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Suggest Treatment To Stop Fluid Leakage From Leg

Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014

Question: Yes I have MS and I am restricted to a wheelchair. As a result I have edema in both lower legs. I nicked my left leg 3 weeks ago and fluid weeps from the small hole constantly. I do not have any cardio-vascular or lung problems. How do I stop the weeping? My email address is YYYY@YYYY

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

I am sorry for the situation you are in. My advice are as following:
It is necessary to medicate the wound.
Keep your legs raised, can use a pillow to keep them raised.

If edema persists should start diuretic.

Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (31 minutes later)

Dear Doctor Benard:

I have been doing everything you advise for 3 weeks. I am taking a diuretic and antibiotics. What else can you recommend for my $35.00? It is important that I get the weeping stopped because I am travelling to Paris in 4 weeks. I fear getting an infection while traveling. Is there any medication or treatment of the wound that will stop the weeping.

Thank You,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Next following up advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX

If you have done everything I said without any result in 3 weeks, then, should go deeper and find out WHY:

1. First, metabolic diseases like diabetes or pre-diabetes should be ruled out as they will not let the wound get healed.

Check your blood sugar :
- fasting
- A1C test
- oral glucose tolerance test (2 hours after eating)

to rule out such diseases. If confirmed, should start proper treatment. Once blood sugar is optimized, the wound will stop weeping.

2. It is true that you are using antibiotics, but, at this point, my question is:
Are they the right antibiotics?

I've seen many cases where resistance is set. I always ask for culture of the wound discharge and sensitivity testing to determine the right causative bacteria and the most appropriate antibiotic to fight it.

You can ask your doctor to culture the wound discharge and run sensitivity testing.

3. If you have already run the other 1+2 steps, then, surgical treatment is needed. Further consultation with surgeon is needed for appropriate treatment.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)

Doctor Benard:

Thank you for your quick response. I have had all the blood tests and I do not have diabetes. I will get a wound discharge culture. Is it possible to close the wound with surgery with edema in the leg? It is a pinpoint hole.
I saw a dermatologist who said surgery may aggravate the problem. What do you think?
Thank you again.

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
send a photo of the same
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX

My opinion is based on your description. I need to have a look at the wound to determine whether surgery is a good choice. Can you send a photo of your legs and wound? Please upload the pictures on the right side of this query page.

Next, in such cases, multiple opinions are needed from different specialists including dermatologist, cardiologist, angiologist and surgeon. This consultation is needed to run final decision on proper treatment.

Looking forward to have the photo in!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E