Question
I had neck surgery 2/07.  Have gone through many changes.I am very lucky because I can walk again.I now have severe ankle & feet swelling. This has caused my heels to split open.I wear the hose, take Lasix 80 mg daily. I only urinated a few times a day.None of my Drs seem to know what to do. It is so swollen tonight that they just look like if I could open them up they would feel so much better. I am at a loss. If & when should I go to the ER & will they know what to do? Very doubtful. Please help me.I am getting scared.
 
Thanks,
Beth

Answer
hi beth-
i know the swollen leg problem well, it is always a misery. They always tellyou to put your feet up every so often, but if you have a busy life how do you manage THAT?

does the swelling go down at night, when you are horizontal for a while?

are you wearing TED hose, or another kind? there are some that have much higher compression, and TEDs wear out after a month, someone finally told me... google 'compression socks', or try here

http://www.exmed.net
under support stockings.

if ever one leg is way more swollen than the other, that is a time to see a doc as it could indicate blood clot.
You can also try compression boots, that circulate air and squeeze the fluid back up like your leg muscles would if functioning correctly. I have had much better luck though with trying to keep them from swelling in the first place rather than un-swelling them

much luck
leslie