Since my cancer (lung) operation I have had swollen feet and now legs! The operation was September last year. I have never suffered with this before.
Yesterday I had some tests done at the hospital which involved acupuncture needles or something similar. My leg is still oozing water!
Anybody any idea what I should be doing to get rid of this swelling.? I have admittedly gained a lot of weight in the last three years, and doesn't seem to matter what I do, I am not losing it!!! And I hurt so much. It is just so much easier to sit and stare than try to move around. My body aches from top to middle and my lungs are useless.
I don't want to moan (too much) but if anyone understands and can offer words of help I would be grateful. Thank you
Written by
nantilly
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I am EXACTLY the same as you. Except the cancer, but fluid etc. My legs & feet have been swollen for weeks!
Do you find people can't believe you can't get off your backside and walk around
I find lifting my feet up works for a while but then my feet get very restless and ache horribly.
I have a bit of trouble I think with CHF from copd type2 diabetes etc
I thought you were having serious problems with your ❤ when you get fluid retention? I can only assume you might be in trouble with the medication?
So sorry you are experiencing these things nantilly.
I wonder did you have chemo or radiation therapy after or before your cancer surgery?
I am wondering if the symptoms of swollen feet and legs are from the treatment rather than the surgery. (if you think may be because of treatment, check with your oncologist.
Oosing fluid from the leg certainly sounds like you need proper treatment ongoing until such time symptoms are relieved.
After checking out the above link - best to speak with your doctor.
After having breast cancer surgery there is an ongoing risk of developing lymphoedema I thought that was because I had a lymph node removed. But I am unsure if you would be at risk of this having had cancer and surgery of your lung. More info on lymphoedema and cancer here:
happened to me 2 yrs ago . Had had broken leg causing PE 10 yrs before then another PE years after in same leg and all veins are damaged so i spent the very hot s summer 2 yrs ago with my leg up but lost the ability to walk properly. had to use a stick . then exercises helped to correct that so make sure you do some exercise if raising your leg to prevent the swelling . strike a balance between the resting and movement. It was the heat in my case. swells at present in this hot weather too.
sounds like the heat has been acerbating the problem caused by your surgery ?
Feet up high/ above your heart for as long as you can for 4days then see if that helps to reduce it and stop the leakage. A leg support could help in the daytime to reduce the swelling ( if not,3 long socks on top of each other if you have some)Meanwhile phone your Doctor and get someone to check your oedema and measure you up for leg support.
Fluid retention , Oedema ( and weight gain) can be problematic after major lung surgery so you need to keep it in check and let your Gp or Consultant know about it. If your leg is seeping it needs attention as it could become ulcerated and infected.Leg ulcers can be very difficult to heal. Swollen legs, feet and ankles should not be ignored ( sometimes kidney related ) please insist on help with this as you say this hasn’t been normal for you and you need to be as mobile as possible to help your lungs to work better. Take Care . Cx
Keeping my feet up while watching TV helps a bit but can get uncomfortable.
I try to keep my legs supported while up and change positions frequently. I also wiggle my toes, feet and ankles while they are raised to help(in my mind) the circulation.
I lay on my bed with my legs up the wall for a few minutes if they get very bad. Then gradually get to stand up (do this in stages partly for breathing, partly to save getting dizzy).
While my feet are less puffy I try a short walk about the house.
Don't forget to drink. Check with your medical team to make sure but I know a person who was retaining fluid in his legs so cut his fluids thinking it would help. He still had fluid retention in his legs but got kidney problems and the rest of his body was dehydrated!
Thank you everyone for responding to me. A quick update. I am in the Q.E. As I type. Went to see nurse and insisted on a GP just looking. She called ambulance and here I am! Being drained of water! Lots of it. Whole process has put strain on heart which now needs attention. And there was I trying not to make a fuss. I now cannot believe how low I was feeling and how I let it get to that state. So slowly yet so surely knocking the stuffing out of me.
Hopefully, now, with help and hard work I shall climb out of the mess I find myself in.
My breathing is improving as the water drains away!
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