Swelling of the Feet, Ankles, and Lower Legs...

[CRyoul]

I also have a question about swollen feet, ankles, and legs. For the past few weeks I have been experiencing swollen feet ankles and now it's even moving up my legs from my calves to just above my knees even. the feet are so bad recently that it feels like the skin on them is going to burst open. Especially in the morning when I first wake up and get out of bed because they have been not used all night and when I first step out of bed the skin is pulled so tightly do to the swelling it is very painful. I also drink quite a bit. I drink vodka pretty much daily and about 2 pints a day of it. I thought perhaps this was the cause so I cut way back for a week but that seemed to do nothing to help it really. it seems to be getting worse week after week. I am really beginning to grow concerned as to why this is getting worse not better. I have been monitoring my temperature several times a day and it has always been normal. So I seriously doubt it is an infection because I have no signs that go along with infection such as, fever, cold sweets, shaking, feeling sick, etc. a few days ago my right foot was itching quite a bit so I was scratching it, the next day where I was scratching turned into open wounds, so I have been putting rubbing alcohol on those wounds several times a day and then Neosporin on , to ensure that I do not get an infection. I've been looking online and there are quite a few things it could be. As I said I've pretty much ruled out infection, I don't think it is my salt intake because I don't really use it, it's not caused from being on my feet all day because I am not. I was beginning to be concerned when I read an article about heart failure, because I already have issues with my heart (an artificial Tricuspid valve and pace maker). I called my cardiologist and told him of the swelling issues I was having with my feet and ankles 2 weeks ago and told him I was concerned about heart failure. He told me not to worry about it because and I quote, " I see swollen feet everyday, I'm pretty sure you don't have heart failure because you do not have the other symptoms that go along with it, chest pain, excessive shortness or breath, etc." Well that was a relief , so I'm thinking perhaps it could be liver failure? I have Hep-C and have had it for about 10 years now. As I said I drink quite a bit daily, so perhaps my liver is shutting down? What do you think and what do you think I can do to try and get this swelling to go down and hopefully away for good? Please E-mail me your answer or copy and paste what you write here into an E-mail and send it to my e-mail account on this site my username is "CRyoul". Because I've never been to this site before and doubt I will be able to find it again =). Thank you for your help with this matter. btw I am 36 years old. White Male. if that matters at all when it comes to this issue. Thanks again. Chris

-  OK I just Uploaded the pictures of the swollen feet, Ankles, and Lower Legs to my profile.  To get a better idea of what I'm talking about please view my Profile "CRyoul" and click on my photos, and then select the album titled "Swollen Feet, Ankles, and Lower Legs 2-1-2012".  Thank you very much for your help with this matter, I welcome any and all feedback, suggestions, advice, or opinions on this matter.  - Chris =)

[printze]

I lost my brother in law 2 yrs ago, he had the same thing it is horrible an dif he would have stopped drinking he would be here today. Get help, please.

[suezeeque]

You don't have to believe anyone here about your swollen feet being caused by liver disease.  Simply google cirrhosis+swollen feet.  You'll have plenty of reading.

If you go back to the ER, perhaps you could bring a little drink with you.  That way you won't have to leave before you're seen again and the hospital staff will have a much better idea of what's causing your problems.

I will reiterate what has been said above:  It doesn't matter how drunk you feel after how many drinks or whether or not you are able to 'fool' people into believing you are sober.  The alcohol is still passing through your liver.  And, as stated above, with HCV infection, it's an orgy in there right now.

If you really want help for your swollen feet (and the cause) you will go back to the ER and tell them *exactly* how much you drink everyday and that you are infected with HCV.

[fretboard]

I swell practically every day but never like that.  Just as a side note my brother died in June of last year from alcoholism and his feet used to get like that.  It's time to get really serious about stopping your drinking once and for all.  Time to get real with a real doctor and real thoughts if you want to live!!
Good Luck!!

[jules2551]

"a few days ago my right foot was itching quite a bit so I was scratching it, the next day where I was scratching turned into open wounds, so I have been putting rubbing alcohol on those wounds several times a day and then Neosporin on , to ensure that I do not get an infection. "

       ************************************************************************

CR...those are classic tell-tale signs of liver disease amongst alcoholics.



"First off it's def. not the vodka"

      *************************************************************************

CR...not to be so blunt but you can't BS a BSer!  Babe you are definitely in denial.  You are an alcoholic at such a young age.....and it's only going to get worse.  2 pints will turn into 3 pints, 4 pints, etc.  And then before you know it you will drink the first pint and start to black out, throw up, pass out.  

     You need to tell your Dr that you are having problems with alcohol and have them check you into detox.  Most detox facilities will actually pick you up from home, stop at the liquor store for your last drink, and drop you off at rehab.  There are physicians there who will carefully monitor your condition and medicate you appropriately.  

      This has got to be your FIRST step...or else you are gonna die.  Maybe not be tomorrow or the next day...but it's gonna happen sooner than you think if you don't stop drinking.

       I am not feeding you a line of BS....I am telling you this because I too am a drunk and has been sober since last June 2011.  Many of us have gone through the same as you...I've been there, done that, and hated it.  But I got through it.  Do I still think about alcohol?  Yes.  Have I taken a drink?  No.  Believe me, if I can do it...so can YOU!!!!!!

      I truly hope you get the help you need.  CR this is serious and I hope you take the next step forward.

      Take care of yourself and I wish you the best!

Jules

[printze]

Listent to the advice , make an appointment with a liver specialist to have your liver amd hepc assessed. Good luck.

[copyman]

Plain and simple, if your ankles and legs are retaining fluid then you most likely have serious liver damage. You can feel fine and still have cirrhosis. It will creep up on you then bite you in the @ss. Many times after you already have serious damage.

See a hepatologist (liver specialist) right away. If you don't stop drinking ALL alcohol immediately don't expect to live much longer. Try to avoid dying by liver disease, it is the worst way to go. I have seen two people die from it and it was horrible.