Swollen Leg

[Bazile]

My left lower leg has been swollen for a few months now

I had a scan last week Friday to see if there was a blood clot - the doctor doing the scan stated that they don't scan the lower leg but rather from the knee upwards ( something about the veins in people not big enough in the lower leg - i think )

The scan was negative .
He stated that the GP to decide if he wants me to have another scan .

Spoke to GP this morning - she is arranging for me to have another scan - she can't understand why they did not scan the lower leg .

1. Is the hospital doctor correct ?

2. Any ideas what is causing the swelling ?

[Sqad]

You need an ECG...that is essential.

[jazzgirl]

I am just wondering if bazile had experienced an infection on the lower leg such as cellulitis (red spreading rash) previous to the swelling appearing ?Cellulitis is common before and during the swelling (if it should turn out to be lymphoedema) The usual treatment is antibiotic amoxicyllin or flucloxicillin

[Sqad]

jazz......could be, but it looks like we are dealing with bilateral oedema and that would imply cellulitis in both legs which although not impossible is extremely unlikely.

[jazzgirl]

That makes sense sqad. My family members had only the one limb affected

[Bazile]

Ok - i will ask for an ECG .

Are you saying there is no need for the other one i mention as well ?.

(The doctor has prescribed a course of flucloxicillin)

[Sqad]

Which other one? Do you mean a heart scan?

[Bazile]

Yes heart scan

[Sqad]

I would have thought that an ECG would have preceded a heart scan last time.......but if the ECG is normal, then no need for a heart scan.

[Bazile]

thanks sqad and also to you jazzgirl

Have a nice week end

[jazzgirl]

Best wishes bazile. Are you taking flucloxacillin at the present for the leg, or maybe for another infection. You don't have to say infectioon if you prefer :)

[jazzgirl]

Sorry for the hiccup in the typing. The screen is jumping all over

[Bazile]

He prescribed flucloxacillin for the leg , at the same time as he referred me for the leg scan last Friday .

[jazzgirl]

Bazile, did you have a red rash on the leg and/or was it feeling hotter than the other one ?

[Sqad]

jazzgirl.....I have to say this.
B&S is a lonely place at times and one can take a lot of flack from the misinformed. It has been a pleasure to discuss with someone who knows what she is talking about and you represent your cause with knowledge and dignity.
Thank you.

[Bazile]

He examined the legs and felt them , but he didn't say anything to me to that effect .
Although i think the word cellulitus was mentioned

[jazzgirl]

You are very kind sqad. Bazile has now mentioned cellulitis and I am leaning towards Lymphoedema. Whatever the outcome, he will be in good hands and I am always willing to help further.