Persistent Right Side Discomfort and Leg Aches
Hello! I'm a 43-year-old female dealing with obesity, as well as ongoing challenges with PCOS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lately, I've also been facing mildly elevated blood pressure and frequent episodes of tachycardia, which I manage with a 50mg dose of Metoprolol. During my menstrual cycle, I've noticed that I often experience significant pain on either my right or left side, which typically subsides afterward. However, this time, the discomfort on my right side has persisted for nearly two weeks, becoming quite tender and painful to the touch. In addition to that, both of my legs have started to feel quite sore, especially at night. The pain seems to be concentrated around my ankles and knees, but I also feel it in my thighs and calves. This discomfort frequently disrupts my sleep. While getting out of bed helps slightly, the pain does not completely abate. Occasionally, my toes will tingle and feel cold for a short period, similar to the sensation of them falling asleep. I initially worried that these symptoms could be a side effect of Metoprolol or possibly indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, my cardiologist dismissed these concerns, assuring me that the medication is not the cause and that PAD wouldn’t manifest throughout my entire legs. He also mentioned that my ankles did not appear swollen, so he wasn't troubled by that. He recommended consulting a neurologist regarding Restless Leg Syndrome and sent me on my way. Should I consider seeking a second opinion? What type of specialist should I consult? I find it difficult to book appointments as many are several weeks out. Any suggestions for getting in sooner would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 4:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a complex set of symptoms, including persistent right-side discomfort, leg aches, and tingling sensations in your toes. Given your history of obesity, PCOS, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it's understandable that you seek clarity and relief from these concerns.
Understanding Your Symptoms: The persistent right-side pain could be related to several factors, including possible ovarian issues (like cysts) given the PCOS history or muscular-skeletal issues. The leg pain, especially given your description of soreness concentrated around the ankles and knees, could suggest several possibilities such as muscular strain, issues related to circulation, or even conditions like Restless Leg Syndrome (which your doctor mentioned). Tingling and coldness in your toes can also indicate nerve involvement or circulation problems, but a thorough evaluation is critical for accurate diagnosis.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary:
- Keep track of when the pain occurs, its intensity (on a scale of 1-10), what exacerbates or alleviates it, and any other symptoms that might be accompanying it. This information will be helpful for any specialist you consult.
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Consult a Specialist:
- Since your cardiologist has suggested a neurologist for potential Restless Leg Syndrome, consider following through with this recommendation first. They can assess your leg symptoms and any nerve-related issues.
- A gynecologist may also be beneficial to evaluate your right side pain, particularly related to your menstrual cycle and PCOS.
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Open Appointment Options:
- When booking your appointment, explain that your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life, and ask if there are any cancellations or emergency slots available. Many clinics have waitlists for urgent cases.
- Don’t hesitate to express urgency when speaking with the receptionist, or check if telemedicine consults are offered.
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Self-Care Tips:
- Engage in gentle stretching or low-impact exercises (like walking or swimming) to promote circulation and relieve muscle tension.
- Apply heat to sore areas for comfort, especially before bed, to help with sleep.
- Maintain hydration, as this can help with circulation and overall health.
It's essential to prioritize these steps and seek answers, especially as your symptoms are persistent and affecting your quality of life. You’re not alone in this; seeking specialists and taking proactive steps towards your health will empower you. If you have further questions or need support during this process, feel free to ask.
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