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What Causes Feeling Of Cold Trickle Running Down The Leg?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Jun 2014
Question: I've been trying to find information on the feeling of a cold trickle running down my leg. Let me explain that I've just recently had surgery for melanoma on my left leg 9just below the knee) and had a biopsy of the major lymph node. All biopsies fortunately came back negative. However, my left leg wasn't draining properly, and I had a sernoma at the site of the incision of the lymph node (right in the groin area). The surgeon did a second surgery, finding a cyst, which he removed (also negative), and inserting a drain. After 4 weeks the drain was still getting rid of fluid, but the leg remained swollen. Then the drain accidentally slipped out of my leg. The surgeon said to leave it out, but to wear the lightest form of compression stocking. I have been unable to find one to fit me properly, so I'm dealing with a still-swollen leg and wearing a stocking that seems to do more harm than good (I do plan to call him tomorrow about this). However, my question is about something that started in my right leg after all this business with the left leg. The hole where the drain was inserted in my left leg sometimes leaked, causing liquid to go down my leg. Well, I started getting the same sensation in my right leg, but of course there was no liquid going down my leg. Now, several weeks later, I occasionally during the day get the sensation of something icy cold going through my veins. It is not painful nor does it cause numbness. I'm afraid I'm getting blocked arteries or such. I would appreciate any ideas you might have as to my problem.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Causes detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The feeling of cold trickling down your right leg is suggestive of a neural ( nerve compression or nerve irritation related) cause.
The causes include disc prolapse in the back, Lack of blood supply to the legs as a result of plaque formation in the blood vessels, diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis and underactive thyroid. Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body and a lack of vitamin B12 can also cause such a sensation.

Firstly, I’ll request you to get your blood sugar/HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) tested to rule out Diabetes mellitus. Also get your thyroid hormones levels evaluated. You can take some vit B12 for some days and see if the symptoms improve.
Kindly meet a neurophysician to get yourself tested with HBA1c MRI scan which can look at the soft tissues of the spine including muscles and nerve roots and also arterial doppler of the legs to see how your arteries are doing.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
I do have back problems, which sometime causes me to have sciatica. Do you think this could be causing the problem? Because of the double surgeries on the left leg, I have been unable to do any back exercises (scars on that leg have been pretty painful). However, I did start to do some PT exercises today. Let's hope that solves perhaps both problems (the left leg swelling, as well as the odd tingling in the right leg).

I do have a blood sugar monitor. I was told at my physical last December 23 not to bother using it any longer, since my levels were within a safe level. However, perhaps with all that my body has been through lately, my sugar level has gone up. I still have a few test strips, so will test my blood in the morning.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can be due to back problems.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Yes. The back problems can cause such a sensation. In addition to regular back exercises taking Vitamin B12 supplements will also help.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Feeling Of Cold Trickle Running Down The Leg?

Brief Answer: Causes detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The feeling of cold trickling down your right leg is suggestive of a neural ( nerve compression or nerve irritation related) cause. The causes include disc prolapse in the back, Lack of blood supply to the legs as a result of plaque formation in the blood vessels, diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis and underactive thyroid. Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body and a lack of vitamin B12 can also cause such a sensation. Firstly, I’ll request you to get your blood sugar/HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) tested to rule out Diabetes mellitus. Also get your thyroid hormones levels evaluated. You can take some vit B12 for some days and see if the symptoms improve. Kindly meet a neurophysician to get yourself tested with HBA1c MRI scan which can look at the soft tissues of the spine including muscles and nerve roots and also arterial doppler of the legs to see how your arteries are doing. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal