Vibrating sensation in low back, left side

[karlaosh]

Hi all.

I'm due for aortic valve replacement sometime in the near future. (Bicuspid valve, enlarging left ventricle, etc.) But I've also been having some other health problems in the past year and a half and I believe they're related to the rapid decline of the heart valve during that same time period.

In April of 2002, I had a "flare" of something that resulted in a severe headache, spontaneous bruising on the sides and backs of both thighs (about 50 small bruises on each), burning leg and low back pain (the low back pain felt like searing shocks), and sporadic numbness in my arms and legs (mostly left side). This went on for a couple of months. Since then I've developed little tender nodules below the skin in the areas where there was bruising plus on my stomach, chest area and upper arms. And about a year ago this vibrating sensation started up in my low back and trunk and down my left leg. It continues to this day, as do the other symptoms minus the bruising.

Now I know this is weird stuff, and that this is a heart valve forum, but my question is: Could any of this be caused by my heart valve problem? My cardiologist doesn't know what to make of it. I've been trying to pursue a diagnosis with a rheumatologist and he thinks maybe some kind of vasculitis--but that he can't diagnose until I present with more definitive symptoms. The neurologist ruled out MS (at least for the timebeing) with an MRI and a spinal tap.

I'm especially concerned because I've learned through my obsessive reading online that some kinds of vasculitis can pose a problem during and after valve replacement because they tend to create inflammation and thus leakage around the new valve.

Any thoughts? Thanks for bearing with this long and perhaps crazy-sounding message. But I swear: I'm not crazy!

Karla

 

[bvdr]

Hi Karla,

Well....even though it does sound weird, I believe you are just relating what happened to you. I think valve problems can cause alot of strange symptoms but I haven't really heard of that particular mix of them.

How small were the bruises you had? Did you have a doctor look at them at the time? How did they treat them and how very sick were you at that time? Did they rule out endocarditis?

I've got mild rheumatoid arthritis and sometimes have had tender little knots under my skin but it was never preceded by bruising. I think you have the right mix of doctors here and just might need the patience to wait it out.

Regardless what it is I sure hope it gets better soon for you!

 

[karlaosh]

Hi Betty.

I think endocarditis was considered because of the vibrating sensation, but that was ruled out by echo.

As part of this complex of symptoms, I've never had a fever, my sed rate and C-RP have been normal, and I've tested negative for lupus, rheumatoid factor and more. I haven't really felt acutely sick, just ongoing, low- to mid-level pain.

Oh well. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Karla

 

[KimC]

Karla, my OB mentioned to me today that she had a weird blood disorder after the birth of her first child. I'm sorry, but I don't recall the name of it, but she had multiple bruises all over her body. She said it was an autoimmune disease. You can probably look it up in the Merck manual under the same category or try searching under blood disorders.

You may want to see your PCP instead of your cardio -- they're usually better at seeing the whole pathological landscape.

 

[bvdr]

Kim, was it D.I.C.? (Disseminated intravascular coagulation). That is something that sometimes sets in after childbirth but the patients are usually very very ill requiring intensive care.

 

[KimC]

Hmmmm ... Betty, I recall that she used an acronym but am not sure that was the correct disorder. I'll ask her again when I see her next and pass it along.