Seeking Insights on Unusual Sensation in Leg
I’m a 34-year-old woman weighing 270 pounds. At the moment, I am on a regimen that includes Lamictal (200mg), Gabapentin (300mg three times daily), Prozac (20mg), Propranolol (10mg), and Trazodone (50mg) along with a birth control pill. Today, I had a check-up with my general practitioner regarding some unusual symptoms, and she has requested laboratory tests. I’m currently awaiting the results. I underwent blood tests in September 2024, which indicated that I am not diabetic. My blood pressure reading earlier was 110 over 64. For the last few days, I’ve been experiencing a peculiar sensation reminiscent of cobwebs or bugs crawling on my left leg, specifically just above the outer ankle, coinciding with bowel movements. This sensation hasn't been present during urination or at other times of the day, except for this morning when I noticed it while standing in the kitchen. I’m worried it may be related to a neurological condition. At age 17, I experienced fainting and a seizure; however, the hospital confirmed that there was no concussion involved. Then, at 31, I had another seizure, which was shortly followed by a miscarriage, though I’m uncertain which event influenced the other. I didn’t seek medical advice afterward due to the overwhelming situation of the miscarriage and subsequent procedures. I originally attributed the seizure to the stress of the miscarriage. There is a family history of health issues: my mother suffers from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and my paternal grandmother had Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, my parents are free from diabetes and heart-related illnesses. I would appreciate any thoughts or insights regarding what could be causing this strange sensation. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/16/2025, 8:51:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It sounds like you're experiencing an unusual and distressing sensation in your leg, particularly related to bowel movements, while also managing a complex medication regimen. Understanding the potential causes of this sensation is important, especially given your medical history and family background.
Main Points:
- Neurological and Nervous System Considerations: The sensation you describe could be linked to issues involving nerves or the nervous system, especially given your past seizure experiences.
- Effect of Medications: Some medications may have side effects that include strange sensations or neuropathic symptoms.
- Other Contributing Factors: Conditions like anxiety, stress, or even physical factors can sometimes manifest as unusual sensations.
Explanation:
The crawling sensation in your leg could be caused by several factors:
- Neuropathy: Damage or irritation to the nerves in your leg can create sensations like tingling, crawling, or numbness. This can be related to metabolic factors, side effects of medications like Gabapentin, or even anxiety.
- Circulatory Issues: Your blood pressure is on the lower side, which could contribute to sensations if there isn’t optimal blood flow to the area.
- Psychological Factors: Stress or anxiety about your health situation might amplify your awareness of bodily sensations or create psychosomatic symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Symptom Journal: Start keeping a daily journal of your sensations, noting the times they occur, their intensity, and any accompanying factors (like stress levels or bowel movements). This can help identify patterns.
- Medication Review: Discuss potential side effects of your medications with your healthcare provider. Gabapentin and other medications can lead to sensations like you’ve described.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintain good hydration and consider gentle stretching or yoga to enhance circulation, which might help with the sensations. Focus on stress-reducing activities, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
- Follow Up on Tests: Await the results from your doctor and be sure to discuss any new symptoms or worries you have. Mention the crawling sensation specifically during your next appointment.
If the sensation worsens or becomes painful, or if you experience any new neurological symptoms (like weakness, loss of coordination, or vision changes), ensure to seek medical advice promptly. I hope you find relief soon!
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