On Behalf Of My Mother Who Is 56 And Morbid

Question: On behalf of my mother who is 56 and morbid obese. She has for the last few months had swelling in one foot and shortness of breath. I encouraged her to see a cardiologist as numerous water pills and antibiotics were not improving the shortness of breath. I was concerned it was possibly the beginning of congestive heart failure. After an echo and bloodwork the cardiologist said her heart is fine but she does have lymphedema.

Fast forward a month and she continues to have swelling in one foot. On top of that she is using dozens of bandages a day trying to contain leaky fluids. She says her skin is either in pain (stinging) or itches uncontrollably. The fluid is clear and she continues to receive antibiotics and multiple water pills from the family doctor. The shortness of breath continues and the leg has not progressed very far.

I am attaching a picture of its current status. What direction should I be pushing her in order to see a specialist. Is this a skin issue? A lymphatic issue? Obesity issue? How does lymphedema just spontaneously occur in someone who has not had it prior. Anyway - just trying to figure out next steps. At what point does this become something where you go to the hospital when you have shortness of breath, etc.

Thank you.