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Quadruple Bypass, Mastectomy, Lung Cancer, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Left Leg Vein Removed, High BP, On Plavix, Aspirin, Weakness. Why?
Question: I am 77, I have recently had a quad bypass about 6 weeks ago. many years ago had a masectomy, lung cancer which I underwent radiation and chemo. Since my recent heart surgery I have weakness in my right leg. I walked into the hospital but I am now on a walker unable to stand on my own. They removed the vein from my left leg to do the surgery. I am on plavix,aspirin, high blood pressure meds. What could be causing the weakness. Please help. Thanks.
Hello and thank you for your query.
I must say that I am very concerned about the weakness in your right leg. A number of things could contribute to such things including - nerve compression or damage in the area of your spine, some kind of central nervous system problem such as a minor stroke or some disturbance in blood flow to your lower extremities.
Without being able to examine you it is difficult to say which of these things could be going on. Let me emphasize to you that I think you should go for an evaluation as soon as possible. If you were able to walk but now need the walker because of a problem with a leg that was not operated on in your recent surgery - then I think these needs to be evaluated immediately. Please call someone or have someone take you for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Thank you for your query. I hope I have provided an adequate and helpful response. If you have any additional questions I am available to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
I must say that I am very concerned about the weakness in your right leg. A number of things could contribute to such things including - nerve compression or damage in the area of your spine, some kind of central nervous system problem such as a minor stroke or some disturbance in blood flow to your lower extremities.
Without being able to examine you it is difficult to say which of these things could be going on. Let me emphasize to you that I think you should go for an evaluation as soon as possible. If you were able to walk but now need the walker because of a problem with a leg that was not operated on in your recent surgery - then I think these needs to be evaluated immediately. Please call someone or have someone take you for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Thank you for your query. I hope I have provided an adequate and helpful response. If you have any additional questions I am available to address them.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What type of specialist should I see. I already saw my primary she had no idea why. Should I see my cardiologist, a neurologist, an orthopedist, I am not sure what type of Dr. I should see next could you direct me. Thanks.
Hello again.
I find it hard to comprehend that your doctor would not refer you to someone or order some testing to assess what's going on.
A neurologist would be a good choice to obtain an opinion regarding this. Neurologists are skilled in good physical exam techniques which may help narrow the focus in finding the real cause of this.
In the meantime please try your best to exercise that weak leg - this will maintain strength and conditioning of that leg so you can continue to walk and move freely in the future.
Again I hope this has been helpful to you. Should you have additional followups I am available to address them.
Dr. Robert.
I find it hard to comprehend that your doctor would not refer you to someone or order some testing to assess what's going on.
A neurologist would be a good choice to obtain an opinion regarding this. Neurologists are skilled in good physical exam techniques which may help narrow the focus in finding the real cause of this.
In the meantime please try your best to exercise that weak leg - this will maintain strength and conditioning of that leg so you can continue to walk and move freely in the future.
Again I hope this has been helpful to you. Should you have additional followups I am available to address them.
Dr. Robert.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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