatric paced freestyle I had cramp in both calves.
Normally I 100% agree with you on gentle exercise. It loosens things up. I can't walk far at present as get too light headed and dizzy. Think I'll wait for the gland pain under my armpits to subside a bit too. That one brings back memories of late 1980s when I first got M.E.
Don't you find exercise is good for mood too? I go nuts when I can't.
-
Oldsheep I totally agree - I find exercise really helps my mood. Last year when I couldn't swim for a month I nearly went ape.
Be very careful when you do start exercising again given your light headed & dizzy spells. No sense in falling flat on your face. Given your ME you will know better than most what, your body can and can't do.
Take care of yourself:hug:
-
thanks Limpy x. I'm a bit emotional and fed up as haven't had such bad symptoms and lymph gland pain since the early 90s really. I was a bit upset in the GP's room so think he's just written down "depressed". Which I'm not.
I was doing well all winter and before Easter but not since. Having read the local M.E clinic's blurb online, I think he's probably sensible not to refer me there! CBT as a cure all, with a walk taken at the same time every day ::)
just hope it is an M.E flare up as then it will flare down at some stage.
-
Do you feel relieved?
-
exhausted more like CLKD. Another night of almost no sleep. I think I dropped off after 4am sometime for a short sequence of weird dream sleep but can't have been more than an hour.
I took sleep meds as well but they aren't working.
Wondering if I should have my oestradiol levels checked as last time I stopped sleeping it was because the HRT wasn't working.
Chronic sleep deprivation could be causing all my symptoms (or the other way round).
thanks for asking. x
-
I hate those not sleeping nights :(
Hormoens are connected to our sleep patterns too
-
went for a 45 min walk in the park and feel shattered. It's hard to believe that just over 2 weeks ago I swam 2km. Spoke to the specialist who controls my sleep issue and he said the lymphocytes are very low but there's nothing they can do to boost them.
They all say it makes me 'vulnerable to infection' - so why am I feeling so bad if I haven't caught anything yet?! Doesn't make sense.
Tomorrow is OH's birthday and yet again I'm not well enough to go out and have fun with him. ::)
-
:hug:
Have a special day in instead. Lots of treats and maybe a posh take away for dinner or visit M&S.
They do posh with the minimum of effort.
Maybe 45 mins was too much to start with. Be kind to yourself and I hope your hubby has a lovely day.
Honeybun
X
-
thanks HB x
good idea. OH likes his food and wine and there are some good local restaurants. Might book for tomorrow.
-
Think HB is right Oldsheep - 45 mins is a lot to take on.
Try shorter walks 15 to 20 mins max.
When you can handle those, then step up the distance, gradually.
Best wishes for your OH - enjoy whatever you end up doing.
-
However, there is a reason why lymphocytes can be low so this does need keeping an eye on.
Walking 45 mins is OK if you take food and liquid with you. Being dehydrated will make the body/legs really tired, I went out a few weeks ago and had no legs at all when I got home, I thought DH was going to have to carry me the final few yards ::) - low blood sugar ……
-
thanks everyone x
I'm only really getting REM (dream) sleep at present, which is knackering. Not the best way to repair the immune system.
Last night I slept for 2 hours, then OH woke me with thunderous snores.....when I did get back to sleep, was just dozing off, dream, repeat etc.
Then he says he slept badly this morning ;D
-
Walking 45 mins is OK if you take food and liquid with you.
CLKD Yes, that is the case when somebody does not have an underlying condition.
However, I believe that Oldsheep has ME, the fatigue is very different to just being weary
The fatigue / knackernedness that exists in ME is like the fatigue caused by MS. It is overwhelming, when it's bad people can not get out of bed, even having a shower is too tiring and has to be taken in stages, constantly having to sit down to rest. It is possible to exercise but it has to be balanced with constant rest.
When I was first diagnosed with MS the GP at that time knew nothing about MS fatigue and was of the "just get on with it" school. I had a word with my MS nurse, GP got a letter from my then consultant. GP apologised saying "I now know about MS fatigue, I hadn't realised"
-
good description of my first 4 years with M.E and the bad days I still have Limpy. I used to be so sporty too, very frustrating and isolating.
However until quite recently it had plateau'd and I was swimming 5km a week in 4 gos. OK, didn't do anything else on the 'swim days' but I loved it.
I'm sure the flare up now (if that's what it is) is due to chronic sleep deficiency and mostly the wrong kind of sleep. Sleep is key in M.E. Is it key in MS too?
-
Decent sleep is essential for MS too.
Silly things like colds really knock me for 6.
Last week I had what I thought were minor sniffles, I thought I was over them and went for a very small swims on the Wednesday & Thursday and felt wiped out. Yesterday, Friday I nearly keeled over when I was in town doing a little bit of food shopping. Luckily the car was close so I was able to sit down.
Like you, I'd been ok recently, but something has kicked me off again.
Might have been after effects / stress from OHs health issues this year.
Stress doesn't help at all.
-
That sounds like it Limpy - you have been through a lot of 'hidden' stress - feet up, cuppa and Very Good Book? ;)
-
Just as soon as I've done the evening meal ::)
-
"I've done ….. " - no help there then ::)
-
"I've done ….. " - no help there then ::)
If only ::)
I'd got chicken breasts, covered them with mozzarella and sage leaves, then wrapped them in parma ham. Because the parma ham was a bit lacy and fragile I'd left the chicken breasts whole cos it was easier to sort the parma ham out. OH comes in whimpers and says they're too big how long do we (note the "we") cook them for? Then proceeds to
unravel everything, cut the chicken into smaller pieces, then reassemble. In his defence he is paranoid about undercooked chicken especially as he is still not feeling "right"
-
Did you grill them or were they cooked in the oven? I have a dread of undercooked chicken too ::) - did you eat yet?
-
Oven ;)
We've eaten, chicken was definitely cooked all the way thorough :)
-
Why do some men find it necessary to interfere with the cooking when they know nowt about it.
My hubby just would not dare.....he was told many moons ago unless he was cooking the whole thing to butt out. ;D
Mind you I'm happy for him to cook when he wants, unfortunately he doesn't want nearly enough.
Honeybun
X
-
Occasionally I put my oar in …….. when DH is busy at the cooker …….. I get 'the look' ;D
How's the foot Oldsheep?
-
foot's fine, touch wood, thanks. Now it's just the aches and pains, fatigue and bit of congestion and sore throat. Just feel mega run down.
I managed to go to the pool for 20 mins yesterday in the sunshine. Didn't swim much, but helped my mood no end.
I have to go out tonight though so resting up today.
-
Glad the foots fine.
20 mins sounds just right for a gentle swim, enough to boost you with out getting wiped out.
Enjoy your trip out tonight.
-
had a little swim, then found a voicemail from the GPs asking me to collect a urine sample bottle. They aren't allowed to say why. I was waiting for the result of a urine test anyhow (as well as bloods) so now am of course my usual nervy self.
I have got an appointment tomorrow with the GP.
The receptionist told me my "eestreedal" needed an appointment ::) I actually asked for the test as you know how hormones can make you feel ill!
I don't actually have an appointment with the meno clinic until next february but I'd rather they handled any dose issues than the GP. I don't know what the policy/reality is on bringing appointments forward at the hospital.
Oh well, am v nervous....why would they repeat urine?! I don't have any symptoms of UTI. Damn anxiety.
-
Someone might have dropped the bottle ;)
Also, you are certainly able to ring the Consultant's Secretary to get advice about bringing the appt. forwards. There may be a cancellation that you could take advantage of but if you don't ask, you don't get. Or maybe the Consutlant could ring you at home ;)
-
saw the GP. He said my oestradiol level has spiked to 221+ (should be 201) but he's not worried. It was flagged up by the other GP (who isn't good....).
The urine was his fault as he printed off 2 tests! I was meant to come for a smear test but didn't get the letter.
Anyhow can oestrogen that's a bit high cause the M.E or fibro to flare, and insomnia? I do feel a bit better but nowhere near right yet. Lovely to see the sun though.
-
I'me a bit surprised that oestrogen being "a bit high" would cause a flare up of ME.
With MS, a drop in oestrogen is what causes flare ups!
Pregnant women with MS rarely get relapses, however, once they've given birth, MS recurs with a vengeance.
-
yes, me too. When I wasn't yet on HRT, my M.E was terrible and I had total insomnia. I remember the doc (male) telling me that he probably had a higher oestrogen level! I imagine it's something that varies from day to day though, maybe even time of day?
Although I know Evorel is supposed to give you an even dose. I'm on the 75mg patches.
Can't say I felt any of the supposed boost from oestrogen either!
the sunshine certainly helped this afternoon though. Think I need to live in a warmer climate! My health was a lot better when I spent 2 years in France.
-
Talking of France we haven't heard from Meggie recently :-\
I think sunshine brightens up most Souls ……. especially if we can get into it for a while.
-
had to go for a smear test today and the nurse took b.p. It's very low compared to normal. 110/63. She seemed delighted, but I know it's usually nearer 140/75. I'm so tired and a bit woozy.
Possibly still part of the M.E story, don't know. I assume the GP would've noticed if my thyroid test was hypo. I'm usually on the border line of normal (just above so they don't treat). I'll have to get out the sexy support stockings I think ::)
-
The support stockings won't be seen by anyone else will they :P
-
I assume the GP would've noticed if my thyroid test was hypok ::)
That would be nice
However, Oldsheep, please don't assume GPs (or any other Drs for that matter) always think or pay attention to what they're doing
-
well, that depends CLKD ;). I hope they give me some of my missing va va voom :scottie:
No, Limpy, I agree. If this goes on, I'm going to go back to ask just about thyroid. He did read the results on his screen as I'd been called back to discuss allegedly high oestradiol. It was 223 or something. He said don't worry. I rang the meno clinic, and the nurse told me that that no is entirely normal and why didn't they know that....sigh.
I do still have enormous fatigue, might just all be M.E of course.
-
Could be the M.E.. With lots of meno rubbish thrown in >:(
-
went for my first proper swim yesterday, despite the damn bit of spotting (it's there, just not much touch wood).
Towards the end I got cramp. This time in my foot. I did my last 50m length with just my arms as my left foot was stuck at right angles to my body ;D This despite drinking half a glass of lite energy drink before swimming.
Still, the sun came out and when I swim (freestyle) I can see the light playing on the bottom of the pool. I had a whole lane to myself, which doesn't happen often as unfortunately they keep letting other people into MY pool ;D. Bliss.
-
BBRRRR ………. can't be doing with the getting there, undressing, swimming, drying etc. ::)
Cramp can be caused by a lack of salt ;)