Oedema

[Minushabens]

Hi all

I currently take a range of medicines for asthma, ABPA & blood pressure. I've had issues with swollen legs for quite a while but have just put up with it (& my GP & consultant have both taken a view that as long as it wasn't too bad, getting the other conditions under control was more important). However, over the last few days, my left leg has swollen much more than usual, the foot is very red & I have continual leakage. I'm also in severe pain with it.

I have a GP appointment on Monday, but this couldn't have come at a much worse time as I'm about to go through a 2-week appraisal-type process to see if my teaching contract will be extended, so I can do without hobbling around my classroom!

All the online information tends to say is things like 'treating underlying conditions will solve the oedema'...if only!

Anyway, I wondered if anyone has any tips either for reducing swelling (raising my legs works up to a point but isn't really solving it) or in particular for pain management until I can get to see the doctor?

[HungryHufflepuff]

My dad had oedema and often would have one leg or foot more swollen than the other. Some of it was caused by his health condition (he had heart failure) and some by the medications he took for that. He did have several medications specifically for the water retention but otherwise he had to keep his legs raised when possible and have a salt free diet. He was on so many medications that mainly he just had paracetamol for pain. He also had problems with leakage. He has dressings with manuka honey put on. But this was done by a nurse. I don't know if you can buy these things. You possibly can. I know it was horribly painful for my dad. I really feel for you. I hope something can be done for you, to help you feel better and also so you can get your contract extended 🤞

[Minushabens in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thanks for the reply.

I went to the nearest drop-in Centre this morning & they diagnosed cellulitis & have put me on antibiotics. I think they were debating keeping me in & putting me on a drip, but the consultant there said I’d have to be moved to a different hospital due to lack of beds so I said I’d give the oral ABs a go.

One of the things that was spooking me was that, like you, my dad (who had lifelong lung problems himself) suffered with severe swelling, especially in his last few months & they said at the time that probably triggered sepsis.

Anyway, fingers crossed it will settle down soon. Thanks again.

[paddytheprang in reply to Minushabens]

There is a possible solution for swollen legs . Try raising your bed up to 6" Use books or wooden blocks . This is called "Inverted bed therapy"

You will find information on it on line . It cost nothing and it's recommended for many problems. Good luck

[Thomas45]

I had swollen legs for a long time. Doctors treated them as fluid retention and prescribed water tablets, which had little effect, and my legs continued to weep fluid. Then I was sent to see a lympoedema nurse who declared that I had lympoedema, the result of lymph fluid failing to get round my body. I was measured for compression open-toed knee length socks and subsequently my legs have become le ss swollen. I am measured every nine months for new socks. The NHS pays for them. There is just the normal prescription fee to pay. They come in a wide range of colours. I always have black. I do wear them with shorts in hot weather and although some of my friends say I look like at scout, what others think I look like is far less important than my health.