Jim had this real bad back in the day. He also had high bp which we eventually found was his kidneys causing all the commotion. He also took Gabapentin/Neurontin and that caused weight gain and swelling. He no longer has kidney issues, high bp or on Gabapentin but occasionally still swells when up in his chair. He could never wear those compression stockings. They caused more pain than relief because he has a hightened sensory to touch.

I can tell you he tends to swell more on humid days. What we do is massage really well and then elevate those legs. His can get so swollen they shine so be careful when massaging because it can be painful and make it worse. If you choose to massage, always massage downward, never up toward the knee.

I am not a doctor but we were told as Sally mentioned, to be careful because if you massage the wrong way it can cause more problems if you develop phlebitis and/or infection. What they are saying is if there is a clot causing the swelling, and you don't know this yet, you can dislodge it and cause a more worsening situation. Same with infection, you can cause the infection to spread and lead to a more serious condition like cellulitis.

Basically, what I would suggest is for you to call your doctor and ask them what you can try before doing anything that is being suggested just to be safe. Hope you feel better soon!

Thank you! Thank you! For all the encouragement and information!! I know I can always depend on you guys when help is needed!!! Forgive me for not using the "Thanks" button -- sometimes it works with my webtv and sometimes it doesn't.

I definitely have lymphedema since the doctors have told me that I could take all the water pills in the world and it wouldn't make any difference. It would only make me dehydrated. So the lymph route is in the cards.

Yes, I've noticed more swelling on humid and rainy days. The skin becomes very shiny and feels like it could split open any second. Somebody mentioned a blood clot. Hopefully that isn't the case since I've been on Warfarin (blood thinner) for a couple years.

It sounds like whatever the neuro decides, I'm going to need help doing it. My whole body spasms now with the legs being the worst. I spasm so bad, it actually forces urine out. Depend have become my friend . Seems like I can't hold either.......isn't MS fun??? NOT!!!!

Thank you so much for your knowledgeable information. Being I just go to a regular neuro, not an MS specialist, you probably know more than him!! It's all becoming very discouraging -- sure wish LDN had been around earlier!!! I hate to think what condition I might be in if I wasn't taking it.

The best of everything life has to offer all of you. You are the best friends in the whole world and I hope you'll forgive me if I don't always post.....the fatigue is horrible plus the hands are getting more difficult to use. I do read everything though.

Take care and I'll keep you posted.

(((((((Judy)))))))

Judy sending HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

no info but HUGSSSSS

but wish at times there was a end to the pain and blah parts of disease...

I am again at the wait and watch stage with my neuro....

hoping I do not keep getting worse each year, struggling as it is...

hugsss and hoping the legs get better, sarah

hi judy,

i'm sorry you're going thru all this.
i'm glad you're seeing your neuro. sounds like you may need another pcp.
if your dr is writing off your leg problems he's not really invested in treating "the whole patient".

you might try calling your local MS society to see if they can offer any advice or talk to you about available aids for your hands, like to write or work in the kitchen. i once went to a workshop and they offered tons of resources.

maybe some home pt would be helpful?

i hope your condition improves and that you feel better.