Oedema in legs

[Stoday]

I'm pre hemo, but with a 3-month old fistula all ready & waiting for the start day. Last month my meds were good, so no need to start; the neph will review me again in November.

In the last month I've developed oedema in my legs and particularly my ankles. Is this usual at my stage? Is it indicative of my need to start dialysis? I don't get nausea but I am lethargic and I've forgotten what it's like to be hungry.

[willowtreewren]

Stoday,
This is an indication that you are not eliminating all the fluid you should be, and yes, it is a signal that your kidneys aren't working as well as they should.

At least you are prepared. 

Aleta

[KICKSTART]

Yes its a sign that you are starting to get fluid overloaded ! At least for now try and cut back on what you drink , then make an appt with the doctor !

[Restorer]

In the last couple months before I started dialysis, my legs started holding onto more fluid. It wasn't always detectable with the pitting edema test (press on your shin and see if the impression sticks), but I could feel my calves were bigger than normal in the evenings.

I really only had outwardly-noticeable edema once I started on dialysis. After I had emergency dialysis, I don't know what happened, but my legs and feet swelled up so much that I got stretch marks on the tops of my feet.

[pamster42000]

Edema is a sign of the kidneys not working properly, but it can be a symptom of other health conditions. I would call your primary physician and get an appointment. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Stoday]

Thanks all.

I have an appointment with my doc. on Tuesday morning.

[KICKSTART]

Good luck 

[Stoday]

My doc conferred with the renal unit at the hospital with the result that I have an appointment at the renal unit on Thursday. That's really short notice.

It's suddenly dawned on me that the question of when I start the big D will crop up. It seems so silly that I should have to start because my legs start swelling. I can feel an icy finger running down my back. I'm thinking this is what Goofy's feeling, only probably much worse.

It's like I'm standing at the gates of Hades, staring into the abyss. It marks the start of a different lifestyle. Not even Eurydice managed to return from Hades. (That's the Greek myth when Orpheus went down to get her back, was allowed to do so provided he didn't look back. He'd just managed to climb into the sunlight again and looked back for Eurydice. However, she was still just in the shade and all he could do was to snatch a last glimpse of her as she fell back into depths, this time for ever.)

[paul.karen]

Well Thursday should be interesting for you.

Looks like you are standing on the brink and ready to take the dive.
The good news is you are physicaly ready for it.  Adn i think it will be safe to look back if you feel like it.

Hope all goes well for you.

[Bajanne]

It is not as bad as Hades, I can assure you!   This is so coincidental - this morning I looked at my ankles and was rejoicing in the fact that I have not had any swelling for more than a year.  In my pre-dialysis and early dialysis days, my ankles' swelling was so great I didn't even sleep in my bed.  I had to pile huge cushions  to keep my legs up and sleep on my couch.  That is now totally a thing of the past.  And when you take you jump of faith into this abyss, you will see that things will get better (along with the life changes that have to be made!)

[KICKSTART]

How did your appt go ? or is it not Thursday there yet ? Im useless with time difference!

[Stoday]

Dear KS, how sweet of you to ask. 

No dialysis for me — yet. Edema (US spelling!) fixed by increasing furosemide to 80mg/day. I've lost 3lb already.

I did ask how I would know when I would have to start dialysis. "When you feel so wretched there will be no question of starting".

Hang on — isn't that what Goofy wants & nearly everyone's saying she's leaving it too long? I thought I'd look into this further. Guess what? The unit can take 120 patients and only has one vacancy. So I suspect availability is at the top of my admission criteria and lack of it means I shall have to wait. Different from the US where competition means that they want you in as soon as possible so they can maximise revenue.

Anyway, it was great that I remaind free of D for the time being. I celebrated with a slap-up lunch; I've been feeling bloated ever since. 

[tyefly]

  so its been a couple of days     How the swelling now in your legs.......  is the lasix working well everyday......

[Stoday]

Working well enough. Ankles still swollen, but my legs now much less so.

[tyefly]

Great to hear......   I still fight with my swelling .......  but the pills do work.... I just hate the cramps at night.....   I now that I have cut out all my salt....  I cant even eat salt..... very strange.....if I do order a french fry..... I have to ask for no salt.......  I hate potato chips now..... and those are something that I use to like alot......
      Good for you....   kathy