Mums Leg Leaking

[DarceyK123]

Mum 84, phoned me tonight to say her leg was leaking with what seemed to be water.

Sounds a bit weird, I havn't seen it but should i be worried? Should i ring the GP on Monday? She worried about going anywhere unnecessary due to this awful virus.

Thanks for any advice.

[Mamyalynne]

Sounds like oedema, have a read here and perhaps a phone call on Monday.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lymphoedema/

[ducksie]

Contact gp asap, it may not be lymphodema, that is triggered by something else and given your Mother's age it could be a start of ulcer,anything, don't let it go, I have lower limb lymphedema and this doesn't sound like it, get it checked out asap

[DarceyK123]

Thanks Mamy, i best phone GP on Monday.

[Mamyalynne]

Listen to Ducksie too please.

[Buenchico]

Has your mother got any other conditions, such as heart problems?

My father had a heart problem which caused swelling in his ankles but which was largely under control with medication. However, just like your mother, one night he found that his legs were 'leaking'. He called the surgery's out-of-hours number and the duty doctor deemed the problem serious enough to require an immediate home visit, which then resulted in my father being admitted to hospital very shortly afterwards.

So, in certain circumstances, 'leaking legs' can be an indication of a medical emergency. However, as Mamya's link indicates, lymphoedema itself isn't that uncommon, although it would be important for a GP to work out what the underlying cause might be. (My own lymphoedema is due to cancer in my lymph glands but there are lots of other possible causes).

Phone 111 to seek advice.

[ducksie]

Same as buenchico here, I have been hospitalised over christmas with 'leaking legs', recovering cancer patient - but cancer doen't have to be a first cause

[DarceyK123]

Thanks everyone for your advice, she doesnt really have many health issues only COPD from too much smoking, yes i will be straight on the phone Monday morn.

[ducksie]

Good idea Darcey, don't let it go on too long, I will be looking forward to updates to how your Mum gets on

[DarceyK123]

Thanks Ducksie, will let you know.

[ducksie]

Thanks Darcey, leaking legs are a scary thing and I have years of experience of living and i suppose you say 'suffering ' with them, not to be ignored, that's all I say ... I'll look in on Monday for an update if you can :) (Gp and hospitals have something in place to seperate covid patients from 'regular' patients)
so tell your Mam not to worry xx

[Smowball]

I’d ring 111 if I was you x

[DarceyK123]

Just a quick update, Doctor is only doing phone appointments, he wasn't really that bothered by what i told him (although he hasn't seen it) but sent her over some water tablets.

Told me to ring back if no improvement in a few days so we will have to see, I'm not happy tho.

[tonyav]

Is there any way that you could get her to A&e, Darcey.

[THECORBYLOON]

If the legs are weeping, it needs investigating to establish the cause and I don't think a 'phone diagnosis is acceptable.

If it were me, I would be on the 'phone to the doctor to get a proper examination. Failing that 'phone NHS 111 for their advice.

[pixie374]

Cellutis seems most likely. She may need water tablets and antibiotics. If you are able to get a photo to send to her surgery, she may not need to go in.

[DarceyK123]

Thanks everyone,

Tony, there is no way she will be dragged to A&E as shes scared of going out, but will get back onto the Docs if theres no improvement.

[calmck]

I would call 111 because if it is cellulitis antibiotics could be needed. Good suggestion to send picture to doctor. Don’t wait to long

[ducksie]

Darcey, I'm very disappointed in the advice from your Mum's gp, I like Pixie would suspect it is cellulitis and she would need an antibiotic - I used to be prescribed 'water tablets' until I was referred to the Vascular Consultant who said they were absolutely useless for my lympehedema and very often cellulitis, your poor Mum, she must also be in some pain, I'd ring back and let him know you are not happy with his whimsical diagnosis.