Advice needed in relation to pain in my calf muscle

[rufus]

Hi,

I have a mechanical aortic valve (dec 2007) and on treatment for over-avtive thyroid (jan 2010). i had a routine blood test last week and my inr was down to 1.7 , they upped my warfarin dosage to 11.5mg daily.

In the last few days a have had a pain / numbness in my right calf, i haven't exerted myself but the pain has got gradually worse but now comes and goes, my foot will also become cold on occasion. I also have the sensation of my heart beating in my throat. I have been to my gp who is unsure what is wrong but thinks i may have a slight tear on my muscle. (althougth i haven't done anything physical) and that i should rest but keep an eye on it.

Can anyone give me any advice, i am worrying myself stupid and not sleeping well. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ross]

Any swelling, redness or pain in one specific location?

 

[Nancy]

Sudden numbness would, to me, anyway, indicate that there is some kind of impediment to the nerve in that area. I would be concerned that a bruise of some kind had developed and was large enough to put pressure on that nerve group. If you are still concerned about it, I think you should go back to your doctor and request a scan of the area and see if there is anything to be concerned about. I wouldn't let this one go on like that.

 

[rufus]

Hi Ross,

The swelling comes and goes.....its not excessive swelling though, pain / numbness is concentrated towards the bottom of my calf muscle. No redness.

Thanks

 

[Ross]

I think it's in your best interest to get a second opinion. There is a small chance of it being a clot, but the only way to find out is to have an echo done on it. To me, it sounds like something is pushing on a nerve ending, whether clot or something else, it needs to be looked into a little further.

 

[Lynlw]

I think it's in your best interest to get a second opinion. There is a small chance of it being a clot, but the only way to find out is to have an echo done on it. To me, it sounds like something is pushing on a nerve ending, whether clot or something else, it needs to be looked into a little further.

I agree with Ross, Did your doctor cdo a doppler to check on blood flow in the area?

 

[rufus]

Hi Lyn,

No tests done by doc.......i feel like a drama queen but at the same time know my body and know something isn't right ;O( . Im 39 and feel a lot older !

 

[Ross]

Hi Lyn,

No tests done by doc.......i feel like a drama queen but at the same time know my body and know something isn't right ;O( . Im 39 and feel a lot older !

Pffft, wait until your 48 and have the body of a 90 year old.

 

[rufus]

Ok Ross you win :O) !!

 

[JeffM]

The lower leg is a fairly common place for a clot to form. If it breaks free and lodges in your lung, heart or brain, it could be suddenly fatal or life altering. Given you your INR was low (how long?) and it takes a bit for it to elevate, it's conceivable it could be a clot. I wouldn't hesitate to get to the doc or emerg. room today.

 

[rufus]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your advice, i went to a & e , the doc didn't even examine me, told me it was a muscle pull and sent me home ! ! How i wish i was wealthy enough to go private and not be part of a conveyer belt. I'll just have to keep an eye on it.

Does anyone have any advice for what major signs to look out for ?

Thanks

 

[Ross]

Well is the pain staying localized in the same area or is it moving? If it's still the same area, then it's probably a muscle. Don't know why your Doc wouldn't look into it further. Bet he or she would like the lawsuit if you landed in the ER.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Well is the pain staying localized in the same area or is it moving? If it's still the same area, then it's probably a muscle. Don't know why your Doc wouldn't look into it further. Bet he or she would like the lawsuit if you landed in the ER.

Did you tell this Doctor(?) that (1) you have a Mechanical Heart Valve, (2) take Coumadin / Warfarin, (3) that your INR had dropped to 1.7, and (4) you are concerned that you might have a CLOT or DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)?

I'm biting my tongue about your Medical System...