I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Off-Topic => Other Severe Medical Conditions => Topic started by: angela515 on April 22, 2008, 03:27:18 PM

Title: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on April 22, 2008, 03:27:18 PM
I don't know how else to describe it. I noticed it Saturday... when you look at my legs they look like they are covered in "blotches"... there is discoloration and a design all over my legs from ankles to the top where the thigh connects to your hips... not one bare spot and it's on BOTH legs... I tried taking a picture... this is the one that came out the best... tell me what you think is going on? Which doctor do I contact?? Transplant? Kidney? Regular? IDK...

Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: okarol on April 22, 2008, 03:54:06 PM
Any swelling? Itching? How's your last platelet count? Any fever? Have you started any new medications? How's your circulation?
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Sluff on April 22, 2008, 04:12:47 PM
The picture seems kind of blurry . I don't know if you have diabetes or not, but when mine get like that they tell me it's the diabetes.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: monrein on April 22, 2008, 04:29:01 PM
Makes me wonder about circulation issues.  I would call whichever doc can see me the fastest and I'd try to describe it to a nurse who can tell the doc. 
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on April 22, 2008, 06:02:06 PM
Any swelling? Itching? How's your last platelet count? Any fever? Have you started any new medications? How's your circulation?

No swelling, BUT I am on a diuretic because I was retaining fluids.... I have been on the diuretic for over 2 weeks now, so that's why that didn't even come to my mind since this just started Sat, and I have been on the diuretic.

No fever since I have had his, but I went to the ER a day or two before this showed up for a fever.

I am taking Levquin rght now as well as that's what they gave me in the ER, but again, I started taking it before this showed up, and I have been on it before.

One of my Fentanyl patches is a new brand, now that I put on Saturday, I just can't recall if I noticed this then or after I put on the patch.

Circulation is fine, at least as far as I know.

No, I am not diabetic.

I guess I shall call the transplant nurse tomorrow and see if they have time to give me some advice about it, tomorrow is Clinic so they are very busy.

(The picture isn't blurry... that's what they look like.) It kind of looks like someone pushed their thub all over my leg to test for fluids and they never went away, ya know what I mean? That's the best way to describe what they look like... but there is no retention.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on April 23, 2008, 02:06:06 PM
I called the transplant team this afternoon, and they talked to the dr and then they called back and scheduled me for an appt tomorow. He says it could be a number of things, none which are good obviously, but he can't do nothing without looking at me.

I'll post what happens tomorrow.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: twirl on April 23, 2008, 02:29:38 PM
I was just getting on IHD to PM you and find out what you found out.

will be thinking and praying for you

keep your smiling face; smiling
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Romona on April 23, 2008, 03:45:49 PM
 :grouphug;
Good Luck!
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: thegrammalady on April 23, 2008, 05:30:40 PM
let us know after you see the doctor. hopefully he can figure it out without you having to go through a lot. everyone will be thinking of you.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: twirl on April 24, 2008, 04:44:29 AM
Ang     


good luck with  your doc's appointment :bunny: :guitar: :bestwishes; :2thumbsup; :beer1;


only happy things for you
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: willieandwinnie on April 24, 2008, 06:04:54 AM
angela, I sure hope they have been able to determine what is causing this. Please let us know. To me, it looks like a reaction to something. Medication, lotion, food. I'll be thinking about you.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on April 24, 2008, 08:30:45 PM
Wouldn't ya know my luck since I waited to call the dr 5 days after it started the day of the appt, it's gone. I called the nurse and she said then there is no need to come in anymore. She also said that after everything I told her, she thinks it's a mild allergic reaction to my pain patch Fentanyl being changed to a new company and I put that on for the first time Saturday (first day I seen the blotches). She said since it went away then my body is becoming adjusted to it, but if it comes back call them right away.

Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Romona on April 24, 2008, 08:35:10 PM
Sorry you had to worry. I hope that is what it was.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Sluff on April 25, 2008, 02:42:34 AM
Better safe than sorry Angela. Hopefully that is all it was.   :grouphug;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: spacezombie on April 25, 2008, 02:59:24 AM
That happens to me every single time I go to the dialysis clinic for my monthly check up. I turn horribly blotchy all over my whole body. I am allergic to the hospital!  :banghead;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on April 27, 2008, 06:11:39 PM
My blotches are back.. same as last time, full force on both legs. I am calling the transplant clinic tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Sluff on April 27, 2008, 08:39:53 PM
I'm concerned for you Angela,   :grouphug; Please let us know what they say.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: twirl on April 30, 2008, 11:41:31 AM
anyone heard from Ang515?
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: kellyt on April 30, 2008, 03:04:47 PM
Looks like an allergic reaction of some sort.  Any change in detergent?  Medication?   I feel for you.  That looks itchy!
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: willieandwinnie on April 30, 2008, 03:09:09 PM
Angela, what did you find out. We are worried about you.  :cuddle; Please let us know.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Yvonne on May 01, 2008, 10:17:29 AM
John has broke out in dry skin all over his arms and face and his lips are all cracked.  The renal nurse said she didn't no what it is just put lots of cream on.  Makes you wonder if any one know's any think at all.  Hope you get on alright my thoughs are with you.  Yvonne
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on May 02, 2008, 09:00:47 PM
Angela, what did you find out. We are worried about you.  :cuddle; Please let us know.

Sorry been in the hospital the whole week.

Fifths Disease.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: okarol on May 02, 2008, 11:04:55 PM
I posted this on your other thread Angela, but thought I'd add this image of the Fifth Disease rash here too.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: kitkatz on May 02, 2008, 11:07:10 PM
For information on Fifths disease here is a link.http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/parvo_b19.htm
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: willieandwinnie on May 03, 2008, 03:22:14 AM
Feel better Angela  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Sluff on May 03, 2008, 04:23:25 AM
ewww... Glad they figured it out and I hope you weren't a carrier to the kids but I'm glad you are OK. Never heard of such a thing before.
Hang in there Angela  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on May 08, 2008, 03:22:18 PM
Nevermind, I do NOT have Fifth's Disease So back to square 1 and Idunno what's wrong with my leg blotches.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: willieandwinnie on May 08, 2008, 03:26:21 PM
Angela, do they have any idea what it is then? Have you changed medications lately? Any different foods? Laundry detergent, fabric softener, soap? Been outside in the grass or weeds? Lord, why is it so hard to figure out?  :banghead; I hope they get it resolved soon.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on May 08, 2008, 08:53:29 PM
Nope, but I am going to bring it up to my doctor next visit.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Sluff on May 09, 2008, 04:04:53 AM
I don't know Angela thats some weird stuff. I do hope they get to the bottom of this soon.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on May 09, 2008, 01:19:11 PM
Mhmm... It sure is. I wish I had a clue, the only one that made sense was that 5th's Disease, but now that's not even a possibility, so someone mentioned circulation problems, I don't know if it could be that but I won't just let it slip by, I will demand they figure it out.  :boxing;
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: Romona on May 09, 2008, 01:23:05 PM
Good Luck Angela. I know this is far out there, but did they do a strep test? My son had a weird thing when he was small. It was strep skin. There were large out breaks of it in the 1930's. It resurfaces every now and then. Most doctors have never seen it.
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: willieandwinnie on May 09, 2008, 01:32:55 PM
angela Could it be Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that produces thick red plaques covered with silvery scales. The most common areas affected are the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, although any skin surface may be involved. It can also occur in the nails and body folds.

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person, but it can occur in members of the same family.

Psoriasis usually begins in early adulthood or later in life. In most people, the rash is limited to a few patches of skin; in severe cases, it can cover large areas of the body. The rash can heal and come back throughout a person's life.

What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis starts as small red bumps, which enlarge and become scaly. The skin appears thick, but bleeds easily if the scales are picked or rubbed off.

In addition, the rash may produce:

Itching
Pitted, cracked, crumbly, or loose nails
How Can I Find Out if I Have Psoriasis?
If you have a rash that is not healing, contact your doctor. He or she can evaluate the rash to determine if it is psoriasis.

What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed that a combination of factors contributes to the development of the disease. An abnormality in the immune system causes inflammation in the skin, triggering new skin cells to develop too quickly. Normally, skin cells are replaced every 28 to 30 days.  With psoriasis, new cells grow and move to the surface of the skin every three to four days. The buildup of old cells being replaced by new cells creates the silver scales of psoriasis.

What Causes Psoriasis Outbreaks?
No one knows what causes psoriasis outbreaks. The severity and frequency of outbreaks vary with each person. Outbreaks may be triggered by:

Skin injury (for example, cuts, scrapes or surgery)
Emotional stress
Strep infections

You can read more at

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/skin-conditions-psoriasis
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on May 09, 2008, 07:57:08 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.

I am pretty sure it's not Psoriasis, as it says it starts as small red bumps and then becomes scaly.. and itching and so on. Mine is not like that. It's like basically a rash, or blotches... but you cannot feel them, they don't raise the skin or anything like that. It's almost as if someone colored them in under my skin. Or like when your leg gets swollen from too much fluid, and you push to see how long it takes to come back.. except it's as if they just left the colors but i'm not swollen... It's hard to explain.

As for strep skin, from what I looked up and the pics I have seen, I don't think it could be that... but, I will not rule out anything without being tested! So, all things I will bring up with the doctor. :)

Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: lruffner on June 30, 2008, 05:16:03 PM
Mhmm... It sure is. I wish I had a clue, the only one that made sense was that 5th's Disease, but now that's not even a possibility, so someone mentioned circulation problems, I don't know if it could be that but I won't just let it slip by, I will demand they figure it out.  :boxing;

Angela,

I had the same exact thing on my feet and ankles, right after I had my kidney biopsy, and I found that it was due to peripheral vascular disease (small vessels). Being that mine was on the foot and ankle, it is assumed my biggest problem is below the knee. Since yours is up so high, I would get a move on to the doctor. I was diagnosed by a vascular surgeon and he said that if mine goes higher up my leg, to call him ASAP....it could be blood insuficiency from the abdominal aorta, since mine is already calcified from the CKD...meaning the begining of an aneurysm. They can easily tell by doing an ultrasound and probably just listening to the AA and femoral artery would tell them a little.

Keep us posted! I hope you don't have the same problem as I do, and that you don't think I am a complete fruitcake!
Title: Re: Blotches on the legs...
Post by: angela515 on July 11, 2008, 07:01:19 PM
Oh wow... thank you for that information lruffner... I wil definately bring that dx up to the doctor, we have not even discussed it in months, and the last time he looked at it, he just said hmm.. ok. I will be very demanding my next appt.

I shall let you know what he says.