Swollen and sore legs and ankles +16 lbs weight gain

[Lucyfrog]

Hi it's Lucinda, I haven't been online in ages but I was just wondering if anyone can advise me on an issue, I had a blood clot h/a 4 years ago, on medication warfarin, amlodipine palexia 150mg etc I also have osteoarthritis in my neck and shoulder, both knees, migraine high blood pressure, I have just change my warfarin to Eliquis 5mg because of excessive bleeding which has worked thankfully but in the last 3 months I have gained weight in my bottom half, my legs and ankles, feet are so sore and swollen, I can't take anti inflammatory meds because of blood thinners has anyone any tips on getting rid of the swellings, my doctor isn't concerned, it's affecting my mobility big time and so frustrating because my appetite has stayed the same. Lucinda

[Hidden]

hello

That seems like a complex situation which only a doctor can address for you. Or maybe consult a pharmacist about the side effects you are having.

A simple thing to try is to elevate your feet when sitting but also avoid sitting for long periods? Are you able to exercise (subject to medical advice of course) which might help?

But going back to your doctor would be best. Hopefully they can help.

👍

[Heilung18-Gesund]

Hi Lucyfrog,

I am sorry for your troubles.

I sounds as though you are retaining fluid. A simple cause might be venous insufficiency, other more complex causes may relate to heart, liver, or renal function. 

Increased salt intake will contribute to retaining fluid.

Keeping legs dependent and immobile contributes.

If legs are less swollen in the morning after a night’s sleep, wearing support hose limits edema.

You may wish to consult with your MD about using a bit of a water pill, diuretic, to rid yourself of fluid excess. You’ll feel much better.

All the best,

TB

[1234_6]

Hi Lucy frog Lucinda

Like the other's suggest ... please do go back to the GP yet again to discuss how uncomfortable you are with the legs & feet swelling as if it is odems (fluid retention) then they can give you medication to try & reduce it.

If it's weight gain due to the meds, then ( like I need to do too), it's just move a bit more & eat a bit less. As recommended it's feet up, but don't sit still for too long. (Oh boy do I need tk take my own advice here too!)

I recommend that if you are wearing socks to get some without tight elastic tops so they don't cut into your legs. Also, to make sure shoes are big enough & deep enough (from sole to top of foot) to accommodate some swelling with the ability to adjust this (velcro / laces / elastic)

Another suggestion was support panty-hose. If you look up my post on compression flight-socks for swollen legs the company I referred to may be able to assist as I think i recall they sell / make them too.

The only other thing that I can think of is for you to try a "Lympathic Drainage Massage Treatment" as this might assist you to feel comfortable. (Note: This NOT a normal massage so do make sure the therapist is trained specifically in this technique!! It's sometimes used with cancer patients to reduce swelling -& is nice & gentle to help move the fluid along)

Good luck.

[1234_6]

Hi again Lucy-frog Luchinda

I obviously needed my first morning cup of coffee for my brain to start working properly, as I'd forgotten the following advice that i was given that is relevant to pass on too....

- skin on swollen legs, especially on calves & ankles is overstretched & damaged & gets sore & uncomfortable & dries out much more so use a good moisturiser to keep skin supple (apply this in upwards movements from feet always towards the heart)

- swollen legs & the damaged skin, if injured can unfortunately sometimes be more prone to ulcerating

- avoid knocks & bumps if you can

- treat any grazes or cuts immediately

- see GP / Nurse if grazes or cuts don't heal normally

❤️

[jj62]

Hi I had a similar thing and doctor put me on water tablets and swelling went down really quickly.

[1959DarkBurst]

Talk to your doctor about an alternative to amlopodine. Swollen legs are a well known side effect of high dose amlopodine treatment due to the way that it works. It isn't dangerous but I agree, quite uncomfortable. I had my dose reduce and augmented with a water tablet with a quite positive outcome.

[Tos92]

Hi Lucyfrog

Everyone has given you some sound advice.

I echo the water tablets. I know a popular one is Furosemide but you would need to discuss this with your doctor and see if it is a suitable option for you as it may interact with your meds and/or your doctor may not feel like there is water retention and want to conduct further tests.

Let us know how you get on.

All the best.

Tos

[Lucyfrog in reply to Tos92]

That's grand thanx everyone, hope to see the doctor tomorrow morning Lucinda 🥰

[1234_6 in reply to Lucyfrog]

Good luck at the GP's tomorrow Lucyfrog Lucinda.

[engines123]

I take a diuretic to combat this issue. They work.

[Miriam123]

I had to change meds from amlodipine to candesartan because of swelling in ankles and legs. It is a common side effect of amlodipine, This kind of swelling can also be part of the symptoms of heart stress. I am now also taking furosemide, a diuretic and no more swelling around legs and ankles. Also candesartan working well.