Relief for swollen feet ....

[Charlieathome]

Hello, An update, my son has been put forward for an assessment for a liver transplant. There may be light at the end of the tunnel and we know there is still a long way to go, it gives us hope.I was wondering if anyone has any tips on any relief for very swollen feet due to oedema.. My son is having a drain regularly now but his feet remain very swollen, we have tried using wet wipes after being in the fridge, the coolness seems to relieve the pressure slightly .

[Hidden]

Compression socks.. I have a few pair and I don't even have edema.. Yet.

They have them on Amazon.

[Charlieathome in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I will have a look on Amazon..

[AyrshireK]

nhs.uk/conditions/oedema/

The following may help decrease oedema and keep it from coming back. Talk to your health care provider about which of these might help you.

Use pressure. If oedema affects a leg, wearing compression stockings might help. These garments keep pressure on the limbs to prevent fluid from building up. Usually worn after the swelling goes down, they help prevent more swelling.

Move. Moving and using the muscles in the part of the body that's swollen, especially the legs, might help move fluid back toward the heart. A health care provider can talk about exercises that might reduce swelling.

Raise. Hold the swollen part of the body above the level of the heart several times a day. Sometimes, raising the swollen area during sleep can be helpful.

Massage. Stroking the affected area toward the heart using firm, but not painful, pressure might help move fluid out of that area.

Protect. Keep the swollen area clean and free from injury. Use lotion or cream. Dry, cracked skin is more open to scrapes, cuts and infection. Always wear socks or shoes on the feet if that's where the swelling usually is.

Reduce salt. A health care provider can talk about limiting salt. Salt can increase fluid buildup and worsen edema.

[Charlieathome in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much for taking time to reply, I will share this info with my son in the morning.

[Tiger800xrt]

I had a bout of oedema when I was first diagnosed. I purchased a wedge pillow from eBay and used in conjunction with some compression stockings definitely gave me some relief.

[Charlieathome in reply to Tiger800xrt]

Thank you for taking time in replying..I will suggest this to him re the wedge pillow.. I do not think the stocking will be of any use as he is so swollen .

[wurzle]

keep a plastic drinks bottle full of water in the freezer and rool it round the soles of the feet and ankles. I find it helpful for my peripheral neuropathy, achilles tendinitis and plantar faciatis

[Charlieathome in reply to wurzle]

Thank you for taking time to reply, I will suggest the frozen water bottle that definitely sounds like a plan..

[Readlots]

is there an oedema nurse in your area? Your GP surgery may be able to tell you. We had one come round ad give advice and measure for compression items. Moisturising is very important every day as the skin stretches.

[Charlieathome in reply to Readlots]

Thank you so much, I have moisturised his feet and put on cold wet wipes I had put in the fridge, he did feel a little relief so we will continue with this...I would never have thought about moisturising, I am very grateful..thank you.

[juggling1]

I think you had some great advice, especially from AyrshireK, and I cannot think of much more to add.

In my case, because I had seronegative hepatitis, I was not really ill liver-wise, it was just very sudden and very urgent. My liver just suddenly failed for no reason that could be found, so I had my transplant just 3 weeks after visiting the GP to tell her that some people had told me I looked a bit yellow.

So I do not remember having swelling in my legs or anywhere before transplant.

But after transplant it really was an issue for me. It was painful to walk because all joints were swollen, and I struggled to fit my feet into my shoes. When I asked about it in liver clinic, they assured me it was normal and would go away. The water retention that is, not my whole legs. I think they said to keep moving, and when sitting or standing I should keep my feet elevated.

I kept following all this advice and nothing seemed to be happening, until one day I passed so much water, just in one toilet visit, I wish I kept it and measured it to become a world record holder. And after that I was back to normal.

Best wishes for your son.