swollen legs with rash and hard lump

[friz42]

I have rash on my legs (biopsy next year due to waiting lists) and swelling. The swelling is fluid I think but it is rock hard almost like bone swelling/ muscle soft tissue. I have attached photos. The swelling does not really go down overnight.

Rheumatology do not even mention swelling nor seem concerned by this swelling. I feel very unwell and obviously concerned about what this is. Sjogrens diagnosed, lung inflammation (reason unknown) hypothyroidism adrenal insufficiency possible spine disease/spondylitis.

fractures due to steroids. My mobility is poor. I have wide spread severe pain especially in hips upper legs shoulders lower back. Severe stiffness that is all day. Severe sweats too.

Does anyone else have this stiffness and pain so severe high dose fentanyl patches ibuprofen etc is not enough.

The swelling is so hard it feels too hard to be fluid. But I could be wrong.

Thank you

[Nanny23]

sorry to hear you are suffering. I had swollen legs and was given Lasix. A water pill. It’s quite pAinful. Very sad you have to wait to be treated. This could be a sign of something serious. Feel better

[friz42 in reply to Nanny23]

Thank you for your reply. I have reported this a few times. I don’t know what else to do.

[Mmrr]

If you are feeling very unwell maybe you GP could help move things along ? It might be worth contacting them.

[friz42 in reply to Mmrr]

Thank you for your reply. I have told them about this . The rash was put down to steroids and ran out of time for everything else. They know I am struggling with it all.

[Jackie1947]

I'm no expert but your GP needs to see this pronto

[Madmusiclover in reply to Jackie1947]

agreed.

[friz42 in reply to Jackie1947]

I will try to ask them once again, They will say all necessary referrals have been done. I also have loss of sensation pins and needles in both feet / legs every day. I am worried.

[Jackie1947 in reply to friz42]

If there has been a change then it's paramount you do

[Mmrr]

Agreed

[oldtimer2]

You really need to be assertive and keep asking for help with your legs. Sorry - I know how difficult it can be, but just keep asking nicely and firmly for urgent action.

Meanwhile do keep them up - above your head level if you can to keep what circulation you have going. And can you do any calf exercises? Just rocking your feet from toes to heels helps to pump the fluid back towards your heart.

The mark showing where your socks compressed the tissues does suggest fluid - and if it's a lot it will stretch the skin and feel hard.

[friz42 in reply to oldtimer2]

Thank you for your help. I know it is difficult to be assertive. I get upset because so frustrated that they do not understand how bad this is. I know they are under pressure but many times I have asked for help but they see me as a nuisance instead. I do have exercise programs to follow.

[strongmouse]

If it is effecting your mobility then it is wise to see GP again. Write down your symptoms - all of them - and a list of questions to use when you speak to the GP. Have you got someone who can support you when you speak to them, and has the GP actually seen you?

The advice to keep your legs up is a good one, especially try to manage a few times a day lying down with them above your heart level, if you can, as this helps to drain extra fluid away. Plus gentle leg and foot exercises to help circulation. It is horrible to be in pain and find it difficult to walk.

The doctors may be under pressure, but they are there to support you and treat you.

[Gottaloveastaffy]

I had a rash like that and they thought it Hydroxy or MTX that caused it I had some water retention and gp gave me water tablets

Then I had a call to stop all meds as my liver count was very high

I’m just about to start imraldi

I would say tell rhemy about the rash and send images and tell gp about water retention

Good luck and hope you feel better soon x

[friz42]

Thank you for your reply. The gp does know and water retention been telling them for months. I don’t know what else to do. Feel like not believed. Saw gp two weeks ago and said would look at dermatology waiting times etc don’t know if anything has been done though. I feel like an invisible person most of the time x