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What Causes Pain And Numbness In Leg After Cocaine Use?

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Posted on Tue, 1 Sep 2015
Question: I have done 8 8 balls of cocaine over the last 4 days - my left leg is messed up - I can barely walk on that leg because of the pain but some of the leg is also very numb. Additionally I have been throwing up alot during the 4 days - mainly when I drank alcohol but now that the binge is over, I am sitting here throwing up pretty reqularly but nothing really comes out. I am also pretty cold. I haven't done any coke since 8:30PM Tuesday. I have had 2 cheesburgers to eat on Sunday and have really only about 6 hours during the binge - although I did stop on Sunday for about 12 hours - then continued
doctor
Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need help and detox treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome to HCM.

So I'm sure you know about the risks of cocaine use. I will not lecture you in that regard. It seems like the drug use has caused gastritis and possibly liver problems. I can't be sure with the info given.
Short term symptoms of this include Loss of appetite, Nausea, you might be experiencing these.

Regarding the leg, is there history of trauma or fall, you may unknowingly might have had this. I would suggest you to apply cold compression and use and pain killer gel like Bengay locally. If the pain is getting worse then you have to be seen by your doctor or by the ER as cocaine use can cause clots to form in the main circulatory arteries of your leg. Its not something to ignore and a doctor has to check your pulses physically to rule this out.

I would suggest you to see a doctor or ER for a through physical examination.

As you have mentioned that you are vomiting, I would suggest you to consume adequate amount of water and have low spice, low oil, low protein foods for a few days. This will give your liver a chance to rest. If you have no history of kidney or liver issues, an OTC acid Blocker like Omeprazole might help with the nausea if it is accompanied with acidity or heartburn.

So I suggest you to visit doctor and also stop consuming cocaine as soon as you can.

Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Harish Naik (18 minutes later)
The pain in my leg is getting better - maybe I was sitting weird or something. The vomiting has stopped - feel better in that regard, as well. Can you offer some possible explanation for the numbness in my leg - it actually on in the part of the leg below the knee - feet seem fine. Also, the coldness is extremely bad - like waves of coldness going through me - that has not changed so I wanted to see if you could provide a possible explanation for that as well. Some things to consider, including the sleep deprivation, not eating, drinking very little (except alcohol) as well as the crap they put in the cocaine. I hear that they use gasoline, baby powder and probably some other stuff - would ingesting alot of those substances or other substances possibly cause these problems?

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
All are short term effect of cocaine

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Loud of appetite, lack of sleep, weird feeling are some of the short time effect of cocaine. It will decrease.

The cause of the leg symptom, may be due to abnormal posture, it should decrease with time. Coldness and numbness can also be attributed to it. You might have a pinched nerve in your back or a muscle spasm. It could be due to the drug use or it might be totally unrelated. The best thing you can do for yourself is get examined by the doctor. They have to do a Neurological examination to make sure all the nerves going into your leg are working well. So i'd suggest you look into that issue if these symptoms persist beyond a few days. If they get worse when you walk or bend your back forwards or backwards.. then a nerve pinch is more likely. Not all nerve pinches have to be treated with surgery, so don't worry even if it turns out to be this.

I m not aware of the substance that are added to cocaine. But the drug itself can cause the symptoms mentioned by you.

Take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Harish Naik

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Causes Pain And Numbness In Leg After Cocaine Use?

Brief Answer: You need help and detox treatment. Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to HCM. So I'm sure you know about the risks of cocaine use. I will not lecture you in that regard. It seems like the drug use has caused gastritis and possibly liver problems. I can't be sure with the info given. Short term symptoms of this include Loss of appetite, Nausea, you might be experiencing these. Regarding the leg, is there history of trauma or fall, you may unknowingly might have had this. I would suggest you to apply cold compression and use and pain killer gel like Bengay locally. If the pain is getting worse then you have to be seen by your doctor or by the ER as cocaine use can cause clots to form in the main circulatory arteries of your leg. Its not something to ignore and a doctor has to check your pulses physically to rule this out. I would suggest you to see a doctor or ER for a through physical examination. As you have mentioned that you are vomiting, I would suggest you to consume adequate amount of water and have low spice, low oil, low protein foods for a few days. This will give your liver a chance to rest. If you have no history of kidney or liver issues, an OTC acid Blocker like Omeprazole might help with the nausea if it is accompanied with acidity or heartburn. So I suggest you to visit doctor and also stop consuming cocaine as soon as you can. Take care