Peripheral Odema & Cirrhosis - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

38,080 members18,674 posts

Peripheral Odema & Cirrhosis

Bozza99 profile image
11 Replies

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.

Written by
Bozza99 profile image
Bozza99
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
11 Replies
alfredthegreat profile image
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

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 profile image
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.

in reply toBootandall

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 profile image
Bootandall in reply to

Yes, still get the cramps in my calves sometimes.

in reply toBootandall

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 profile image
Bootandall in reply to

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

in reply toBootandall

That's great to read Boots! 🤗

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 profile image
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 profile image
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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Reduced cirrhosis symptoms

I was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2013. I had the usual symptoms such as fatigue, ascites, oedema ,...
NOGGLES2108 profile image

Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Hello! My fiancé was diagnosed with Cirrhosis caused from alcohol on December 27th in the emergency...
Mywildlove profile image

Diagnosis Cirrhosis

Finally after 5 years of back and forth for labs I've been diagnosed with stage 1 cirrhosis no...
TyiseChar1 profile image

Fatty liver or cirrhosis?

January 2020/ went to hospital for which I thought was a gallbladder attack, it was determined to...
Leslee1123 profile image

cirrhosis and edema / ascites

My partner diagnosed 22.12.21 with alcoholic cirrhosis stopped drinking on that date. Since then...
Rshc profile image

Moderation team

See all

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.