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.

[andy-hughes]

Surely you should be speaking to your GP who will be personally familiar with your health issues, rather than trusting a complete stranger you have never met - ?

[Sqad]

You are quite correct, there are many causes of oedema but with someone with chronic lung disease then right sided heart failure is the most common and obvious cause. The treatment is that of the cause and for what you say that is what you are having.
Diuretics could help the swelling but here there is an inherent danger in that the majority of diuretics are nephrotoxic that is they may damage the kidneys and of course this has to be taken into account.
We must all come to some sort of end to our lives and I think that you will need to face up to this.

[douglas9401]

Watch out, Theland, that bloke up there's a complete stranger you've never met.

Feel better soon. :-)

[Theland]

Thank you both.
I also have had Crohns disease for many years, and take Octasa for it, and have six monthly blood tests to check, I think, for liver damage.
Yes I have to do an online triage for the GP which I will do next week.
As you can imagine, this is not helping my depression.
Quite embarrassing all these ailments.
Thanks again.

[Theland]

Douglas, '' that fella, '' is a personal friend :-)

[Buenchico]

>>> I think I recall something about COPD which I have, weakening one side of the heart leading to Oedema.
Is that right?

Yup. Explained here:
https://copd.net/symptoms/swelling/

The treatments that your GP might consider are listed under 'Management' here:
https://copd.net/symptoms/swelling/

However I doubt that there's much that you can do yourself, other than trying to ensure that you get as much exercise for your lower limbs as you can (even if it's really quite minimal) and keeping your legs elevated wherever possible.

I'm struggling with 'tree trunk legs' myself at the moment (cancer-related lymphoedema), which means that I can't walk that far. However, following the advice I've been given, I'm trying to do at least a bit of walking every day and taking some breaks periodically, with my feet up, in between periods sitting at my desk or in an armchair.

[THECORBYLOON]

Nothing to be embarrassed about, there's plenty folk with various ailments so just ask away.

I would make a list of any questions you have for the wee chat with the doctor to make sure you don't forget about something.

[Theland]

Thanks everybody.
I'll be sure to read the links and follow the advice.

[woofgang]

Can I just point out that for leg elevation to do any good, the leg or legs should be as high as your hips or a bit higher if you can? Otherwise just like a garden hose, you won't get drainage. While your legs are elevated, wiggle it just a little bit ...I mean feet and ankles :) to get the muscles contracting and relaxing to help to shift the fluid. I used to meet so many people who told me they raised their legs and it did no good and on investigation they had a very pretty six inch high footstool that did no good at all.

[Peter Pedant]

further treatment ?

for that you need to see a doctor who has access to your drug sheet. Juggling the drugs so that the swelling is less is an everyday thing for the G P

unlike sqad I think it is a bit early to shrug shoulders and suck in beath between teeth whilst shaking head

[Rosie29]

Never feel embarrassed Theland - you need to reach out at the moment and that is what AB is all about.
You've had some really good advice and friendship here and you are in touch with your GP. So I really hope you feel a bit better soon and I wish you well.

[Theland]

Thanks Rosie, PP and all.
Yes I value AB as a great resource when feeling down, and consider ALL Abers as friends, hey, even friends have good arguments :-)

[jourdain2]

I don't know if this will help at all, but I'll throw it in for what it is worth. Following a nasty fall and 3" cut across my right shin last Autumn, I developed oedema in my right foot and ankle, even after the cut healed up after 10 weeks. I began to massage it (put loo seat down, sit on it and you can reach fairly easily). Very gently at first, then more firmly in a downwards direction. It's taken 6 months, but my right foot is now very, very nearly the same as the left. I know it is a different cause, but it may help and ease things a bit. You do have the foot of your bed raised a couple of inches, I suppose? We do because of Mr. J2's heart condition.

[woofgang]

Jourdain, I am glad that what you did worked for you but I would not advise or suggest massaging downwards, or doing so if the leg and foot are not elevated. The idea of massage/drainage is to get the excess liquid up towards core of the body so that it can be expelled. Its also not recommended for people with heart failure unless used with suitable diuretic medication.

[jourdain2]

Thanks for the correction, woof. It did work for me, just by getting things moving. But I stand corrected and would not wish to cause any harm.

[woofgang]

thanks, i meant no offence :)

[jourdain2]

None taken. :)

[jennyjoan]

Quite embarrassing all these ailments.

No embarrassment in being sick and asking for help.

[Theland]

TTT - I did, and I'm still here!