Swollen Legs

[Linda47715]

I looked up on my computer and it said that legs swelling is a side effect of COPD. What I want to know is how to get over it. I have elevated them, rested put cold packs on them but nothing is helping. They are red and painful. It is to hot to wear compression stockings. Help

[Peteybob]

Hello Linda,

Sorry to hear about your legs swelling. It does sound painful. Have you talked with a doctor about this yet? If not then you should do so right away. You may only need to take a diuretic (water pill) to help control the extra fluid in your body. But sometimes this can be a sign of others things in your body not working correctly. I don’t mean to alarm you about it but it should be checked out soon.

[Linda47715 in reply to Peteybob]

I went to the doctor and right away they sent me for tests. They were afraid I had a blood clot. Thank goodness I did not. A few years ago I had a blood clot in my lung. I took blood thinner for a while. I quit taking it so I really good it was not. They have me wearing those stockings on my legs that look like white rubber bandages. I just hate the way they look. Guess you gotta due what you gotta do. The doctor thinks it was not my COPD that caused this. I have a vein problem and I went on a trip and it was 8 hours there and the problem really got bad then. They said that many hours riding would bother anyone. I used to ride a lot longer than that and it didn't bother me. I did not argue because maybe that what happens as you get older. Any way the legs are better, not all gone but better. Thank you for your kind words. It is so much easier for me to ask for help when I don't know you. Does that sound terrible? I do not mean it in a bad way.....

[Linda47715 in reply to Linda47715]

I repeated myself some what. I went to the doctor today and forget I posted about my first trip there.. Sorry

[LORBIC]

Swollen legs not only goes with COPD but it also goes with heart problems. You need to see a doctor ASAP as you may have cellulitis. I have swollen legs but they don't get hot and red. My doctor put me on Lasix 40 mg twice a day ever other day. Please see a doctor a doctor.

[Toci]

I frequently have the swollen legs associated with COPD and heart failure but have never had redness or pain (other than the pressure of them being so swollen). It may be another condition altogether and I would advise seeing your doctor sooner rather than later.

[Kay15143]

I have to take water pill or pills every day to keep mine from swelling

[Jensmom]

Hi linda47715, @jensmom, I'm sorry your not finding relief. Have You been diagnosed diabetic? Not meaning to worry you I just have a friend who went through that and it was caused by diabetic neuropathy. Its just a thought. But also, I would wear those socks cuz they will prevent any clotting and other issues. I hope you find some relief.

[Linda47715 in reply to Jensmom]

my legs are finally better. I wore compression stockings and just tried to elevate my legs when they hurt to bad. It took time but of course I wanted to hurry it and that did not work. I will be more careful when I travel to take breaks and walk around. May take longer to get places but it will a lot less painful.

[Jeannemf]

I have that occasionally and now take magnesium, magnesium plus by Pur products . Flavored and is fizzy and drink every afternoon ! Works for me and found it from a friend who has diabetes! Occasionally need to use magnesium oil spray on them! Mine is usually just my right leg! In 2010 it was really bad and painful but 3 different doctors could not find out what it was. Massage therapy helped then! Then I ended up getting sepsis, maybe or maybe not related, try magnesium, not tablets or pills! They don't do anything for me! Many people are low in magnesium and I had several of those symptoms when I googled magnesium deficiency symptoms! Easy tasty fix! Google it! Everyone should!

[Kay15143]

I take a water pull 20 mg every day to get water out. My legs used to swell but not since I started pill. But you may still need to see your doctor .My legs and ankles never turn RED. Good luck try to breathe easy

[Linda47715]

I went to my doctor and saw one of his NP . She thought I had a blood cloth. She sent me for tests but did not show one. Now she says as soon as I get up in the morning to put on Tubigrip support bandages. I say bandages because that is what they look like. They like white eleastic and not like nylons. They hurt my legs but they already hurt. I am not happy with this. They are swollen, red and itch. Oh well guess I have to try it. I thought maybe cellulitis. Oh well, i am not a doctor. Thank you for all your replys.

[Kay15143 in reply to Linda47715]

If they hurt your legs they are to tight . I have some that look like stockings color tan. I could send them to you if they fit. I would need you to send me a phone # so we could figure out.

[Linda47715 in reply to Kay15143]

What a kind offer. I live in Evansville, Indiana. I am going to my doctor the end of this of this month. Maybe he will help. Again thank you for your kind offer. If he does not help I will try to contact you.

[Essiet]

Hi Linda: I also had swollen legs and feet. I now take a fluid pill and its just a mild 20 mg fluid pill. I take it every morning and no more swollen legs or feet. Swelling of the feet and legs scare me as I had a very good friend that had this problem but she refused to take anything for it. She kept saying she would be allright. One day she took her granddaughter to school and then she died and it was all due to not taking a fluid pill. She was a wonderful person but would not listen to anybody. So many people loved her and she is missed so much by friends and family. Iam not trying to scare you but fluid is dangerous as it can get around the heart and cause death. That is what happened to my friend. Please see you Dr about this problem. Essiet

[Linda47715]

I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I would say Merry Christmas but I am a little late for that. I did well the month of December. I baked over 70 loaves of Amish bread. I call it my labor of love. I give to family, friends, my church cookie walk and my son gives it to his customers. I was in the hospital last Devember and couldn't do it so this was quite a victory. I was in the hospital in March and June. I was getting very depressed. I thought I would not ever be better. In June when I got home from the hospital I decided to eat what I wanted because you can die any day . NOW 20 lbs. later I have to lose weight. It bothers my breathing. I also quit going to rehab. I need to go back but our election was a subject of disagreement. I am having a problem. Of paying the money and listening to them, their choice of TV news station plus I get hot they get cold. So I can not use a fan because they turn it off. Sounds silly but right now I just do not want to mess with it. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. Best wishes......Linda47715