Feet swelling, toes purple, neuropathy

[Dedean]

I had lumbar surgery 4 years ago in L5-S1 that failed.  Since then I have had many issues with constant spasms (twitching) in piriformis and swelling in lower back.  Within the past 1.5 years things have progressed and my feet swell and toes turn very purple almost black when I stand or sit.  I know it’s linked somehow to my back issues because they are worse when symptoms/pain is worse.  I’ve been sent to numerous docs who can’t figure it out.  It’s not Raynods and I have a good pulse in my feet.  Side note, several MRI’s and one Neuro reports that they see a metal fragment in my surgical bed.  Likely a piece of the drill or something fragmented off. (Not uncommon but typically can flush out.) Could It possibly be by a nerve that’s causing all this and/or my body reacting negatively to it?  I am miserable and can’t get any answers.  One Neuro diagnosed Automic nerve dysfunction brought on by failed surgery but I have no blood pressure type issues so he didn’t sound 100% confident.  All docs are shocked when they see my feet or pics but nobody knows what the heck is causing it.  Closed toe shoes hurt as well.

[JohnnyRocket244]

The “classic” presentation of May-Thurner Syndrome is Left Sided. It can also present as just Right Sided or both depending on the Compression location. Most people with Iliac Vein Compression will never develop blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. It’s good to at least have ruled out because it is a simple “fix” with a stent.

[Dedean]

I am definitely going to mention this to my Neurosurgeon. Thanks

[JohnnyRocket244]

It’s possible that you have Iliac Vein Compression (May-Thurner Syndrome). This condition most frequently occurs at the L5-S1 location. It can cause swelling of the leg as well as lower back pain and many other problems. I had the same surgery as you L5-S1 Microdiscectomy and exacly a year later I got diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome. It’s possible if you have this condition a simple stenting procedure could give you a lot of relief. Most doctors have never heard of this condition so it’s rarely diagnosed.

[Dedean]

Thanks for your comment.  I will look into that further.  From a glance though it presents on the left side.  My right side is my issue although both feet swell with veins popping  and toes on both feet turning dark purple.  My right leg doesn’t really swell but I do have some nerve symptoms in it.  My right piriformis is twitching 24/7. I had an ultrasound on my extenities and had no concerns with clots.