Since I got Lyme (08/08) I have noticed a problem with my lower legs swelling.
At first it was just a little at the ankle and foot. The last 6 weeks my legs are swollen to mid thigh. No swelling anywhere else.
It's hard to bend my knees and ankles. They hurt a lot! I've cut out salt and keep them elevated as much as possible.
My PCP gave me Lasix 20mg twice a day but it's not helping and the Cardiologist said it's not heart failure. The ID & Neuro think I need a shrink.
I was just wondering if it could be related to the Lyme? I'm not getting any answers at home. Any ideas?
Posted by ugagal (Member # 18471) on :
It certainly can be related to Lyme. There have been many days during the past year when my ankles have swollen up so much they could have been mistaken for a cantaloupe.
Tell the ID & Neuro ducks that a shrink is not going to be able to help you with your clincally objective edema unless he prescribes you another diuretic!!
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Edema does not seem to be rare in lyme disease. I have non-pitting overall edema. Others have localized edema like yours.
Try searching lymenet archives for edema. You are bound to find some info from past posters.
I don't understand why the ID and neuro would suggest that you need a shrink for edema??
That said, it is not unusual for a doctor to try to say that we have a somatization disorder or we are catastrophizing because of the number and intensity of symptoms. I think they learn in medical school that anyone who has over an arbitrary number of symptoms that they can't figure out must need psychiactric help.
Apparently they think they know about all possible illnesses in existance!! It really is outrageous!!
Terry
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Q: Is edema very unusual with Lyme?
From what I've read and experienced, it is not rare at all. And non-pitting edema can be just as hard on the body as can the pitting kind. But most doctors don't think so.
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Don't cut out salt completely. Our kidneys must have a certain amount to make some of the things they do that affect our whole body. Sea Salt is best and you can use just a tiny amount but be sure not to be totally without salt as it can affect cardiac rhythms with too little just as with too much.
Andrographis works wonders for edema.
I've had this problem too and andrographis works like a charm.
It does increase fatigue dramatically, so plan ahead if you start that and start slow.
It takes a month to get to the dose Buhner recommends but, once at that dose, I lost nearly 2 inches from above each ankle in one's week time. I had not been expecting that pleasant surprise. It was like a miracle.
I was on nothing else for the first few weeks of this as I wanted to see how it would work alone. Although it is meant to be part of a protocol (and I'm doing that now), it was clear that it was andrographis that took the edema down so drastically. Beware, though, that you need frequent access to the rest room for the first month on this. It increasing urination to a new level.
And, for that reason, it's important to be sure to get good vitamin, mineral and electrolytes in one's diet or supplements.
You said: " . . .The ID & Neuro think I need a shrink."
I think you should fire your ID doctor and your neurologist - why give them money if they don't have the knowledge and skill? Do you have an ILADS-educated LLMD ? Any chance of getting one?
You mentioned having seen a cardiologist. This tread may be of interest:
Topic: To everyone with cardiac symptoms please read!
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Posted by hoot (Member # 19281) on :
Do you have Bart along with lyme? There are many examples of non-pitting edema in the Bart book. Not sure if it is a lyme symptom, though.
Jennifer
Posted by Gerifrog (Member # 17990) on :
I'm seeing the cardiologist for Atrial Fibrillation that started when I was in the hospital for the Lyme. Taking Plavix & Lopressor for it.
The ducks ignored the edema (not their field). They think all the other symptoms (loss of balance & coordination, memory & speech problems, blurred and/or double vision, fatigue, headache, body & joint pain...) are signs of "emotional stress".
Funny... I thought that the only stress I'm under is from the Lyme disrupting my entire life. How silly of me. My body knew I was going to be stressed out before it had even happened!!
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