Swollen legs and feet

Posted by amkaloha @amkaloha, Sep 2, 2016

I have been struggling with chronic pain for over 10 years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, have arthritis all over my body mostly in my knees, rotator cuff damage in both arms, neuropathy and recently diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica. I am tired all the time, from when I step out of bed in the morning and then many nights can't sleep an uninterrupted 6-7 hours. My skin is always itchy and sometimes breaks out in rashes. I am in constant pain and take tramadol 50 mg 2x a day for pain and methylprednisone 4mg for the PR. Recently my legs and feet have been swelling and I was given bumetanide 1mg for fluid. However, this does not bring the legs down much. I have to walk with a walker and find it very painful to go from room to room. My problem is that I do not know what kind of doctor to see to begin with. Cardiologist, neurologist, rhematologist, vascular, etc, etc!!! Could anyone point me in the right direction? I am a 76 year old woman and live in Florida. Thanks for any help. PS, I prefer to take natural remedies instead of drugs.

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I do understand. I am 73. Have dealt with chronic pain over 23 years. Fibromyalgia, arthritis in spine, hands and recently diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatic. My left shoulder & arm hurt a lot. I am on Prednisone 20 mg dail, which does create it's own problems. I could not walk before starting Predisone. I still have a hard time walking my thighs hurt so badly it is hard to put any pressure on them. Am looking for the right Doctor also. I was told it will be 5-6 month wait to see a Rheumatologist. Not sure what to do. I just try to survive each day. Best to you. Getting older definitely is not for sissies.

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I'm 76 and I take cannibus high in cbd get the oils for severe pain

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Does it work good for you?? I use ice packs on the muscles that hurt worse. That's all I have to work with. I also just moved to Arkansas. Probably not legal here.

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@sheripay

Does it work good for you?? I use ice packs on the muscles that hurt worse. That's all I have to work with. I also just moved to Arkansas. Probably not legal here.

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Yes! To bad you are in Arkansas

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@sheripay

I do understand. I am 73. Have dealt with chronic pain over 23 years. Fibromyalgia, arthritis in spine, hands and recently diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatic. My left shoulder & arm hurt a lot. I am on Prednisone 20 mg dail, which does create it's own problems. I could not walk before starting Predisone. I still have a hard time walking my thighs hurt so badly it is hard to put any pressure on them. Am looking for the right Doctor also. I was told it will be 5-6 month wait to see a Rheumatologist. Not sure what to do. I just try to survive each day. Best to you. Getting older definitely is not for sissies.

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Thanks for replying sheripay. I sure can relate to you! I have found that the rheumatologist I have gone to has not helped me in the past so I gave up on him. He is big on giving things like Lyrica and another on which begins with an S (I can't remember the name of it). These meds make me sick. In fact I'd like to get off the prednisone, but seem to be having a problem doing that. I'm not a glutton for pain!!! Is the 5-6 month wait for a doctor at Mayo? Perhaps it would be worth it. They suggested a pain specialist to me but I feel that would just cover up what the real problem is. I'd like someone to find out what is causing all this so I can attend to that. It seems that every day I have another new health issue. You are so right about getting older not being for sissies!

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@bessygo

 I have peripheral neuropathy  from my neck to my hand . Severe pain all the time and waiting for one more conductive nerve study test to be done hopefully this week. this has been a nightmare and also bed ridden because if I stand up my arm fills up and doesn't drain properly.The pain medication I"m on makes nauseous. i've been suffering since 2012 progressively , i'm just praying that Dr. Murray MD. fixes the problem after this KMG nerve conduction nerve test . Everyone at the clinic is in my prayers and are in pray chains all over the world.    

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Can I ask a question. I'm due to have nerve conduction tests run.... how basis the pain from having those tests?

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@bessygo

 I have peripheral neuropathy  from my neck to my hand . Severe pain all the time and waiting for one more conductive nerve study test to be done hopefully this week. this has been a nightmare and also bed ridden because if I stand up my arm fills up and doesn't drain properly.The pain medication I"m on makes nauseous. i've been suffering since 2012 progressively , i'm just praying that Dr. Murray MD. fixes the problem after this KMG nerve conduction nerve test . Everyone at the clinic is in my prayers and are in pray chains all over the world.    

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Tbeskys,
Here is some information about nerve conduction study from Johns Hopkins http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/neurological/nerve_conduction_velocity_ncv_92,p07657/

A related procedure that may be performed is electromyography (EMG). An EMG measures the electrical activity in muscles and is often performed at the same time as NCS. Both procedures help to detect the presence, location, and extent of diseases that damage the nerves and muscles. In this video, Dr. Eric Sorenson from the Mayo Clinic discusses the EMG (Electromyography) test.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXEqCf_ksJE

I'm not sure I understood your question. Does the video provide the info you were looking for?

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I'd suggest looking into alternative medicine, possibly acupuncture and/or therapeutic massage. It sounds like you are on many many meds, some of which might not interact well or have unwanted side effects.

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@blplum

I'd suggest looking into alternative medicine, possibly acupuncture and/or therapeutic massage. It sounds like you are on many many meds, some of which might not interact well or have unwanted side effects.

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You try cannibus with a lot of thc

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My feet swell terribly and yes it hurts so bad to get from room to room. I use a walker and a wheelchair if I go grocery shopping and
Other things.I get to a Othopaedic for my feet and legs and a cardiologist as the swelling needs to get under control before it becomes a heart problem. I hope this helps!
other things.

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