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The Calves Of Both Legs And My Left Foot Feel
Question: The calves of both legs and my left foot feel asleep, or numb as though they were asleep. Left hip often gives out while walking. ankles feel as though they are wrapped too tightly even though wearing nothing on my feet or legs. Light headed, and although I take 2 medications for high blood pressure, (Metroprold Er 100mg; Losartan/HCT 100/25 as prescribed by my family doctor) it is rarely under 150/88. Both knees have been replaced in the past 3 years and give me no pain, but muscle strength has not been maintained...my fault for sitting and rocking rather than walking to help lose any of my 265 lbs from my 5'8" frame. I was diagnosis with ulcerative colitis 4 yrs ago and take Azathioprine 50 mg 2x daily, Onieprazole 20 mg and Folic acid 1 mg daily as prescribed by that specialist.
Brief Answer:
Side effects of Azathiprine should be ruled out first- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
You are using Azathioprine for a while now and this is a drug that can be very helpful for ulcerative colitis but can also expose the patients to potential side effects.
A few of your symptoms may be possible side effects of Azathioprine. Neurological symptoms (numbness), for instance, can in rare cases be a very important side effect of this drug. In this case, it is important to let your doctor know as soon as possible.
Feeling lightheaded may be related to hypertension but this is rarely the case. Anemia should be ruled out first. Azathioprine may also affect the blood and cause changes that can be ruled out with a CBC.
Your blood pressure is higher than the normal values but not in levels that should cause symptoms, especially if you have had this level for a long time and your body is used to it. You will need to discuss with your doctor on possible therapy adjustments for better control. Weight loss is crucial in blood pressure control. If you find it difficult to lose weight you may have a TSH done to rule out low thyroid function.
To conclude:
- due to treatment with azathioprine it is important to discuss as soon as possible with your doctor all new symptoms that you develop. The neurological symptoms and the lightheadedness can be caused by several possible conditions but in your case, a possible side effect of azathioprine should be ruled out first.
- you may need a CBC and TSH if you have not had them the last 3-6 months
- you may need some blood pressure medication adjustment for better blood pressure values but on the other hand, your blood pressure is not severe enough to cause symptoms
- losing weight is crucial in blood pressure control and for your health in general. You may need a consultation with a nutritionist to get some related advises.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Side effects of Azathiprine should be ruled out first- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
You are using Azathioprine for a while now and this is a drug that can be very helpful for ulcerative colitis but can also expose the patients to potential side effects.
A few of your symptoms may be possible side effects of Azathioprine. Neurological symptoms (numbness), for instance, can in rare cases be a very important side effect of this drug. In this case, it is important to let your doctor know as soon as possible.
Feeling lightheaded may be related to hypertension but this is rarely the case. Anemia should be ruled out first. Azathioprine may also affect the blood and cause changes that can be ruled out with a CBC.
Your blood pressure is higher than the normal values but not in levels that should cause symptoms, especially if you have had this level for a long time and your body is used to it. You will need to discuss with your doctor on possible therapy adjustments for better control. Weight loss is crucial in blood pressure control. If you find it difficult to lose weight you may have a TSH done to rule out low thyroid function.
To conclude:
- due to treatment with azathioprine it is important to discuss as soon as possible with your doctor all new symptoms that you develop. The neurological symptoms and the lightheadedness can be caused by several possible conditions but in your case, a possible side effect of azathioprine should be ruled out first.
- you may need a CBC and TSH if you have not had them the last 3-6 months
- you may need some blood pressure medication adjustment for better blood pressure values but on the other hand, your blood pressure is not severe enough to cause symptoms
- losing weight is crucial in blood pressure control and for your health in general. You may need a consultation with a nutritionist to get some related advises.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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