Bilateral leg swelling for 8 months

[deadend]

I am 31, for the last 6 years have gone through numerous tests and been to many specialists.  I’ve had MRI’s, CT’s, Blood work, Ultrasounds, Sonograms, EKG, echocardiogram, x-rays etc... All the test come back normal however the symptoms persist and now for the last 8 months I've had bi-lateral swelling of the legs as a constant condition added to the others I have listed below.  The swelling never goes away, somedays are just worst than others.  I'm exhausted and frustrated in that we have not been able to find out what's causing my symptoms.  The pain is unbearable and I do not know where else to turn.  I'm hoping that someone here and offer suggestions. Thank you.

These are the symptoms I deal with daily:
Fainting occasionally, become pale, lips blue
Sensitivity to cold – turn bluish hands and feet
Racing heartbeat occasionally
Lightheadedness
Fatigue
Common colds develop into something more and lasts for weeks
Chronic Sinusitis and persistent coughing
Headaches/Migraines – daily, not sure what’s it like not to have one anymore.
Joint pains – neck, back, knees, ankles, jaw pain, wrists, hip, etc..
Right flank pain comes and goes, sharp pain
Irregular bowel movements
Irregular menstrual cycles
Severe Itching of the legs
Sharp chest pain over left side, occasionally
IBS
Bilateral swelling of my legs from above knees, downward – every day since 9/2005
Swelling is not relieved by elevation
Legs, ankles and feet tender to touch, hurts to walk
Muscle soreness and muscle spasms and cramps
Numbness/tingling in arms – during the night
Trembling of hands every once in a while
Borderline Hypoglycimic
Difficulty Sleeping

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty comprehensive evaluation - and there can be many causes that can lead to the symptoms you describe.

The two more common causes would be heart failure and kidney disease.  The echocardiogram as well as blood work (i.e. looking for a metabolic panel) would rule these possibilities out.

I would also check for thyroid dysfunction as well as a low protein level.  These many already have been considered by your personal physician.

Ultrasounds looking for blood clots should also be considered as well.

If the symptoms continue, you may want to engage the services of a kidney specialist (who can also manage fluid levels within the body) as well as start diuretics to help manage the swelling.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[mooreMD]

You should definately have an ultrasound to rule out a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) as your symptoms are consistent with this as a possibility.  It sounds as if you've had a decent workup, however many of the tests you described rely on the competency of both the techs administering them and the radiologist reading the results.

Blood clots are a serious medical condition that could eventually lead to a PE.  

Have any repeat tests done at an alternate facility with entirely new medical staff in case something was missed before.

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THIS DOES NOT CONSITUTE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR SUCH. SEE YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER FOR OFFICIAL MEDICAL OPINIONS.

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B. Moore, MD

[imaworriedwife]

A related discussion, bilateral foot pain with swelling was started.