Connection & Conversation: We're open for the holidays

I just joined ‘Connect’ today - but after checking dozens of ‘symptoms,’ the closest to my issue was a site re ‘swollen leg below the knee’ - along with a few photos of the bothersome leg.
I believe that the issue with my left leg - (can nrver be 100% sure) is related to the PHLEBITIS (yes, I know ‘thrombophlebitis’) I have dealt with off and on since I was 19 - many many moons ago. Whenever the ankle started to swell or become painful, I would simply wrap it from ankle to knee with a beige stretch ‘bandage’ - with just the right tension - and secure it with a safety pin.
However, i have been much much more ‘sedentary’ this year because of a nasty fall I had in December 2021. Catscan showed bleeding on my brain that took time to dissipate but affected my sense of balance - causing more (not serious) slips on icy sidewalks. Learned my lesson. Have not done the same walking I was used to doing. Far too sedentsry for too long. Not sure this is the ‘cause,’ but my ankle suddenly looked redder, then purple, skin hardened, inflamed, and more and more painful, throbbing and shooting pain. I had been taking primarily Advil for pain, but I went back to the Aspirin I had relied on for years (but stopped after the ‘bleeding’ issue in December 2021. The only remedy that seems to help is - leg up with revolving cold packs on my leg.
I can see I have talked myself into obviously needing a ‘professional’ to see my ankle - but it hurts to walk - to put weight on it. (Usual weight about 120 lbs. most of my life. Have put on anothet (unwanted) 10-12 lbs. because of recent ‘sedentsry’ lifestyle.
Wondering if I can arrange a telephone conference accompanied with a few photos of my ankle. Would appreciate a reply. Thanks.

Hi @torontojo, Canadians welcome. As you noted, Mayo Clinic Connect is an online community where you can connect with other people living with similar health issues and/or to share health goals. You may wish to join the following groups:
- Aging Well https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aging-well/
- Bones, Joints & Muscles https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/arthritis-and-joint-conditions-268850/
- Health Living https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/healthy-living/

It sounds like you would also like to consult a medical professional. If you would like to inquire whether a telephone consult at Mayo Clinic may be a possibility for you, see more information here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

I have severe throat pain voice got very hoarse, hard to swallow…. Getting nowhere with my doctor what should I do

Hi @laceyace With a severe sore throat it’s important to be checked for strep, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever. If you don’t have a doctor on call, today being a holiday, you might want to try urgent care at a local clinic near you. It’s easy to check for the closest Urgent Care or Walk In clinic with an online search.
In the meantime, you can try gargling with warm salt water rinses or take an analgesic such as Tylenol or Advil to reduce the pain.
Do you have other symptoms with this such as a fever, cough, body aches?

Feels like something is stuck in throat .. hoarseness bad this has been going on for a over a year… along with that now I have severe pain where my kidneys are and stomach pain too

You buried the lede on this story. 😊 It sounded like you only recently developed this hoarseness and severe throat pain. Given that this has been going on for over a year and you have other serious pains in your stomach and kidneys, it’s certainly important to be seen by a primary care physician to find out what’s going on.

You mentioned you’re not getting anywhere with your current doctor. What type of tests have been done for you? If your PCP isn’t responsive to you, do you have the option of seeing another provider?

No the hoarseness is about a year and the run some tests… but they never take any bloodwork….. it started a little over a year with like soda and back pain then like 4 months later the throat and and the phlegm that is like stringy started right after… still suffering with no answer

@laceyace - Just a question- Have you been examined by a Ear Nose& Throat doctor for your hoarseness? They can look down at your vocal cords as well as finding out why you feel like something is stuck there

Sounds like you need to advocate for yourself with new doctors who care and take time with you in the office. I have found that right now many doctors want the easy way out, do not treat you seriously and are not thorough enough. So seek out better doctors maybe through a referral from a friend you trust. You can also go online and see if the doctor has 5 stars and read the patient reviews for the best. We deserve the best in medical care. And state how urgent this care is for you. You may need a full workup with labs and maybe a catscan, etc.. I am not a medical person, just saying you deserve the best in medical care and there are great doctors out there. Also ask to be put on the appointment wait list for an earlier appt if necessary. I find that sometimes I minimize my symptoms, so I recommend you be brutally honest about how you feel daily and how long this has been going on. Ask for a treatment plan. All the best to you, BB

I was diagnosed with IGA nephropathy in early 1990 and had a kidney transplant on 12/15/90. I just turned 54 and never had Covid and have always been super healthy and energetic and made all star teams in high school. I live in Phoenix and it has been a real shock to me regarding all the skin cancer from being a man living in Phoenix . I typically go every three months or so and my derm burns off all of my pre-cancerous AK’s. I’m currently using Effudex as a preventative measure for this and it is really unfortunate but you have to do what you have to do. Can anyone relate to this scenario? I really sucks. It would be really awesome to hear from someone and my similar situation.