fluid from legs : Hi for the past... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

59,469 members66,515 posts

fluid from legs

Spacereturn profile image
33 Replies

Hi for the past 6 months or so I’ve had a sticky fluid leaking from my legs I can feel it running down my legs and if I’ve got a long skirt on it’s soaked my legs and feet are also really swollen is this another symptom of fibromyalgia or something else.

Written by
Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
33 Replies
Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer

Hello, I would differently get booked into your surgery for these symptoms, me personally when I had swollen hands and feet I got checked as my blood Pressure was higher than normal , aa for the fluid again I’ve never read here it has anything too do with Fibro, if you have any concerns as it’s the weekend ring the 111 service , I have found them too be very helpful .xx

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn in reply to Yassytina

Thanks for replying I’ll try the doctor next week

Joferry71 profile image
Joferry71 in reply to Yassytina

Hi have you spoken to your GP about this? Fluid leaking from your legs can sometimes be a sign of underlying health conditions. Even if it's not you still need to speak to them as to why you are retaining fluid. You may possibly need a course of diuretics. In the meantime try and keep your legs elevated higher than your heart as much as possible and do make that gp call next week! All the best.

Dizzytwo profile image
DizzytwoModerator

Hi there, the quick answer is no it's not fibro related as far as I'm aware.

But I did read up on you problem as I have never heard of it before to be honest.

This is what I read

Weeping legs is a term used to describe fluid leaking from your legs, often from swelling or a wound. While swelling and wounds are the primary cause behind this weeping, several underlying conditions, like diabetes, can cause those wounds or sores and lead to this problem.

I would definitely advise you to see your doctor asap.

Momo

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn in reply to Dizzytwo

Thank you for your reply there isn’t any wounds my legs just leak I’ll call the doctor next week thanks again for your help

Welshcatlady profile image
Welshcatlady

As Dizzy and Yassitina have said speak to your GP, it could be caused by a few things. My mother used to have weeping legs caused by swelling (oedema).

Judygarland1 profile image
Judygarland1

do blisters or wounds appear when there has been leaking or is it just coming out of your pores? Could it be excessive sweating? You definitely need to speak to your doctor and don’t let them fob you off. Good luck 😊

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn in reply to Judygarland1

Hi no it’s not sweat it’s slightly sticky and when it dries it’s crusty ( sounds disgusting) I’ve got a riser recliner chair and my leg sticks to it it’s leaking that much

soppysokes profile image
soppysokes in reply to Spacereturn

main thing to remember is to try not to damage the skin in any way, should that happen it can cause cellulitis and deep ulcers whatever the cause of the fluid is. best to see gp they can hopefully get to the cause and sort it out.

Judygarland1 profile image
Judygarland1

oh I’m sorry you’re having to deal with that. You need some kind of compression bandage on your legs to help with that and drink lots of water.

Are you diabetic? I had this happen when my sugars were high over a long time

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn in reply to Iamthemedicalmystery

Hi no I’m not diabetic I have other health issues thanks for your reply

KBM0g3r profile image
KBM0g3r

Hi, I have Fibro and water retention in my legs too. When my legs & feet get very swollen, they sometimes leak a straw coloured fluid. This can happen too if I catch them on something and then there is sometimes some blood mixed in from the wound.I've been checked for all sorts of heart conditions, high blood pressure, had angiograms, x-rays - you name it - and nothing has been found. I have found 3 things that help to reduce the swellings; drinking more, elevating my legs and some weight loss (this latter is not always easy with fibro, due to walking difficulties). A lot of my weight of course is due to fluid retention. I've also been prescribed diuretics by my doctor but these aren't always convenient to take due to travelling a lot.

I have been wondering recently if this is due to the Fibro. As it is now known that with Fibro there is peripheral nerve damage, it may depend on which nerves have been affected in each individual.

Incidentally, this can also be a known problem with diabetes, which I also have and which I control with insulin. This has also been eliminated as the cause in my case thankfully.

Anyway, it's important to have the more obvious conditions checked out first and hopefully eliminate them as possible causes.

Wishing you the best on this x

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn in reply to KBM0g3r

Thank you

RustyOBear profile image
RustyOBear

Sounds very uncomfortable so hope you get this sorted soon, how long has this been going on?

I’ve never heard this being a symptom of fibromyalgia and like others urge you to see your GP.

Knowing how much of a faff getting an appointment is you could try 111. They can I think speed things along when passing along details to the surgery. Good luck.

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn in reply to RustyOBear

It’s been going on the past 6 months or so hopefully the doctor will help thanks for your reply

Rogan1 profile image
Rogan1 in reply to Spacereturn

Hi not sure but it sounds like you have cellulitis, that would tie in with the weepy legs

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn in reply to Rogan1

No it’s not that I’ve had that before my legs aren’t hot to touch

Hi Spacereturn,

I think you need to see your GP the fluid from your legs is I’m quite sure nothing to do with Fybro , are you Diabetic ? , you will probably need to have your legs dressed. Is the fluid a bit smelly and leaves a yellowish stain. If it is I think you should definitely get checked out.

RUBEE2013 profile image
RUBEE2013

I have suffered with this for the past three years I may be wrong but it sounds a lot like lymphoma I have to have my legs dressed when it flares up if I were you I would get a doctor appointment x

chowchangsox profile image
chowchangsox

My 91 year old mum got this its all cleared now. Wash with sterile or cool boiled water pat dry and rap with sterile bandage for now then see your doctor for the correct treatment.

Sim22 profile image
Sim22

Hi Spacereturn, there are a number of conditions that fit into the differential diagnosis, I suggest you discuss with your GP as cardiac pathology maybe an issue to exclude, don't leave itBw Si

Laundry profile image
Laundry

let me know what your Dr says.

I have fluid retention most noticeable in my face, arms and legs. I seem to have hot sweats at nights where my legs are drenched.

The number 1 things that got rid of it was stopping alcohol, dairy, gluten and a few other things (I did the fodmap diet to find triggers, with a dietician) - I lost so much water wait within a week.

If I have a pint and a takeaway I can’t get my clothes on the next day it’s weird.

The gp totally fobbed me off several times saying it was just fat and it wasn’t odema. It bloody well was

I have fibro but lots of other health problems. Things like peri menopause, thyroid, diabetes, intolerances or allergic reactions could be to blame and need ruling out. It’s not normal so don’t let the dr say it’s nothing

grandma231 profile image
grandma231

Hi, I hope you haven't got what I have. My legs swell and I've had so many tests done. It's got worse over the years. I haveFibro and other conditions. I started getting small blisters and then a short lump after.

They covered my lower legs only. For years I've struggled with support stockings and contraptions to make it easier. My legs started leaking. I was told it was water retention. They gave me diuretics. With my weak bladder I was going back and forwards to the bathroom and couldnt go out. Now I have wraps from my feet to my knees. If I try to go without them for 1 day, the lumps come back.

So go and see your doctor, and I wish you the best. Xxx

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

Have you injured your leg/legs at all…..or do you mean this fluid is seeping out like perspiration?

Whatever it is…….You really should call your GP tomorrow, & explain your symptoms…..any fluid leaking like that is not normal, & needs investigating by somebody qualified to diagnose a solution.

Inthesticks profile image
Inthesticks

Hi there. You have something called Lymphodema. It's to do with poor circulation and is the accumulation of lymph fluid because your circulation is not working well and taking the lymph fluid away. I have it too. Not only is the fluid sticky but it smells bad. You must be very careful to keep the weeping bits clean as they can easily become infected and ulcerated. I've got cats and have to make sure they don't scratch my legs. If you get ulceration it takes a long time to heal and will need daily dressings. My mother (r.i.p) had it very badly, the District Nurses came daily to dress her legs. Often the leakage broke through the dressings so with their instructions I used to do them for her in the evening.

I think there are special exercises you can do to relieve the swelling and reduce the lymph fluid. Mine isn't too bad and confined to my ankles and bottom of my legs. It is manageable with care.

A trip to your doctor is definitely in order to get it checked out and maybe medication for topical use if sadly you get an infection. My doctor didn't do anything as it isn't too bad. If your circulation is very poor there are treatments available.

I've lived with mine for 5 years at least and apart from leakage like yours haven't had any real trouble but I am very careful.

I do so hope this helps you, it is not a pleasant condition. But I can assure you it is nothing to do with Fibromyalgia. It is 100% a circulatory problem.

Lozzarelli profile image
Lozzarelli

It sounds very much so like cellulitis which is caused by an infection between the layers of the skin. I used to work for the nhs and had many a patient with leaky legs and this is what they were being treated for. Please do keep us informed about what your Gp says and please do go sooner rather than later xx

Kaspinallsgr8 profile image
Kaspinallsgr8

my concern is it could be lymph oedema which can be quite difficult to manage. Definitely get an urgent appointment with your GP. Tell them all symptoms with your legs and any other areas with similar symptoms. They should check your kidneys and and do a heart and lung assessment plus your BP. It’s all very important and urgent so don’t delay. I’ve been having the sad results of several years having not been assessed when I asked about the swelling in my legs.

jillybean88 profile image
jillybean88

I have this it's called oedema (water retention) and can lead to cellulitis (blisters and sores) if not treated. You need to see your doctor or district nurse as you need to be measured for compression stockings. They force the liquid back into your system so that your kidneys can get rid of the liquid. There is a risk of infection while your legs are leaking please get it seen to urgently. Compression stockings are ok once you get used to them and you'll start to feel a whole lot better. The downside unfortunately is that you will always need to wear the stockings and you'll also have to take a water tablet. Good luck it can take several weeks to stop the leaking and for your skin to heal but once it's under control taking care of the problem will be second nature to live with just like cleaning your teeth.

Midori profile image
Midori

Please see your doctor, My legs swell, but nothing like you are describing. Leaking of fluid can leave you open to infections, and we are not qualified to advise on these things.

Cheers, Midori

susangore profile image
susangore

Please, please, see a doctor asap, this sounds like lymph fluid leakage and can cause bad infections. I have been dealing with this for many years with my son and with myself in the past 2 months and it needs compression with a qualified health professional to stop it.

Debsdelight72 profile image
Debsdelight72

First of all, Are you sure it's just a sticky fluid?????

I'm sorry Spacereturn, I have the curse of an ironic sense of humour, Please don't take it as any less of a chuckle 🤣 That's all I have left,

Have you called your GP yet? Please don't think everything can be covered by Fibro and don't give your GP the chance to say it is!This fluid has got to be coming from somewhere, which means you have a break somewhere in your skin, Which means a possibility you could get an infection, If you have trouble getting an appointment with GP,

My advice would be to go to your local walk-in (If you are able and it's not too far for you) Don't forget you can still call the 111 NHS they can give you some great advice and tell you what to do next,

A few years back, whilst still done south, I had a doctor appointment, I called to say I was running late, By the time I arrived it was 15 mins late,

So they turned me away, I was having a really bad time with my depression and was afraid of whatever came with it,

I walked into the Walk in centre and an hour later I was back at my GPs, What I'm trying to say is If you are worried,

they keep some appointments back

Hope you get some help soon,

Take care Debs

Spacereturn profile image
Spacereturn

Hi just had telephone consult with my doctor and she said my legs were leaking because I’m overweight and my mobility is poor nothing she can do . Thank you for all your help

You may also like...

Heavy legs and swollen knees

this is a part of fibromyalgia but I’ve been like it now for almost a week and I’m feeling so...

leg pain fibromyalgia

Is anyone else suffering this ? Fibromyalgia affecting my legs as I lay in bed it feels like they...

Legs

anybody suffer with legs that feel like lead heavy.Ive had this for about 4weeks now it’s not...

Leaden, painful legs while walking.

aching/burning feet. In the last 3-4 months when I’ve been on a walk (I love walking) I’ve barely...

Restless legs GGGRRRR!!

Restless legs tonight, with shooting pain down my legs....even my knees ache!! bed time...