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Archive through July 15, 2007

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Jul. 2007 ~ Sept. 2007: Health Center (ARCHIVES): Misc Questions: Archive through July 15, 2007 users admin

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Treasure
Member

06-26-2002

Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 6:29 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Treasure a private message Print Post    
Good evening, all.

Ok, I got everything moved up today. I go for my blood work tomorrow morning and then my Dr. appointment is moved up to this coming Tuesday afternoon.

Oh and Retired, I think I made a mistake today. I think I asked the nurse to add a check of my liver to the blood work instead of the kidney. ehehe Well, IF I made that mistake and the Dr. thinks I need the kidney checked, I am sure I can have it done fairly quickly.

So....now there it is just don't eat anything else tonight and start the process tomorrow morning.

Thank you all for your thoughts and concerns.

Eris
Member

11-13-2003

Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 6:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Eris a private message Print Post    
Im glad you got things moved up Treasure! Try elevating your legs tonight while you sleep maybe. I used to be a tummy sleeper and thought there was no way I could sleep on my back, but so far I have been able to manage. It seems to help me a lot with the swelling to give them a long stretch being elevated.

Good luck to you!

Ginger1218
Member

08-31-2001

Friday, July 06, 2007 - 4:23 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ginger1218 a private message Print Post    
Actually Treasure, it is good to have your liver checked as well.

Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Friday, July 06, 2007 - 5:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
Since both legs are affected fairly evenly (from what I gather from your posts), I'd guess you have venous insufficiency. Basically, your veins can't keep up with the blood flow. Your lower legs swell and get warm because the blood can't return all the way up your legs. If this is the case, they'll probably order a venogram where they put dye into your veins and watch with x-ray for areas that aren't flowing properly. The most conservative treatment would likely include compression stockings. There are surgeries to strip the veins and other techniques that would come if the stockings don't work.

ITA with those who tell you not to take diuretics without a doctor's suggestion. You wouldn't want to deplete your system of things like potassium (that could cause major leg cramping).

Best of luck with your doctor's visits, Treasure. They'll figure this out in no time, swelling is a pretty common complaint and knowing that it is happening evenly in both legs will help with the diagnosis.

For now, just keep them elevated above the level of your heart whenever possible. Also while they're elevated or not, keep your ankles moving up and down to help keep the blood moving. We do the same for patients post hip surgery, etc., since it's easy to do.

Konamouse
Member

07-16-2001

Friday, July 06, 2007 - 6:48 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Konamouse a private message Print Post    
Not all diuretics require potassium supplementation. You need to read the drug/nutrient interactions on any medication.
A very common diuretic, Lasix, does need the KCl (potassium chloride) supplement, either as a medication or by use of salt substitute, like NuSalt.
But Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) does NOT need potassium. It's a potassium-sparing diuretic.
Bottom line, never take any prescription medication (and some OTC) without careful reading or talking with your pharmacist (for drug-drug interactions) or your dietitian (for drug-nutrient interactions).

'squeek'

Emmy
Member

05-05-2004

Saturday, July 07, 2007 - 8:59 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Emmy a private message Print Post    
Treasure, just a few months ago I developed your symptoms; swelling in feet and ankles and up legs. My Dr. wasn't that surprised, because in my case it is a common side effect of the one blood pressure med that finally worked with me. She gave me HCTZ to use "when it gets bad" which she said would be really hot days of summer, otherwise, I could try elevating my legs and she showed me how, and it does the same thing. Elevating my legs throughout the day is helpful when needed, and she also cautioned me about dangling my feet (I'm really short, so that is an issue!) I was afraid to take the HCTZ but finally did one day when it was bad. I took it 3 days in a row and haven't needed it in a couple of weeks. Today was miserably hot and I'm a little swollen now, but going to bed and it will be better in the morning. So sorry you have to deal with the issue, because I know how uncomfortable it is. Glad you're going to get all checked out. I'll be lurking here to hear the follow-up!

Treasure
Member

06-26-2002

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 8:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Treasure a private message Print Post    
Well, saw the doctor yesterday. Of course the swelling had disappeared. I did the fasting on Thursday night for the blood work on Friday. By Friday afternoon the swelling was gone and didn't come back over the weekend. Even did my exercise walks Saturday through Tuesday.

My initial appointment was for my cholesterol levels. So, we talked about that any my exercise and weight loss attempts. Then I talked to him about the swelling in my legs experienced over the last 2-3 weeks. Of course no swelling present to show him. While I was explaining the symptoms to him he was already writing out a script for Lasix. He did say that I didn't need to take it all the time. Only when the swelling returned and for as long as I continued to have a swelling problem.

Did my 3 mile walk again this morning and things look ok so far.

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 10:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rosie a private message Print Post    
That is good news, Treasure. You will be all set should the swelling return but hopefully you will not need to use the meds.

Retired
Member

07-11-2001

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 12:57 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Retired a private message Print Post    
Good news Treasure!

Stacey718995
Member

07-06-2007

Friday, July 13, 2007 - 11:38 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Stacey718995 a private message Print Post    
Looking for some advice if any have it please....

Yesterday morning I woke up with hives all over my legs from knee to toes, not above my knees and no where else. Was the most unbearable itch I have ever had. After three doses of benedryl and just unbearable itching we went to the ER. They gave me a shot, put me on predisone and told me to take 2 benedryls every 4 hours. By midnight the swelling was almost gone, just red dots left and only an occasional itch until about 3 hours of benedryl wears off and then they are instanly swelling up and over the top itching again. So far today I am finding them hard to control with the benedryl at all. I had the shot around 7 pm last night. I am on my third dose of predisone.

I have never had hives before, is this normal? Should I be concerned? At this point it is just really irritating and I am not going to lie I have a big date tonight and don't want to be dealing with this!

Any help or knowledge is appreciated. Thanks!

Serenity
Member

06-28-2005

Friday, July 13, 2007 - 6:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Serenity a private message Print Post    
Stacey, you said you "woke up" with the hives? Did you recently wash your sheets in a new detergent you might be allergic to?

I've never had hives, so I can't help you there - just curious as to what the cause might be.

Stacey718995
Member

07-06-2007

Friday, July 13, 2007 - 6:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Stacey718995 a private message Print Post    
Yes I woke up with them. I have never had them either. The doctors asked about the sheets/detergent, but, nothing is new there. The only "different" thing I did the night before was bug spray. But I showered it off and it is odd to me that I had put it everywhere but the hives are only on the lower part of my legs. The doctors said that hives are often a mystery. I cancelled my plans tonight since at about 6 this evening they completely flared back up again. That is the part that I think is odd is that after a shot and all this medication that they are not gone yet. Thanks for trying to help. There are worse complaints in life this is just a nuisance.

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 4:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mocha a private message Print Post    
hi stacey retired led me here. i've been suffering with hives since february. ive been on every over the counter med you can name and it didn't help at all. my primary doc put me on a 6-day thing of prednisone and i had to do that twice and start taking zyrtec an pres antihistamane. i hadn't changed foods or deoderants or detergents lotions etc. just started getting them and they got worse and worse. the 2 time being on prednisone worked but then i went to the allergist and had to stop the zyrtec. well they came back with a vengance.

but the only thing the allergist came up with is im allergic to cats. i don't have a cat. i have 2 dogs lol. he gave me another antih to go with the zyrtec and prednisone for emergencies. well that didn't help. i had another bad outbreak after vacation (i travelled with the hives) and i'm now on another 2 meds and 10days of prednisone right now. that started tuesday night and i've been hive free so far.

don't know if my story helps cept to say go to the doctor.

Stacey718995
Member

07-06-2007

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 4:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Stacey718995 a private message Print Post    
Thank you Mocha

I ended up back in the ER last night again. My fever spiked over 101 and they spread everywhere. They did an IV this time as well as the shot. I am on the prednisone still. I had about a 6 hour break from them but I am starting to flare up in the last hour. I wish that I would have went to the dr on Friday when I had a chance. I really thought that Thurs ER trip would take care of them.

I can't imagine how you are handling it. I am ready to pull my hair out. When yours are flared up do you have a cream that is better relief than others. I have tried the benedryl cream but it doesn't touch it.

My heart goes out to ya Mocha cause I am only three days in and not so much fun to be around right now!

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 5:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mocha a private message Print Post    
Unfortunately no creams helped. I even did oatmeal baths and Aveno but they never helped the itching at all. Only scratching lol. The prednisnone I took/take was to take several times a day and tapers off. Is that what you're on? Or just 1 pill a day?

Stacey718995
Member

07-06-2007

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 5:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Stacey718995 a private message Print Post    
The first night at ER they gave me a shot and then prednisone that started out as 6 pills for 3 days, 5 for 3 days, 4 for 3 days, 3 for 3 days, 2 for 2 and 1 for 2.

They also told me to not stop the benedryl. The only reason I went back last night besides that I was covered with them is they told me to come back if I got a fever of 101 or above. I got home at about 6 am this morning and was good for a bit. So far they are just back on my lower legs again and my fever is just at 100. I have been told to do oatmeal baths, but too many say they don't work. I am more irritated getting out of the shower or being wet so I didn't want to try it. Ice packs helped some when it was really bad last night.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 5:33 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Stacey if there is a possibility that something will help, why not try it? Oatmeal baths can be soothing when you are itching.

Stacey718995
Member

07-06-2007

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 6:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Stacey718995 a private message Print Post    
Well my only concern is that I just recently had lap band surgery and I am not to be in a bath or have my incisions under water if they are not healed. Now, I could do it low water, just on legs, but, I have heard from so many that it didn't help that I chose not to risk it. And also the fact that since Thursday, the hives had been more intense after getting just out of the shower that I was nervous to try the bath thing. The way they are going right now, I may change my mind very quick!

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 6:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mocha a private message Print Post    
Unfortunately Costa that doesn't always work. Didn't help me at all. No baths for you Stacey, don't want to add something else bad to this. Definately call your doc Monday morning if you're still hivey and keep up the benedryl every 4hrs. Even though that became like candy for me lol. Oh and I also did Calemine(sp) lotion and Caledryl(sp) neither really helped.

Serate
Member

08-21-2001

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 8:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Serate a private message Print Post    
I use SeaBreaze on my hives when I get them. AFTER I scratch them. They burn a little after that but the burn is so much better than the itch. Not a cure all but when you're bawling your eyes out at 3am in the morning, the burn feels so much better, and it's really more of a sting than a burn. [Got this hint from my insurances dial a nurse program when I lived in Kansas. Luckily I've only had hives a few times since I moved from there in 98.]

And as far as the shower or leg only bath as COOL as you can. I think the heat makes hives worse.

Serate
Member

08-21-2001

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 8:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Serate a private message Print Post    
Oh and another thing for short term relief - cold aloe vera jelly. I used to get a big bottle at Wal*Mart and stick it in the fridge. Then when I got the unbearable itch I'd lather up with the jelly.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 9:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
{{{{Stacey and Mocha, hivemeisters}}}}

Stacey718995
Member

07-06-2007

Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 10:22 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Stacey718995 a private message Print Post    
Thanks, I was hoping to hear Mocha is still hive free today. Crossing my fingers for you. I am not hive free but I am not miserable with them either. So maybe things will start changing for the better.

I think the Aloe in the fridge sounds good. I know they told me that hot makes them worse to always keep them cool. I do my best and cool does make them better but if I wear shorts and my legs are exposed that is too much, they flare way up.

Hoping the good vibes continue Mocha

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 10:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mocha a private message Print Post    
I am hive free today, yay. Glad you're not miserable right now Stacey. I've also noticed that anywhere I had elastic on my clothes there would be a nice ring like with my kneehi's or some underwear and bras. They didn't like that either.

Ginger1218
Member

08-31-2001

Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 2:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ginger1218 a private message Print Post    
I have a friend who was suffering with the same thing and they found that she is allergic to nickel. You do not realize how many things have nickel in it.