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swollen feet, ankles and legs

blothom

blothom

Well-Known Member
Messages
47
Location
Near Aberdeen, Scotland.
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Rudeness, ignorance, racism, intolerance and butter beans
Can anyone help with an answer for me? I have recently had my big toe amputated, and while in hospital my leg was quite swollen, but it went down and has been fine for weeks. However, over the last few (very hot) days, both feet, ankles and legs have swollen considerably. They go down at night, but not completely, and then balloon again during the day. I have rested with my feet up, to no avail, and they are quite painful, in a throbbing, tight sort of way. (If that makes sense) I am finding it difficult to move around, as I am so uncomfortable. Is this just the heat, although it has never affected me before, or could it be something more sinister? I am so scared that I may have further complications, don 't think I can take anything more right now.
 
Hi. Your swollen feet ankles and legs must be worrying, coming after the loss of your big toe. Of course I am not an expert, but there are many conditions that could be behind the swelling - even just the heat. The only thing to do is get yourself checked out by a doctor.

My mother had similar symptoms recently, and was treated with support socks and a diuretic to flush the excess fluid from her system. The socks she got on prescription were specially chosen - the right strength and size, so it's best to go to the Doctor to get them, don't just go to you local chemist.

Let us know how you get on
 
So sorry to hear what you have been through.
I have been very worried about amputation myself after foot surgery went wrong and I had a bone infection. I now have a foot full of metal and it swells and hurts a lot. It's been a lot worse in this heat.

Please give ur consultant a call just to chat through and I hope u feel better soon.


Kat




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My mother also had this. Very swollen ankles and legs and a lot of pain. The doctor prescribed diuretics (3 days toghether and then a break for 2 days because apparantly they don't work after the third day) also 'prescribed' a 1to 2 hours in bed in the afternoon or early evening to elevate her legs properly. She never in her life went to bed during the day so this was a bit weird for her. Now she takes a book with her and more often nods off! After about a month the swelling was gone completely and has not returned and she no longer uses diiretics. She also has a lovely wooden footrest (Argos) which she swears by. It has a base like a rocking chaor so she can keep her legs moving while watching tv. The safest thing is still to visit your gp. Hopefully it isn't anything to worry about but if it is then it's better to find oiut early. Hope you're on the mend soon

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Thank you czj, Kat and Thundercat for your advice and good wishes! Have spoken to my DSN, and been reassured that this is quite common in high heat, and as I have now returned to Scotland, where it is cooler, I have found my ankles again! Still a bit puffy on the feet, but much better. I also had the results of my recent blood tests, and my HbA1c is down to 72, and considering it was 135 7 weeks ago, means that I am now coping with the new insulin regime, and eating correctly, Yay Me!! I even managed to reduce my cholesterol too, so good news for a change. I am a much happier bunny than I was, and having people to "bounce off" really helps, so thanks again. :D
 
That's excellent news all round, what with your ankles re-appearing and the great blood results.

I am just curious what bit of Scotland you have found that is cool. Where we are (Kintyre), it's roasting. Phew!
 
I am just north of Aberdeen, where it is roasting, but not as much as the South Coast and London, can definitely feel the difference. Feet, ankles and legs all back to normal size now, just got to cope with the neuropathy and lack of sleep, which is a constant struggle. I am assured it will improve, just not sure when. Sometimes it seems that the more I follow the guidelines, and do what I am told, the more "yuck" I feel. Would love to just feel normal again.... :sick:
 
It sound like things are better than a few days ago, so that's a start.

Sorry to hear you are feeling "yuck". I know what you mean about feeling normal again. The more I concentrate on getting perfect readings, the end-result is the more I am thinking about being diabetic.

Maybe just the odd-day off would be good...
 
My grandma suffers from diabetes and as a result often gets swollen feet and legs quite badly especially the lower part of her leg and ankles. Her diabetes medicine can only help so much and she drinks a lot of water which the doctor told her would cause water retention which also added to her swollen legs. I'm not a doctor so I could only help my grandma so much but in my hasty search on the internet to make her better I can across Wider Fit Shoes who provide information about conditions on their website as well as shoes for wide feet. http://www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/diabetes.php This helped my grandma quite a bit and I hope it helps anyone reading this too!
 
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