Swollen Legs

[thomas]

Hi All,
I have not been diagnosed yet, but have a connective tissue dissorder, Hughes Syndrome, and Asthma.

I seemed to be getting along fine, until about ten weeks ago, I noticed my legs from the knees down were "slim" when I got up in the morning, and "fat" at the end of the day, I thought I would take greater notice of this problem and I realized that they had got fat within approximately an hour after I have arose in the morning.

I went to the doctors, and she says I should have a blood test (it would be in three weeks time because I am going on holiday) and an ECG ???

I do have a Rhumy, but I dont get to see him until the beginning of July.

I am 61 and I work full time sitting at a computer all day, I have had this job for ten years, and never had this problem before (I have had my Connective Tissue Dissorder for three years)

I dont get out of breath, (although I am not as fit as I should be) also heart trouble doesn't run in my family, so of course I am wondering what on earth can be the matter.

Is there anyone out there who has had the same trouble?

I come to this site regularly to read what everyone has to say, I find it really helps me come to terms with the eventuality of lupus.

Regards,
Heather

[Lily]

Hi Heather,

So sorry you are faced with these symptoms and they are yet to discover the cause. Heart problems or blood vessel problems does sound the right area to start, so good luck with the tests and let us know how you get along :flowers:

Of course with connective tissue diseases and Hughes etc. anything is possible, so they have to run through the most obvious things first to either rule them in or out. Not much comfort to us waiting to find out exactly what is going on :( but something we go through on a regular basis some of us. Hang in there and hopefully you will know soon.

love
Lily

[thomas]

Hi Lily,

Thank you for the prompt reply, I have had a very sleepless night worrying about this, I havent told my husband, I don't want him to worry too!

I have decided to go on holiday and ejoy our two weeks together, and put it out of my mind, and bite the bullet (so to speak) when we get back.

Once again thank you Lily.

Love,
Heather.

[Lily]

Enjoy your break and take care :)

love
Lily

[rwb200]

My wife does have the same probelms from time to time and they have identified several things that cause it. It is just a matter of finding the right one or ones.

Some medications can cause this. She gets it with higher dosages of Pred. When they are cut down the problem goes away.

She has also had a Heart Attack and that has caused the problem.

She had Pneumonia and had the problem because the fluid on the lungs caused a stress on the weakend heart and caused it.

Fluid retention caused by other Medicines have caused it in which case a water pill takes care of it.

Vasculitis which restrcits blood flow has caused it.

Lupus can cause inflamation of blood vessels and arteries and that can cause it.

In short this problem can have multiple causes and some are more dangerous then others. Taking a look at the heart and its function is a starting point and one they look at as fast as possible because of the dangers of having untreated heart problems.

With my wife when it is the heart causing it the inflamation goes away from the ankles at night when they are elevated but go to the bacl instead. The area just above the hips will be inflamed when she gets up. This is harder to find and notice then the ankles are.

They are starting in the right direction. Keep the appointments as best as you can to help insure you get the problem diagnosed as fast as possible.

[thomas]

Dear rwb 200,
(I wish you had told me your name), thank you very much for the information, you sound like a wonderful husband, your wife is very lucky.

I read and re-read with interest all you have said, and I now understand that there really are a lot of reasons for my legs to be swollen, and not all of them are are as bad as my thoughts have been.

I am taking 2.5mg of prednesone, and 4mg of plaquinel each day, so I dont think this would be the cause, I honestly dont think there is anything wrong with my heart, I have no symptoms, and I dont get out of breath, so it is a puzzle.

But you have put me in a better frame of mind to go on holiday on Monday, and I
understand what you and Lily have told me about having ones heart checked out,
it really is the best place to start.

I will come back to report on how I get on afte our holiday, and thank you sincerely once again.

Love,
Heather.

[flowergarden]

Heather, I found that developing varicose veins caused this, too. I really think this could possibly be due to any number of things, some serious, some not.

When you're at work I found it helped to put one foot at a time up on a small box or stool under the desk. Alternate legs. Stretch your legs frequently. Get up and walk around as much as you can. Tap your foot to the music.

And enjoy your vacation! :flowers: