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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Edema?

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Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2014
Question: I am having edema, redness that doesn't fade for hours or days when pressure is applied to my skin,for ex: wearing socks, shoes, bra, bloodpressure cuff from last year has left a red area on arm that hasn't gone away. I get real red and get hot flashes when I do anything physical, get nervous or upset, or go from a warm temp to a cool one or vice-a-versa.the edema or fluid seems to be everywhere. My feet and ankles and hands are always swollen. I can't even stand to put my sunglasses on my head because they leave indentations over ears and are painful. It is extremely painful to stand on my feet most of the time. They feel like balloons ready to pop. This has been going on for about 20 years and I can't work anymore because of the swelling and pain. Also,warm water in the morning feels like thousands of hot needles stabbing me.I've tried hrt and that hasn't helped.
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Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: .... Detailed Answer: Hi there... Sorry to hear that you are in a lot of pain.... What were the investigations done when you had similar symptoms since 20 years. The common causes of edema are either renal, cardiac, liver pathologies or hypoproteinemia. Have you visited a rheumatologist? Have connective tissue disorders like SLE been ruled out?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (8 hours later)
I had an ecg which looks normal, many blood tests. My triglycerides are 344 which is high,HDL is 42 (low), total cholesterol is 235(high), Chol/HDLC ratio is 5.6(high), and my non HDL= 193 (high). These were the only results that were out of range. They also ran a % CD8-/CD57+ lymphs which came out at 2.5 with a range of 2.0-17.0, And abs.CD8-CD57+ lymphs came out at 70 with a range of 60-360 within range, but at the very bottom-(they thought I might have lymes, but further testing came up negative) MTHFR showed a C677 mutation, have tried taking B6, B12 and folic acid to help with that. Vit D was low, but I am supplementing and have brought the # within range( low, but still within range.)I have not visited a rheumatologist. I have no insurance, cannot work because of this condition, and am almost completely out of funds!!! I really NEED to find someone who knows what to do to diagnose my problems. I also have symptoms of hypothyroidism. (hair loss, inability to lose weight, brittle nails, hot flashes, etc.) I have been given Armour thyroid, but don't know if I should keep taking.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer: ..... Detailed Answer: I'm sorry to hear that you are going through a lot of pain ... Talk to your treating physician and see what he/she can do. If required he/she can refer you to a rheumatologist if they think it is necessary. If the swelling in your body is leaving an identation(pitting edema) when pressed, means it is a serious issue.You would need to do urine tests,renal function tests, liver function tests etc to find out the cause of edema or swelling. Yes, your lipid profile is abnormal with elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. You might need to take statins for that. Your symptoms of hypothyroidism needs follow up..along with TSH levels(thyroid function tests) to know if the dosage of Armour is adequate or whether it needs to be increased. It is really important. You need to visit a physician at the earliest.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (4 hours later)
I am only paying for your consult because it said you had internists on your team. So far you have not given me any useful information! I gave you all the info that came back out of range, but only because it might have something to do with the redness, swelling, ( edema is not what I think pitting is, however it does leave indentations in legs, if I wear socks that is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep and will last for hours). Remember, I have no insurance! I need to make the right decision as to what type of doctor CAN help me! I saw my doctor yesterday and she thought maybe it could be cholinergic reaction. However, she is at a loss and frustrated because she hasn't been able to figure out what is causing the redness. hot flashes, swelling, and pain. The pain is caused by the swelling I think. For example, I walk every morning and my knee pain gets worse while I walk almost as if fluid were filling up in the joint and making them stiff and hard to bend. They don't appear to be larger to me, but I can barely make it up a 4" step to my door when I'm done. For most things exercise makes you feel better, But not for me! I just remembered, when I was 18 I had a real bad case of sun poisoning and they had to drain fluid from me on a regular basis. This kind of reminds me of back then although my skin isn't as painful to the touch, unless any pressure is applied, and I'm not vomiting! Can one of the internists please look at this for me? And let me know what they think it could be? What kind of doctor would best be able to diagnose me? I can only afford to make one more appointment, and this has to help me. This is why I am asking you for help!!!!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (2 days later)
Brief Answer: Hi again, Detailed Answer: Based on your symptoms I would consider to rule out the exaggerated existent conditions. First amongst would be the Hypothyroidism. Low thyroid hormone levels along with low Vit D3 levels can present with the symptoms you have. You may have to consult your treating doctor the endocrinologist to make sure that the thyroid levels are maintained due to medications otherwise may need titration. Also you could be right, the swelling leading to joint pain and redness or rashes in the skin. These are the secondary effects of swelling due to oedema. If the thyroid levels are normal for a period of month then renal problems may have to be ruled out next. Wish you good health. Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 969 Questions

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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Edema?

Brief Answer: .... Detailed Answer: Hi there... Sorry to hear that you are in a lot of pain.... What were the investigations done when you had similar symptoms since 20 years. The common causes of edema are either renal, cardiac, liver pathologies or hypoproteinemia. Have you visited a rheumatologist? Have connective tissue disorders like SLE been ruled out?