Struggling to Climb Stairs, Only 56

[Evenstar]

I have recently noticed I am finding it very hard to climb the stairs especially in the evening. My legs feel so heavy and as though I can’t lift them up each step.

Googling seems to suggest it might be linked to poor circulation, but although I am overweight and less active than I was before COVID, I walk daily and am strong in other ways eg lifting 20kg sacks of animal feed.

Any thoughts and is it something I need to get medical attention for sooner rather than later? I have honestly felt I won’t make it to the top of the stairs a couple of times 😢

Iron levels?

@jellybeanteaparty my diet is good and I do eat red meat 2-3 times a week and plenty of dark green veg. I have an underactive thyroid and asthma but both well controlled

Any pain in your joints? Unfortunately our bodies start wearing out one we hit 40. I'm the same age as you and have several issues inside but my outside is doing really well.

I have some tendonitis in one hip, I had a steroid injection for that 2 years ago and it is usually not too bad, I am needing bunion surgery on the same side which is painful and has aggravated it somewhat. I am on a waiting list having decided to go private as I was referred last summer and haven’t even had it looked at on the NHS. Unfortunately the private hospital has had to cancel all “non-urgent” procedures as they are taking NHS patients.

The problem doesn’t seem to be pain, my leg literally feels like a dead weight which I have to haul up each step.

I'd be speaking to GP

It does sound a good idea to talk to your GP and ask for some tests to be done.

I would say iron levels, i had this problem. Just thought I was unfit but couldn't work out why. Went to gp about heavy periods and she noticed how pale I was. Perhaps talk to pharmacy and get prescription strength iron if you feel OK in other ways .

Oh sorry just saw your update, I was breathless. Yes talk to gp

Not covid related or long covid?

Get thee to a GP, and get a TFT. I am 57 and have hashimito's which is well controlled but has a couple of times gone haywire out of the blue. Also I find taking vitamin D makes a massive difference to my well being - if I don't take it I get a lot of aches and pains.

I have filled out an E-Consult this morning, all their computers are down apparently, apart from 2 they are using for E-Consult forms. @pinkearedcow I am overdue a blood test due to not being able to access the surgery for nearly a year so will bear that in mind. I do take Vitamin D every day.

Will update when I have some answers. Many thanks everyone for your replies.

Maybe you need an assessment of your cardio health @Evenstar?

Walking up stairs is very different to walking on the flat, and lifting weights is again very different to climbing stairs.

You might be just unfit (sorry!) or it could be something more serious with your circulation- see the GP asap!

I am overdue a blood test due to not being able to access the surgery for nearly a year so will bear that in mind.

Really? GPs still have to carry out essential tests. They can send you to a local health centre or local hospital.

Get your vitamin D tested, I was exactly as you describe when mine was critically low.

Could be anemia, iron or vitamin B12.

Well they have phoned me and offered a telephone appointment on Friday, it would have been Tuesday next week if I wanted my own doctor. Any time between 9am and 6.30pm. I thought it might be more urgent than that really.

Went to A and E today as things seemed to be going downhill. They were very kind, I was examined thoroughly and they sent a long list to the GP surgery of next steps. They think it is my back.

The surgery have phoned this afternoon and arranged bloods to be done this evening (to rule out thyroid, Vitamin D etc) and an appointment with the specialist physio to refer for an MRI.

Thanks for your help everyone 💐