Edema

get it checked

by Tracey_E - 2021-07-13 18:54:49

Just because things were ok two years ago doesn't mean they are now. Swollen legs are a warning sign. I'm no doctor so won't speculate, but just one leg is not at all normal and needs to be checked. 

Swelling

by Prof P - 2021-07-13 18:57:31

I would want to know that this is not a DVT, which is what I had a few years back (pre-pm).  If you are not taking any anticoagulants like Apixaban (Eliqus) or something similar, I would want my primary care physician to look at this as soon as possible.  I now wear compression socks to deal with part of the aftermath and wish I had been a little bit more willing to have it checked.  

Thanks Prof and Tracey

by Persephone - 2021-07-13 19:29:03

I appreciate your advice - I'm not on any blood thinners but the size of my ankle/ calf does give me pause to reflect.  Plus I have bruises on my face and knees where I fell.  Fortunately it will not be odd for me to wear a face mask.  So, OK, onto the PCP tomorrow.  Thanks again.

one more question

by Persephone - 2021-07-13 20:08:35

Prof - assuming that your guess is likely spot-on given my symptoms- what do you recommend I ask the doc, based on your experience, in addition to a discussion of blood thinners?  Any additional q's you may recommend I ask or tests to request?  Thank you.

edema

by new to pace.... - 2021-07-13 20:51:49

I see a Vascular Surgeon for my legs and caratoid arteries, who does the utlrasound on both.  For insurance purposes have to be done on different days.  Who tells me to walk more, drink plenty of water, to wear compression stockings  and avoid salt.  Keep them elevated even when sleeping put a pillow under them.  Stand with one foot slightly elevated.

    If you have thin skin use lotion or baby oil or vaseline rub on both the front and back.  Keeps the bruises and cracked skin soft..  

new to pace

I hope for the best

by Gemita - 2021-07-13 22:17:41

Persephone, just want to wish you well.  Try not to worry and push your anxiety levels up, but yes, please get the leg checked as soon as you can.  

I would write down when the swelling was first noticed, whether you have any pain in that leg and if so, what it feels like, whether you have noticed any feelings of warmth or skin colour changes, perhaps even whether you have a personal or family history of DVT?  

Have you had an injury to that leg or elsewhere, or a fall prior to the swelling?  Did the swelling occur following your Covid vaccine?  Try to remember when it was first noticed and all the symptoms you have had, including symptoms like increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, any swelling elsewhere?  These are the type of questions your doctors may ask.  I would want to know as well whether this could be heart related, or related to another health condition, to any of your meds you are on, or how they will investigate to rule out anything worrisome like a DVT, heart failure, leg injury?  

I believe a blood test showing high levels of d-dimer may help rule in or out a significant DVT (as well as ultrasound to see how well your blood is flowing), but your doctors won't leave any stone unturned in their investigations if they suspect a DVT.

Good luck Persephone.  

Swelling of one leg

by Selwyn - 2021-07-14 07:41:54

I would echo the need to seek medical advice. To hell with the Covid, especially if you have been vaccinated.

There is a backlog in the UK of people waiting for serious illness totally because of the Covid situation ( our NHS health secretary warns that waiting lists for all causes  may become as high as 13 million people!!).

Swelling of one leg has different causes to swelling of both legs.

There are serious causes, and not serious causes.  You need a medical opinion. 

WARNING:
Don't use compression without knowing the cause and knowing that your arterial supply to the leg is OK, otherwise you could end up in a mess.

Thank you

by Persephone - 2021-07-14 09:42:25

Thank you, Gemita, New, and Selwyn.  Your advice is very much appreciated.

follow-up

by Prof P - 2021-07-16 16:22:55

Sorry for not responding earlier.  I have been through something like this, and the investigating began with ultrasound.  By now, I assume you have some feeback.  Best wishes.

edema

by Roger A - 2021-07-19 23:18:55

I too had similar issue, my right foot/ankle swelled up, but in my case, I had a tripple bypass twenty years ago and they took a blood supply vessel from my right leg, so I was told this is the results, the swelling, I don't have a really good blood circulation in that leg. So the swelling will continue. 

But in your case, you should see your doctor to figure oout whats going on.

Good luck