swollen legs and feet

[Juliestev]

Hi all just a bit of advice. I had HA in December last year and before that I’ve had problems with swollen legs especially for years before. Ive had this checked out by heart nurse and she says it’s not pitting (oedema). This swelling has started again quite bad now extending to my feet and I am worried they didn’t investigate this heart attack enough and the reasons for it. I don’t have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. I’ve been reading up on atherosclerosis and I’m wondering if I should get this checked out with GP. Consultant has now discharged me, all I got was a quick telephone consultation with him.

love to know anyone’s thoughts or am I panicking over nothing??

[SlothOnSpeed]

Hi, definitely needs a trip to the gp. Did you have an echo to evaluate heart structure? If happening for years without any other heart symptoms, it could be a number of other things. Did a doctor never investigate this in the past? Personally won’t trust a nurse alone.

[Juliestev in reply to SlothOnSpeed]

Hi I had an echo done end of jan. I do have some heart disease but my EF had gone from 40% to 50% with stent that I had inserted in December after the attack.

HA came out of nowhere. I was told if it’s oedema when you push into the swelling it would leave a mark which it doesn’t. Heat doesn’t help at all and I have a desk job so it gets worse when sitting for a long time. It’s just a big worry after HA and I don’t know if I’m making fuss or not. I’m also going to Majorca later in the year and I’ve already had significant swelling in feet and legs before when I went. Just worried I have problems with my arteries in my legs as well as heart and if I’m prone to this will I have another HA?

[SlothOnSpeed in reply to Juliestev]

Hi Juliestev, I agree with Lezzers about the venous insufficiency. That being said, I am not a doctor so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I think any symptom that gets worse needs to be assessed by a doctor. Good luck and enjoy that trip later this year.

[Lezzers]

This is what pitted oedema looks like.

Could you have venous insufficiency, which is basically the valves in your legs are a bit faulty so the fluid collects in your feet & ankles & settles there instead of circulating around the body. Sitting down at a computer or being on your feet a lot makes it worse, and it's especially noticeable at the end of the day. Worth asking your GP about it. Fortunately, from what I understand, it's not a life threatening condition. I don't think there's much can be done about it (unless its seriously bad)!but I believe exercise can keep it under control.

Good luck, I hope you find out what's causing it.

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[Lezzers]

Another example of pitting odema

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[Juliestev in reply to Lezzers]

Hi it’s not like that it’s just swelling. Especially in the heat or sitting for prolonged periods. I will get it checked out if they can ever find out what it is as I’ve had this checked before.

[Lezzers in reply to Juliestev]

Hi

Are your legs/feet/ankles discoloured in any way, ie: mauve? Do you have prominent veins or varicose veins? And has your Dr actually seen your legs when they've been swollen?

[Juliestev in reply to Lezzers]

Hi no they’re not discoloured got a few prominent veins on top of legs probably with all the swelling in the past.

[Lezzers in reply to Juliestev]

If it was me, I'd take a photo of the veins & the swelling and show your Dr so that he/she is aware of how bad it can get & ask them if venous insufficiency could be the cause

Good luck, I hope you get it sorted

[Hidden]

My husband's swollen legs and feet became accompanied by finding it increasing difficulty to breath which lead, quickly, to the diagnosis of heart failure. The GP was our first port of call and by listening to the lungs the excess fluid was found. With a holiday in the offering and a HA last December it would seem prudent to see the GP.

[Carbis]

I have a very similar history but my swollen legs and feet have been diagnosed as ‘Lymhodema’. Maybe worth querying?

[Juliestev in reply to Carbis]

Hi Does it just look swelling no pitting?

Do you get the swelling building up

In the day and especially in heat? Also I keep getting pain in my ear and around my jaw area? God I’m falling to pieces!!

[Carbis in reply to Juliestev]

I’m falling apart too! My legs and feet swell up during the day and reduce durkng the night. I’m am being cared for by the Lyphodema Clinic at our local GH.

They provide me with bespoke compression stockings which keep things under control. The swellings do ‘pit’ if pressed. I hope that you have told your GP about the pain in your jaw! If not, please do so - urgently!

[David_A]

Hi,

Swollen limbs, especially feet and ankles, are usually associated with heart problems, I would definitely consult a GP seeing the cardio team has dismissed it.

[Carbis in reply to David_A]

I’ve recently (within 2 weeks) had a physical examination, blood tests, an ECG and an Echo - all routine follow ups. Confirmed Lymphodema.