Now on reduced steroids 15mg daily but feet and legs badly swollen and not able to walk far.

Saw my GP 2 weeks ago and showed him legs and feet - he made no comment and no advice. Has anybody any suggestions as to ways to relieve discomfort.

[grace1]

i have badly swollen legs and feet due to fluid had so much it started to break through and now get my legs dressed by a nurse every day and find it very hard to walk have high doses of preds for year and ahalf coming down now on 6mlg feet and legs starting to get better hope the same thing happens to you.

[grace1]

sorry im also on a fluid table everyday as i have put on so much weight.

[Hidden]

Hi Margret,

I 'm very suprised that your GP has not given you any explanation regarding the swelling of your legs and feet. I wonder how long you have had the problem. Did it start after you began taking steroids? If so then I'm sure the condition will improve on the lower doses. My legs and feet always seemed more puffy when I was on pred doses above 10mg, but it stopped occuring once the dose was below that. When sitting I always try to keep my legs elevated anyway unless I'm just sitting for short periods of time. Sorry, can't offer any more advice.

Pats.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes this swelling started after taking preds - cannot seem to get lower than 15mg. Like you I try to elevate my legs when resting but nothing seems to help. Grin and bear it springs to mind. I know that the GP is reluctant to put me on tablets for water retention as I was on these many years ago and developed cataracts as a result.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Margaret,

I wonder if you are trying to drop the dose of pred too quickly or in too large an amount? Or both. Between 20 and 10mg I could only come down 1mg at a time every 2 or 3 weeks. Reducing the dose can be very difficult.

Pats

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

GP wanted me to drop from 15mg to 12.5mg but this only lasted about 3 days before I had to go back to 15mg. Will be seeing him again shortly so will see if dropping 1mg slowly might help. Think I upset him by insisting that I want a referral to the consultant rheumatologist. He says why what good is he going to do? I am meeting the chairperson of our support group tomorrow so will ask her advice about what to do regarding this referral etc. Thanks for your help - glad you are there!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

So pleased to help Margaret. You are dropping too much at a time. I'm sure of that. A rheumatologist would be able to advise your GP about suitable reductions. The BSR guidelines state that the approach to treatment must be flexible and TAILORED TO THE INDIVIDUAL. I have just read it!

Pats

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Margaret, as a retired RN I still say consider a specialist or a GP that is not afraid to communicate with his patients.

[Hidden]

Hi Margaret, first I would find another GP for sure... I've been looking into Herbs that pulls fluid from the body, I never knew how natural/nature works as well as man made prescriptions medications but would take my chances on lasix at a small dose to reduce the fluid retention/swelling...... also noticed that salt is the enemy when dealing with fluid retention and it is found a lot in processed foods... I was just shocked to find a lot of salt in my wheat bread. I found the Morton's salt sub. in a little dark blue container don't taste bad and is mostly potassium something we all need.