Swollen knees and ankles

[Lindaguise]

Hi All

I had a heart attack 2 weeks ago, I had a stent fitted which by all accounts went very well, but I may need to go back for a bypass as I am a diabetic and another artery is starting to fur. Dr isnt that worried about it and it maybe a change of lifestyle maybe enough rather than surgery, subject to a stress test in a few weeks. I have been home a week and all is going well, except yesterday both my knees and ankles swelled up, i felt Ok in myself and after getting my feet up, they are back to normal today. I cant get through too my GP and I have left a message with my local cardiac rehab team.

Should I be concerned and get in the GP for an appointment or did I do too much too soon yesterday?

Id be really grateful for some advice.

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi there - you should definitely see your GP if you have some knee and ankle swelling. Sometimes after a heart attack your heart muscle is a little weaker, and this can lead to fluid build up in the lower part of the body. They might want to tweak your medications slightly or prescribe something new, so try and get an appointment as soon as you can. They might also want to listen to your chest to make sure there's no fluid build up there either.

I hope this helps, Chris

[Lindaguise in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou so much - the cardio team have got back to me and said virtually the same thing. But of course if it happens often or doesn't reduce then they will bring my referral date forward and I must see my GP immediately. I am so bloody paranoid!!!! Really appreciate the advice.

[Hidden in reply to Lindaguise]

You're welcome - take care of yourself! Chris

[jimmyq]

I would ask your GP about it. You might feel that you are pestering them. DON'T. You are seriously ill and you need looking after, especially in these early stages.

Regarding lifestyle changes I would recommend that you watch the film "Forks Over Knives". It is on Netflix and YouTube. It is about global medical heart research and the findings. You might find it helpful, I did.

[Lindaguise in reply to jimmyq]

Thankyou Jimmyq, i know what you mean about pestering, at the moment I just feel a nuisance as every little ache and pain sends me paranoid! I shall watch Forks over Knives as I have Netflix - thank goodness I do, for these long inactive days.

Really appreciate your advice