Leaky legs

[PhillipandBettykid]

I have lymphadoema which is a bit up and down. I use tubigrip rather than the compression stockings which require a WWW wrestler to get on and off. Anyway, having a bit of energy Thursday I decided to do a bit of gardening. The brambles got me. Just pin pricks, sorted the bleeding and wounds quickly. Then I noticed I was dripping clear fluid from the holes. This has gone on for a couple of days. Apparently it is called leaky legs! Anyone, had any experience of this? I could, of course, just get a plumber in 😉

[Purple-iris]

Hi

Please be careful, if I were you I would get this checked out by a gp and specialist lymphodema nurse or at a leg clinic. And probably antibiotics to stop it turning to cellulitis or getting infected. Your legs need to be properly dressed, maybe compression bandages to stop the leaks getting worse and breaking down the skin. I don’t want to alarm you but in my experience with my mum it can lead to leg ulcers if not properly managed.

The compression stockings should be made to measure to make sure they are the appropriate size but do need to be tight, they move the fluid away from the ankle and lower legs, preventing the leaky legs. My mum has to wear them 24/7 due to her lymphedema /odema caused by congestive heart failure. She attends a leg clinic once a week. They are a battle to remove and put on but compared to the problems we had before with leg ulcers they are miracle workers !

It can help if you keep your legs elevated when sitting and put a rolled up towel under your mattress to raise your legs when in bed. They should also be able to show you some light massage techniques to help move the fluid.

Sorry if I’ve gone over the top with this just spent a lot of the time in appts with mum in the past.

Hope you can get sorted quickly. My arms are covered in scratches from the gardening yesterday!

Love Kim x

[PhillipandBettykid in reply to Purple-iris]

Thanks all helpful. I was thinking of making an appointment and put on some good compression bandages. This and the elevation has stopped the leak. Still think I’ll see the GP though even though the leg looks good now. Avoiding brambles and gardening for a bit 😊

[Cropcrop]

Kim has totally nailed this and her advice is brilliant. Good luck ❤️Xx Jane

[delia2]

Yes to what Kim said. I have lymphedema as a result of debulking and my therapist warned me not to get cuts on my legs because the lymph system isn’t functioning to remove waste so the chance of infection is very high. I’ve just been wearing knee highs though I am supposed to get stockings. A fabulous fashion statement for summer . . .

[PhillipandBettykid in reply to delia2]

I know what you mean. They go so well with crop trousers too!

[ShazD]

Hi. I am a tissue viability nurse and I have to say purple iris .... do you need a job?! !!! Very good advice! I don’t think there is anything to add.

[Purple-iris in reply to ShazD]

Thanks Shaz, I’m sure if mum had seen a specialist nurse earlier she would have avoided 9 months of hell with her leg ulcers. I’ve had to keep mums legs stable during her many past hospital stays so learnt from an amazing specialist nurse at the leg ulcer clinic. You do a great job.

Lots of love Kim x