My fev1 was 57 and I was diagnosed with moderate emphysema in May. My ankles and feet have been swelling lately. Is this a symptom of copd?

[srhawley]

[Colours23]

I have swollen feet n ankles at moment,I think it's because not going to bed,sleeping in the chair so they are down and not up resting. It's water retention,but rather than take more tablets,why not try putting them up mine went down within the hour,so it's not a bad thing,we have to manage all kinds of things that are different now,life is still good.

[peege]

Put your feet up several times a day, ankles need to be higher than you hips.

However, I do think you should see a doctor it will be on your record then as something to keep an eye on. Another reason to see doc? It may not be related to copd. When in doubt, check it out. P

[Suzy6]

Mine swell too. Take peeg's advise see your Doctor so it can be documented and a check kept on it. I try to keep mine up my sitting.

[juney_99_antique]

Mine are also swollen but GP says I am suffering with venous eczema and that is causing swelling! Can't see any connection with COPD but who knows. Someone may know more about this condition. Even when I put my feet up the swelling is still there. GP given me various creams but having no effect. Am starting to learn to live with it. Hope you get a better solution than my offering! Cheers!

[mogworth]

My ankles swell sometimes and it is always for me an indication something is not quite right so I get in touch with the pulmonary team, might be worth a chat to put your mindat rest! Best Wishes, Mogworth.

[CouncillorB]

I too have moderate emphysema and have swollen ankles and lower legs. After a nasty bout of cellulitus I was diagnosed with lymphodema. I attended a special clinic 10 miles away every week for 6 weeks,in which we were taught how to care for your skin etc and also measured for special compression stockings. I was issued with the stockings and an appliance to supposedly assist to put them on. I have tried to put them on numerous times without success so now I have given up and just live with it.

[srhawley in reply to CouncillorB]

I h

[crjukes in reply to CouncillorB]

You might try 'support' nylons which are elasticized from toe to waist. Although only about half as elastic, they would give you some of the same effect t until you can see about a better solution to the sock problem.

[srhawley]

Thank you for the replies. I'm happy I have you to talk to.

[Hidden]

I take water tablets. Am told it's heart failure ... means heart over tasked and can't be as efficient as was.

[Sea-air]

Like CouncillorB above I was referred to a Lymphoedema Nurse, and issued with prescription elasticated stockings due to recurrent cellulitis and ankle swelling together with emphysema. However I would advise you to persist with the stockings as they really do help the venous return and swelling. Other people have advised putting the feet up which is also an excellent idea whenever possible, (something I should practice and not preach!☺. l will go and put them up now!

[Toci]

Swollen ankles are usually caused by water retention but can be a sign of low oxygen and should always be checked out.

[crjukes]

When salt intake is higher or heart function is down some, the body slows down on a lot of things -- including water retention in legs or feet. Feet up heps spread the fluid, but for some people walking to boost heart rate will help more. Best for everyone is being extra careful about salt-sodium intake.

[crjukes]

CardiO Pulmonary Disease -- yes, sorry. Either organ can mess up the other one. Slow heart makes less blood flow to carry off fluids. Lung function down means low blood oxygen to keep the heart ticking right andkidneys doing effective work too. It takes both lung and heart doctors to work out the best 'fix'.