Swelling in several areas of the body

[scw61]

In September, I underwent umbilical hernia repair surgery.  In the recovery room, during extubation, my airway collapsed and I spent 24 hours in ICU.  Approximately three months later, my left hand and arm swelled enormously. A trip to the ER and IV steriods, antibiotics and Zantac started bringing the swelling down (hand and arm returned to normal after a day or so).  Two weeks later, I was taken to ER (by ambulance) when my airway swelled shut.  IV steriods and epinephrine eventually started to bring the swelling down after several hours.  I was ordered to stop taking my LISINOPRIL (40mg).  I continued to experience large painful red welts all over my body for the next few weeks.  I started taking prednisone, benedryl, zyrtec, and zantac whenever I started having further outbreaks.  My doctor started me back on my LISINOPRIL due to my very high blood pressure readings.  My doctor also gave me a shot of prednisone.  I had a week of bliss with no episodes.  After that I experienced severe facial swelling on three separate occasions.  I used epi-pen injections but still had to go to the ER.  ER doctors used same protocol as before.  A Feb 8 CAT SCAN showed a mass in my throat that was displacing my trachea.  I am again off the LISINOPRIL and MYCARDIS HCT.  My C1 and C4 levels are normal.  I am now waiting on results from an extended IG cap blood test.  Within the past few days, I have also started experiencing sharp, aching, short-lived pains in my elbows, forearms, and neck/shoulder area. Today my left ankle is swelling, the back of my left knee is swelling as well, and very painful.  HELP!!!!!    ***Since writing this 2 days ago, my left leg has continued to swell up through my calf.  It feels warm to the touch and hard.  Lots of pain.

[scw61]

I had an appt with an ear, nose and throat specialist but the mass in my throat has gone away....my primary had given me a shot of antibiotics last week just to see if that would have any effect.  Apparently it did.  No mesh was used in my hernia repair, just stitches.  Since I am off the Mycardis HCT, I have been taking Hydralazine.  One part of my IG panel came back yesterday and shows that I have no allergies.  Still waiting for the rest of the panel results.  My left leg is still swollen and painful so I am going to have an ultrasound down this afternoon....my doctor is concerned it could be DVT.  I just know that my family and I are on "pins and needles" waiting for the next episode.  Thank you, Sara, for responding to my post.

[sara_eagle]

What are they going to do about the mass that was found on CT scan?? Also, did they use mesh to repair the hernia?  Since they have taken you off the Mycardis HCT, what have they given you to act as a diuretic?  If nothing, that could part of the problem with swelling since you are no longer on a 'water pill'.

[scw61]

Thank you for your reply.  I should be getting the results back for the extended IG CAP test today.  I have an appt with an Ear, Nose and THroat Specialist tomorrow.  I have always thought that it could have been due to the September surgery since I had absolutely NO problems before then.  I will let you know if this ever gets resolved.  Again, thank you.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
One possibility is disseminated intravascular coagulation. Bleeding time, clotting time, fibrinogen level etc should be done. Other than that it can be an allergic reaction to the mesh or a foreign body left behind during operation. So an X-ray or CT scan of abdomen should also be done. Thyroid lumps should be ruled out. It can also be an auto-immune reaction.
I think you should discuss these possibilities with your doctor. It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining. A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. Take care!