Suggest Treatment For Swelling In Both Feet Despite Taking Diuretics For 6 Months And Antibiotics For Infection On The Right Foot

Posted on Tue, 1 Oct 2019

Question: Have had swelling in both feet and ankles, 6 months on diuretics/compression socks helped, stopped the diuretics two months later got an infection in top of right foot, just finished round of antibiotics (14 days)with double script of diuretics and two rounds of blood test showing elevated red blood count (5.11), swelling gone in left foot but still slight in right foot also have nasal congestion, been to a foot doctor all is well, what gives?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further inputs needed

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. However, I would need you to provide some more information. Please mention:
* How long you have been having raised blood pressure, if at all
* How long are you on medication (if there is anything else than the diuretics you are taking for last 6 months)
* The list of medicines you are on
* Whether you are diabetic.
* Your blood pressure (latest measurement)

I would await your response.

You should only change or modify your medication under the guidance of the physician who is regularly seeing you. I would need to know if you are taking Amlodipine. It is a medicine that is known to cause swelling of feet. The same could happen in case your blood pressure is not controlled with the existing medicines. I would guide you further after getting your response.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (21 hours later)

No high blood pressure, latest reading 110/80, medications are Levothyroxine 100MCG, was on singular but stopped 14 days ago and now taking Zyrtex, no other meds at the time except what I listed earlier, still taking the diuretic. Not Diabetic. Have had elevated red blood cell count last two blood test, (past 3 weeks) What causes it and what are the dangers? Thank you for any help you can offer.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Investigations likely to be required

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for the update.

The mentioned facts do not somehow fall in place and a clinical evaluation would be needed. It is good to know that you are non-diabetic and non-hypertensive. The elevated RBC count will not be a cause for concern but could point to some sort of hypoxia (lack of adequate oxygenation) somewhere, especially in the kidneys. I would insist you to get your thyroid profile rechecked and also your uric acid levels, urea, creatinine and ANA levels (blood tests) checked prior to visiting your doctor.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj