Sorry To Bother You - Oedema.

[Theland]

It seems I ask too many questions about my health, but here goes.
Feet, ankles and calf's are very swollen with fluid.
I think I recall something about COPD which I have, weakening one side of the heart leading to Oedema.
Is that right?
Is there a treatment I could use?
(I already take a cocktail of drugs every day.)
I'll be 70 next January, but with my breathing problems and regular chest infections, I seriously doubt I will get there.
Never mind, I just want the best quality of life for what remains.

[rowanwitch]

It's a trade off, but diuretics might make you more comfortable in the short term, I
Speak to your gp, it might be better to think in terms of what is best in the now rather than thinking longer term. I believe quality tops quantity as I have seen so many people go through absolute misery to gain a few months, that they were too ill to enjoy.

[Theland]

I contacted the doctor today via an online triage.
Waiting for a rep!y.
I feel so ill that I wish I was in hospital.
Usual breathing problems and a Crohns flare up, bit both legs very swollen and red, with angry red patches on my shins.
Bit the feeling is worse. Not quite dizzy, bit lethargic and foggy. No real unmanageable pain anywhere, bit feel so ill.
I'll be sleeping again soon, that helps a lot.
I've forgotten what I was going to ask, but it was something to do with the above. X

[Mamyalynne]

I hope the GP gets you the help you obviously need.

[Theland]

Thanks Mamya. I feel tearful and vulnerable. Daft innit?

[Lie-in King]

I hope you get some relief & feel better soon, Theland.

[woofgang]

not daft at all Theland. Frightening at any time and doubly so right now. I have added you to my prayers.

[Buenchico]

As you're still around on this thread, Theland, I'll return to the subject of keeping your legs raised, as has already been mentioned.

Over the past week or so I've had an old duvet folder up at the foot of my bed, so that my legs are slightly raised when I'm sleeping. I've noticed that my oedema is definitely less upon waking than when I've gone to bed, giving me a good start to the day in that respect. So, if you've not already got the foot of your bed raised in some way, perhaps now's the time to try it?

Also, are you remembering to moisturise your legs (with E45 or similar) daily? The hospital team keep stressing that to me.

[Theland]

I'm fed up and embarrassed relying on others.
Thank you ABers.

[Theland]

Chris I will definitely raise the bed today, AND we have 2 jars of E45.
I'll be using them very very soon.
Thank you.

[Theland]

Spoke to GP by telephone consultation.
She has given me Clarithromycin antibiotics and told me to ring her again on Monday, and she may come out to see me.
Thanks all once again.

[Mamyalynne]

I hope the antibiotics help, now get some rest.

[pixie374]

Don't be embarrassed, theland x antibiotics can make a lot of difference when needed. I hope they help a lot. Without knowing the medications, I agree, keep your legs raised above your hips (and more of possible). I guess you are on heart and diuretic tablets already, but still drink water.
Hope you feel better soon xx

[jno]

no need to be embarrassed - since the average age of ABers is only slightly less than Dame Vera's, they seem to have had just about every ailment going. And since we are too old to talk about children or house prices, illnesses are usually the main topic.

[Patsy33]

I think just by talking to your Doctor helps. It's like an extra bit if reassurance. Keep those legs greased up and raised! Hope antibiotics work well for you. :-)

[Unsureme]

Good Luck,hope everything works out for you.

[Theland]

Here we are eight days on.
I finished a course of antibiotics, (Chlorythamycin), and kept my legs up as much as possible but no improvement.
My GP now given me more antibiotics, (Doxycycline), and water tablets.
My lags are now much worse today.
Redness more angry and spread almost to my knees.
Feet and legs very swollen, even my knees and thighs.
I've got another telephone consultation booked for Tuesday morning.
Not had any alcohol for a while, eat one well balanced meal per day and don't snack.
I'm worried that if I get any worse, what then?

[ummmm]

What tests have you had so far?

[Mamyalynne]

Sounds like you need some intervention Theland and I hope you get it soon.

[Buenchico]

Theland:
Have you got any compression garments/dressings for your legs?

After a delay due to Covid-19, I finally got fitted with compression stockings at the lymphoedema clinic in Ipswich Hospital last Wednesday. They seem to be making quite a big (and helpful) difference to me, so I wondered if something similar might help you too?

I doubt that you'd be prescribed compression stockings, per se, though as, before I tried them on for the first time, the nurse practitioner asked me about my fitnesss levels, pointing out that it take about 20 minutes of heavy puffing and panting to get a pair of them on. (It's ruddy hard work!). So, with your COPD problems, I doubt that they'd be suitable for you. However there are also compression bandages available, which should be much easier to apply. So perhaps it's worth asking your GP about such things?