lower leg pain, edema in legs, cholesterol jump

[ljlu]

I am adopted and so have no family history, other then birth mom died of anurism having me. Married, white female, 55 yrs.old, 5'2" 117 lbs, . I have severe leg pain and chronic edema of lower legs mostly left, that doesn't go away with 40mg Lasix and with legs above heart all night when I sleep, and  now also a sudden jump in cholesterol from 158 to 207 yesterday, I think this is cause for concern but MD isn't. but then, he still hasn't done the end of first yr, repeat Bone density test to see if Bone medication is even working and it is now two yrs since Osteoporosis acute DX. Took 5 Md's to even get bone density test done by then acute Osteoporosis.
. Post menopausal since 36, ( preovarian failure) Now smoker ( sorry trying to quit), 2 year old back injury now has me not as active as I once was this past year, and especially past 6 months barely able to walk from pain in legs, bed rest not helping. Not on HRT, Saw Md and he didn't even check BP, I complained of headache at top of head,  He just ran CBC and says "I am fine" but when he said choles. was 207 last time and still there, ( I didn't know this had changed from 158). I think change in cholesterol is worryisome.  I think edema in legs and chronic localized pain esp. in left leg is worry 'worthy"! He refused to even look at legs at visit, hasn't done Physical in two years? ( don't know why) I asked. He says, "I'm fine".I don't 'feel" fine! Worried he'll miss something (again) and doesn't take me seriously.

[mammo]

Sheesh!  You truly need to find a new doctor ASAP!  Have they done a Doppler study on your legs to determine if you have PAD?  Have they tested your kidneys?  Are you on cholesterol medication (you should be)?  Edema in the legs is something to truly worry about. This guy sounds like a quack, I would consult with a cardiologist, and also get a new GP.  Smoking is a big cause of cardiovascular problems.  When you quit smoking, your lungs repair themselves, but your cardiovascular damage is forever!  My husband has been sufferings from the effects of smoking since he was 58, and he quit smoking 28 years ago!  He has PAD, has had several stents put in, and an aortic aneurysm.  Do you keep a watch on your BP?  Home machines are inexpensive and very accurate.  If this is not an option stop in your local drug store and use their machine, but keep a check on it.  Stop wasting your time with this moron and make an appt. with a cardiologist, and arrange to see a new GP for a complete physical.  You obviously have some problems, and they need to be addressed before something gets worse. Once you truly learn the bad effects that smoking is having on your body, you'll find it so easy to quit.  Good luck to you.....