Severe pitting edema

I have had severe pitting edema in my legs, ankles and feet for the last several years.  Recently (last 4 months) it has become worse and been constant, PAINFUL and I can't walk from my back door to my garage without my legs being so tired and hurting.  The swelling is so severe my skin feels like it is going to split!  Nothing seems to ease the swelling or pain and I am practically bed-ridden.  My doctor doesn't seem concerned and told me to cut back on salt, which I have already done months ago.  He is not recommending any testing or seems to be concerned in the least. (I may need a new doctor!)

I also have Prominent pericardial fat pad at the cardiac apex....is this a correlation to the edema?

[grendslori]

Probably not. How are your cholesterol levels? Sometimes, I think that causes fat deposits around the body. I have one in my brain which grew smaller as my blood levels decreased. As far as the edema in the legs, there are several reasons for that to happen: kidney issues and valve issues in the veins and arteries not working properly, age along with systemic slowing down......it may not be an issue with your heart at all. I would think a second opinion would be called for if your doctor is ignoring this, however. You said you have cut back your salt, in what way have you done this?

[Karmah101]

I have reduced salt intake by dietary means.  Cholesterol is fine, no HBP. (95/70 is my avg)

[jrbon]

Perhaps you already know, but placing your legs in cold (with ice) water and very hot water alternatively can help you with the pain. Try to stay as long as you can (2-3 minutes) on each and switch 4 times, repeat 2 or 3 times per day.

What about going to a peripheral vascular doctor? I think that a Doppler test of your legs can give a view on the status of your vases.

Do you have any other medical condition? Kidneys or Diabetes issues?

As per the salt, you should try to stay in a maximum intake of 1000-1200mg of sodium per day... try to read every label of what you eat, try to eat only fresh food that you cook, DO NOT USE ANY SALT AT ALL.

Jesus

[Red_Star]

Rapid pitting recovery under 40 seconds - hypoalbuminemia:

• Impaired protein synthesis
– protein intake: starvation, kwashiokor
– absorption of proteins: malabsorption
– hepatic synthesis due to liver disease

• Increased loss of protein
– Skin loss:  burns, weeping skin diseases
– Urinary loss:  nephrotic syndrome
– Fecal loss:  bowel disease

Slow pitting time over 40 seconds - normoalbuminemic edema:

•Systemic venous hypertension
– Congestive heart failure
– Pericardial diseases, tricuspid valve disease

•Regional venous hypertension
– Inferior vena cava syndrome
– Venous thrombosis
– Lower extremity venous insufficiency

Excerpt from Edema - Brad Anawalt, MDVA Puget Sound University of Washington

[ireneo]

Everyone has given you great information. I think the first step, you've mentioned it, is to get a different doctor. Pitting edema this severe and lasting this long isn't something to brush off like having a pimple. Please get another opinion.

[Supermodelsonya]

Have you had your kidney function checked?