[kicker]

Someone wrote about this in a post, wasn't a problem I had so didn't really read it. Now I have it!! What kind of doctor do you look for?

[SallyC]

Originally Posted by kicker

Someone wrote about this in a post, wasn't a problem I had so didn't really read it. Now I have it!! What kind of doctor do you look for?

I would say, start with your reg. Doc., because, first you have to find out what
is causing your Edema. Is it heart trouble, a blockage, an injury, vascular,etc...? If you
already know the cause, then go to the specialist in that field for a treatment.

Hope you are better soon.

[mrsD]

We have a member on PN who has this wet edema...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/member.php?u=36376

You might contact her via PM for her advice.

[NurseNancy]

i too would advise to start with your pcp. is it on your leg?
it could mean an infection (like cellulitis). if that's the case you need to get it checked asap as you may need antibx.

let us know. do it now at the beginning of the wk. or you could go to one of those free standing clinics if you can't get in.

is it red? or does it have streaks of red around it? that would make the situation worse so again, you need to get it checked. of course, i'm a nurse, so tend to think of the worse case scenario.

[Erin524]

they might want you to wear compression stockings to help the edema to back off. I like EdemaWear. A lot of pharmacies carry it OTC now.

[doydie]

I agree with Nurse Nancy since I am a nurse also. I also agree with Sally, there can many causes for edema.

[NurseNancy]

compression hose are good but first i would see your dr to find out WHY you're having this symptom.

do you have any cardiology problems? where is the edema?

[NurseNancy]

kicker,
how are you?
i'm thinking about you.

[SallyC]

Originally Posted by NurseNancy

kicker,
how are you?
i'm thinking about you.

Me Too..

[Judy2]

How are you Kicker? So sorry to hear you have edema as it can be a real nuisance and difficult to control. Is it in your legs? That's where my lymphedema is, feet to just below my knees. For me, it comes from immobility, another wonderful off-shoot of MS.

It's really important to find out what the cause/type is as others have mentioned since some can be dangerous -- cellulitis. At this point, after having it for over two years, my pcp takes care of things, but if the open wounds persist, you should see a wound-care specialist or a lymphedema specialist. Not many of them around. My legs are huge with lumps all over my feet. The home-health nurse comes once a week, soaks them and washes the "gunk" off and alternates between Una Boots and regular bandages. The leaking stuff gets really stinky...

Try and elevate the area, I now have electric compression boots. It's recommended I use them twice a day for 45 mins. each time, but I can't get them on/off by myself so have to wait until somebody is here to help.

As I understand it, it will be an on-going problem unless I can walk again. The pressure on the bottom of the feet actually pushes the lymph back up into the system again. I also have pressure sores on the bottom of my heel area from always resting on the footrests of my chair. Isn't life great!!??

All the best to you and please keep us up-to-date. Maybe your advanced healthcare places there in Maryland will have some better advice! Take care