Swollen feet and ankles

[purdeyspringer]

Hi all, I do post on here sometimes, but wanted to know if other people have this problem, and what have you done about it.I have stage 4 Emphysema 40% lung function, I have Inogen portable oxygen at the moment take Salamol and Trimbow inhalers. My big problem is my feet and ankles are always swollen, my GP put me on water tablets which I take in the morning, I do put my feet up I do foot cycling on my machine and weights too most days. I am 74, need to loose some weight.

Does anyone else suffer from this. Really bothering g me now. Thanks dear friends 🧡

[6538]

YES I suffer from swollen feet and ankles, I have COPD 5mg long term prednisolone, which I'm led to believe is the culprit I sopped taking water tablets because I kept getting caught out and frantically having to search for toilets when out and about, as for keeping them elevated they just swell back up on me, footwear was a problem couldn't get in to anything that had a gusset then a friend recommended a pair of Ghost 14s and I haven't had a problem since GP does check them out whenever I see him though and to let him know straight away if they become painful there not just unsightly at times so I know where your coming from, take care.

[purdeyspringer in reply to 6538]

Hi 6538, thank you for your reply, I only take prednisone if I get a chest infection, so it's not that, I only take a low dosage of water tablets.. my feet never seem to go down. I also have a problem with shoes, I ware flip flops indoors. Never heard of Ghost 14s, will look them up. Thank you. Think I had better have a word with my doctor, see what he comes up with. Take care and wish you well.

[MoyB in reply to purdeyspringer]

I think it's right to speak to your doctor. I have chronic asthma with fixed airways and bronchiectasis.

I also have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

It seems that my leg swelling was heart related as once I had an ablation procedure to treat the PAF my ankles and lower legs went back to normal (took a few months - not as instant as I just made it sound!) and I haven't needed furosemide for nearly two years.

Ask your gp to give you a check up and not just keep prescribing as it could be a symptom of something else going on. Maybe a full blood test would show it up.

Could be the furosrmide dose needs adjusting too.

Otherwise, I think it's feet up, leg exercise and comfy footwear as others have mentioned and you are already doing.

Xx Moy

[purdeyspringer in reply to MoyB]

Hi thank you. I do have an irregular heart beat and take medication for that plus sleep apnea for which I have my machine. I do have regular blood tests and have a few problems , but nothing seems to be helping. I will get back to my doctor again, he has always been good, I am blessed with an outstanding NHS service. Keep well and thanks again. Will keep you posted.

[MoyB in reply to purdeyspringer]

👍xx Moy

[Germantara]

I only get swollen ankles in the summer I've got copd why just in summer don't know I put it down to the heat and only other time it was because off blood preasure medication hope you get sorted

[helen1946 in reply to Germantara]

My husband suffered bad swelling of feet and legs copd heart failure and brain injury an elderly nurse at a local clinic measured him for compression stockings and he has little problem now he wears them every day.

[purdeyspringer in reply to helen1946]

I tried these but no matter which ones I am given they are to tight on my legs, even when I was in hospital I couldn't keep them on for too long. Wishing your husband well.

[Lutontown]

Years ago, a locum at the surgery changed my blood pressure medication. My swollen legs improved straightaway.

[PaperQueen in reply to Lutontown]

Interesting.

[Lutontown in reply to PaperQueen]

Amlopidine is one that can do this. Felipodine is a trade name

[purdeyspringer in reply to Lutontown]

Yes they changed mine from that. Thanks

[PaperQueen in reply to Lutontown]

Don't take either of those but thanks, I'm sure a lot of meds could produce that side effect.

[purdeyspringer in reply to Lutontown]

Yes mine have been changed a few times to get it right over the years.

[Suzie42]

When you put your feet up they should be higher than your heart to get any benefit and this is very hard to achieve

[PaperQueen]

Yes I do! I am on Trimbow too, which is a steroid inhaler but only take Prednisolone when I have a flare up, and that always makes my feet swell even worse. I am also pre-diabetic and have had heart problems so am on various heart drugs. I have an appointment tomorrow with the practice nurse for bloods and a foot examination, so I intend to ask the question! If I learn anything useful I'll let you know. I suspect it is to do with the various meds but I do spend a lot of time sitting. Sally x

[purdeyspringer in reply to PaperQueen]

Hi, thank you, I do have an irregular heart beat and sleep apnea for which I have treatment for both. I also have regular blood tests and these are all monitored by my GP. I have a great team behind me. I will have to get this sorted, I do sit quite a lot as getting older now, vicious circle really. I also take blood pressure tablets and these have been changed, so I don't think it's them. Appreciate your help. Let me know how you get on. Keep well.

[BerryHead]

Hello Purdy, I have had swollen feet and ankles for about 5yrs I did live in France and wore support stockings from the chemist there, been back living in England for 3yrs, feet and ankles a lot worse, more heavy duty made to measure support stockings from doctors and water tablets both of which did not help.So bought a Revitive Medic Circulation Booster, I had it on no 25 for 30 mins it did nothing so my hubby started used it everyday,that was over a year ago.Six weeks ago I thought that I would give Revitive another go on 60 for 30 mins each morning and put my feet up on footstool now and then. No lie my feet are back to normal I almost cannot believe it after 5yrs of swollen feet and ankles I can get my shoes and slippers back on. The revitive that we bought Costs just under £300 but well worth it. I have Emphysema for 18 yrs and I am on Spiolto Respimat and portable oxygen and Vit D. I am 76yrs old, Good Luck.

[purdeyspringer in reply to BerryHead]

Hi thank you, I have looked at those a few times, but didn't know if they warranted spending that amount of money, after reading your reply maybe I might get one , thank you, keep well.

[BerryHead]

Hi Purdy, I used it twice a day for a couple of months 0n 60 for 30 mins each time, now I just do 30 mins on 60 in the morning, do it in bare feet ,no socks or shoes on. Good luck hope it works for you just give it time each day. Take Care.

[jackwok]

I have a similar problem. Was in hospital in September where I had Furosomide . Fluid intake was limited to 1 1/2 litres a day and I lost 101/2 kg in 9 days. Suggest this to you and also sit with your feet up whenever possible.