Peripheral Odema & Cirrhosis

[Bozza99]

Hi all,

I am a frequent reader of the excellent posts on this site. I have alcoholic cirrhosis, which is well managed with very few complications and have been alcohol-free for three years. Į recently put on weight mainly around my stomach and legs.

A recent abdominal scan confirmed that I have no ascites. I have, however, developed peripheral oedema in my legs with a significant pitting present.

My GP referred me for a heart valve scan as I have a long term murmur. This has indicated no valve leakage and ruled out cardiac causes.

My GP thinks it could be liver-related, although ruling out any ascites (I do have portal hypertension.) I have started 25 mg of Spironolactone (with proper kidney function), but this has to date had no effect.

Any suggestions or ideas welcomed? Thanks, Mike.

[alfredthegreat]

Hi Bozza. I had the same oedema pre transplant that you have mentioned. I was also on spironolactone You seem to be on a fairly low dose so if the problem persists your dosage may be altered. Keep your legs elevated when you can. I was told the best position is to lay with your feet higher than your heart. This is not always practical , it's easier in bed because you can put pillows under your legs and feet. Another thing that I was told is because I retained fluid I was not to cut down on drinking fluid, it is actually good to drink plenty of water in particular. Hope this is of some help. Best wishes. Alf

[Hidden]

Hi Mike

I found this information which seems pretty comprehensive

smn.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/...

Hope you get it sorted. Suggest you see your doctor again if it persists.

Miles

[Bootandall]

I had chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed via Doppler scan. My leg vein valves stayed open due to being weakened from the volume of fluid in them. So they closed the greater saphenous vein using a laser guided by ultrasound, to force smaller veins to form. I had to wear compression stockings for a few weeks, but there was minimal bruising and discomfort. My legs for the most part, feel much better.

[Hidden in reply to Bootandall]

Crikey boot.. that sounds a bit nasty ☹️. But very glad your legs feel better - for the most part (that hides a host of things - that “for the most part” bit).

Miles

[Bootandall in reply to Hidden]

Yes, still get the cramps in my calves sometimes.

[Hidden in reply to Bootandall]

Oh my Boots!

It sounds like you've been to hell and back! Hope yourlegs are still improving daily?

Take care

Love Trish x

[Bootandall in reply to Hidden]

It's really not an invasive procedure at all, and I actually have ankles again!

[Hidden in reply to Bootandall]

That's great to read Boots! 🤗

[Hidden]

I suffer from swelling in my legs and feet despite having no ascites (following a TIPS shunt). I’m now on furosemide which works reasonably well. The dose you’re on does sound low - I was on this at 100mg a day previously with furosemide as well. They worry about kidney damage so probably just started you on a low dose. Keep going back to your GP or liver specialists until you get to a point where the medication is working? It’s worth it to not have swollen legs.

As Alf said I find drinking lots of water does help rather than limiting fluid intake which I used to do subconsciously before taking medication.

Good luck in getting it sorted

[Kristian]

Hi Bozza, I had the same. Lots of fluid in the legs not much in the abdomen. It can be a bit of a bugger to get rid of sometimes. I found furosmide was a more effective diuretic for me but even that wasn't tremendously effective.

[Rogerro]

Hi, I have peripheral oedema and ascites, the specialist put me on 200mg of spironolactone and 40mg of furosemide, this quite quickly reduced the oedema in my legs to the point I could actually see my ankle bones again. The ascites reduced, it does have sise effects mostly Gynocomastia which give an increase in breast tissue and painful nipples. Worked for me though, they tried eplerenone and it went drastically wrong with oedema and ascites returning fast and uncomfortably. Back on spironolactone, OK now.