Question:
4 mos post-op, leg/back pain and extreme weakness

I have arthritis in my lower back and have had low back and leg pain and leg weakness in the past. I've felt much better since losing 70 lbs, but the last several weeks my legs have been really aching. Today before church, I had shooting pains down my right leg and I took my meds and it seemed better. When I got up for communion, my legs were very weak and they caved in on me before I got back to my seat. My husband and another guy had to help me get back to my seat. Since then, I've improved, but my legs are still very weak and I'm having a hard time walking. When I have addressed leg weakness with my WLS surgeon, he said it was the arthritis. When I addressed this with my orthopod, he said it was from the extreme weight loss and low calories. So, has anyone experienced this, which doctor should I call tomorrow? It may be nothing, but I am definately concerned. Collapsing in public is not my idea of fun. I'm very frustrated.    — cjabates (posted on October 13, 2002)

October 13, 2002
You may need to get your labs checked...a common reasom for leg pain is low calcium.
   — Keniki B.

October 13, 2002
Sounds like your potassium levels are low. If your surgeon won't address it, then check with your PCP and have your lab work done. Also, has it gotten very damp and chilly there? It is here and my arthritis is acting up - not as bad as yours, but it could certainly be contributing.
   — [Deactivated Member]