[Judy2]

Think I've mentioned before that I've had a problem with my feet and ankles swelling. My GP wasn't much help....told me it was lymph from immobility being I sit in this chair all day and the only thing he could do was hang me upside-down. Well, now the swelling is moving up my legs almost to my knees. My legs are either freezing or feeling like they're on fire. Each leg feels like it weighs 100 lbs. when I try to lift it.

My friend was going to her podiatrist and said she'd ask him about lymphedema with MS for me. His recommendation was.....see a cardiologist as it can affect the heart. Now that makes sense since I've been hospitalized twice all ready with an irregular heartbeat. So I have an appointment with my neuro next Thursday, May 7 and will see what he has to offer. My daughter-in-law is coming down from their house about an hour away to take me to the neuro.

The podiatrist mentioned those compression boots, stockings, etc., but there's no way that I could get them on myself. It's more difficult than ever to stand up because my ankles, etc., are so stiff. My skin feels like it's going to break open.

Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm beginning to know what they mean when they say MS doesn't kill people but the "complications" do. Depression has really set in.....waiting for my new lift-chair to arrive since I can barely get out of my recliner (can't scoot up to the edge to stand up). My right arm is getting weaker making it harder to hold a fork/spoon.

Then on top of everything, my coumadin level is all messed up again and I'm getting sick of getting stuck every couple weeks. There's only one good vein in my left arm they can use. Oh yes, lately every time I eat something, it goes right through. What next???

Now, don't you all feel better??? Sorry for the whine.....just had to get it out. Thanks for "listening" good friends!

[Friend2U]

...some of what you are going through. I had never had a problem with feet and legs swelling until a few months ago. When I was going through a relapse, my feet and ankles puffed up like stovepipes. It hurt so badly. Thank goodness, it gradually went away as other sx faded. i know some people have this as an ongoing problem. My thoughts are with you. I hope you get some relief soon!

[pud's friend]

Lymphoedema can be helped in a few ways, none instant and all revert back.
I've seen great results from massage. Find a proper lymph masseur though.
Compression works. You'd need someone to put stockings on for you or a compression bandage. Can cause more problems than it helps if it starts to slip, bunch up and constrict.
Elevation of the feet above the level of the heart. Prolonged bed rest does wonders for wound healing and lower limb oedema. Unfortunately the underlying problem is often cardiac which stops lying flat being an option. catch 22.

I'd start with massage to reduce constriction and promote flow of fluid.
Good luck. Hope you improve.

[Erin524]

If it's fluid buildup from a heart problem, I think they can give you medication that helps you reduce the amount of fluid in your body. Unfortunately, that involves a lot of bathroom breaks.

My dad has cardiomyopathy, and he's a nurse. He takes what we call "pee-pee pills" to help him get rid of his edema. I've learned a small amount of info from him telling me what's going on sometimes.

[pud's friend]

If your fluid retention is from oedema, then it is a heart lung issue and fluid tablets (diuretics) will off load your fluid.
If your fluid is lymph, then it's lymphoedema. This does not get off loaded with fluid tablets. Lymph uses separate vessels from your blood, which don't have valves to stop backflow and pooling. They also dont travel back to the heart in the same way as circulating blood.
Back to compression and massage to push the fuid back up where it doesn't want to go.

[azoyizes]

Judy, I don't know anything about any of this so I'm not able to give you any advice.

However, I wanted to give you some hugs Judy to let you know I'm thinking about you.

Hopefully your neuro will be able to point you in the right direction.

[SallyC]

Judy Judy Judy (as Bette Davis would say).. I hear you.

Compression stockings or wraps is the better answer. Message is great, but can also cause Phlabitus(sp). Stretching exercises, if you can find a way to do them, are also helpful.

Another one, I like, to get the blood moving, is to sit, put your legs up and out flat on something and pull your butt checks up tight, hold and release....repeat...

While you are in that position, put your hands on your legs and slide them slowly to your toes, stretching your back and calf muscles.

I hope this helps a little..

[karousel]

Sending huge ((((HUGS)))).

[pud's friend]

Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein wall, as seen in conditions such as varicose veins. This can't be caused by massage.
There may be instances where you could get a 'skin' infection from massage if the skin has been stretched from oedema and started to crack. That's a whole new route for bugs to enter. So keep the legs clean and dry, apply sorbolene or another neutral moisturiser to prevent cracking.
Lymphoedema is caused by the lymphatic system failing to pick up all of the fluid that has leaked to the 'extra' space around the vessels in your legs. This fluid leaks because of altered plasma proteins (if lymph).
Plasma proteins decrease in malnutrition, liver or renal disease, loss of circulating plasma or leakage of protein into the tissue.
If there's less plasma protein in one place, there's less pull on the leaked proteins to go back where they came from and where plasma goes, fluid goes (to even it out). (put simply).
Lymphatic oedema is firm and doesn't 'pit'. It's full of proteins.
Oedema can be pitting, caused by fluid/water and circulation issues.
Gravity; to drain it back up.
Massage; to push it back up.
Compression; to ease it back up.

Stretches and muscle contraction/release is good if it is oedema caused by fluid back up from heart-lung issues. It pushes and eases the circulation back up the veins past the valves in the vein, 'taking' some fluid with it. (simply).
Different kettle of fish if it's lymph I'm afraid.

[gonnamakeit]

I am planning to buy one of those beds that the bottom part lifts up which keeps your feet above the heart. My doctor had prescribed the compression hose for me also, but when my daughter-in-law leaves here the middle of May I will not have anyone to put them on and take them off. There is no way I can put them on or take them off by myself.

The stockings are not a cure all and my feet still swell, so I am hoping that laying on the new bed for 30 minutes every couple of hours will help get the swelling down.

Any comments from those familiar with this problem will be appreciated.

gonnamakeit