Seeking Help for Ongoing Leg Pain
Hello everyone, looking for some guidance here. My mother has been enduring significant leg pain for several years, accompanied by numerous lumps within her legs. She underwent an MRI, where the doctors mentioned that "something is leaking from her disc," yet they could not provide any further information. Her next step was a visit to a vascular surgeon, who flooded her with various diagnoses. In the end, he seemed uncertain about her condition. Although he recommended a treatment plan costing €150 per month, we later discovered that he prescribes this same plan to most of his patients; one individual has been on these medications for 15 years with no improvement. Subsequently, my mother had imaging done on her veins and nerves, which showed no issues. She consulted an internist or possibly another specialist - honestly, I've lost track - but once again, we faced a lack of clear answers regarding her condition and the appropriate steps forward. It’s worth noting that my mom is relatively young, having just celebrated her 50th birthday, and has been suffering with this pain for nearly 7 to 8 years. I can't help but wonder if her past health issues may be connected. At 28, she gave birth to twins; tragically, the doctors reported them as deceased, a violation that occurred frequently in the Balkans during that time. They proceeded to remove her healthy uterus and one ovary, leaving her with the other ovary being polycystic and a cervix. She even experienced clinical death at that moment but somehow revived. My worry is whether her present struggles could be hormonal effects manifesting later in life. If anyone has suggestions about where she should go for proper evaluation or which specialists might diagnose her correctly and recommend effective treatment, I’d be immensely grateful. I am genuinely concerned for my wonderful mother and wish to help her find relief. Thank you sincerely for any assistance, and I apologize for my English.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 12:02:21 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your mother's ongoing leg pain and the frustration you've experienced in seeking answers. With her history of complex medical issues, it's important to approach her condition thoroughly and thoughtfully. First, I'll outline the main points, then I'll explain potential connections and suggest actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Your mother has significant leg pain and lumps, with uncertain diagnoses from various specialists.
- The MRI findings and her past medical history suggest there may be multiple factors at play, including possible hormonal influences.
- Finding the right specialist for proper evaluation is crucial.
Explanation:
Leg pain, especially chronic in nature, could result from several sources, including musculoskeletal issues, nerve complications, or vascular conditions. The mention of a leaking disc may refer to a herniated disc, which could contribute to pain if it affects nerve pathways. The lumps in her legs might need further investigation to determine if they are related to her pain or if they're independent issues.
Given her past health issues, such as hormonal imbalances due to her reproductive history, it's reasonable to consider that they could influence her present symptoms. However, this requires proper evaluation by the right specialists.
Next Steps:
- Pain Management Specialist: Seek out a pain specialist who can perform a comprehensive evaluation of her pain mechanisms and propose targeted pain management strategies.
- Revisit Neurologist: Given the mention of nerve imaging, consulting with a neurologist might help in addressing any nerve-related issues contributing to her symptoms.
- Orthopedic Consultation: An orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal issues can offer insights into the implications of her MRI findings and potential treatment options.
- Physical Therapy: Consider starting physical therapy focused on strengthening exercises and mobility training, which might alleviate some pain and improve her quality of life.
- Hormonal Evaluation: It may be beneficial to consult an endocrinologist to assess her hormonal levels, particularly considering her history with polycystic ovary syndrome and reproductive health complications.
By focusing on these steps, you can help ensure that your mother receives the comprehensive care she needs. Keeping a record of her symptoms and any questions will also aid her healthcare providers in making informed decisions. Remember, persistence in seeking the right specialist can make a significant difference. I'm here to provide more guidance if needed.
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