Swollen ankle and foot

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sanam
sanam Member Posts: 106
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello ladies

It is about 2 days that my mom's left ankle is swollen.In the begining it was red,tender and red.There is a spot which looks like a bruise and it hurts when you put your finger on it.It is getting better and today it is not red or warm just her ankle and foot is still swollen.I googled the situation an found 2 possible reason DVT and cellulities.
I am coming back from ER and the GP called her oncologist and he prescibed an antibiotic and asked us to get back to hospitall if the edema progress to her upper leg or calf.
I wish to know if you have any experience with this and like always if you can help me.

Hugs
Sanam

Comments

  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #2
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    lymphedema with infection?
    My mother began having lymphedema in her left leg about 6 months after her surgery (3c/4). This is a common side effect of surgeries that remove lymph nodes. Its first onset involved a lot of swelling and Mom got a soft tissue infection that required IV antibiotics. The foot and ankle were hot to touch, and very painful. In the hospital she got a diuretic, too, but those are not to be used with lymphedema except under close medical supervision.

    Hopefully your mother will respond to the antibiotics and hospitalization will not be necessary. Mom only stayed 2 days, long enough to resolve the infection.

    We were able to locate a lymphedma physical therapist who helped Mom get the condition under good management. It took a while, and involved massage, compression, and ultrasound. She has to wear a compression stocking, which is a hassle, but better than swollen legs and infections.

    Sometimes the best way to get the foot comfortable is to elevate it and apply gentle chilling, like an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth. The skin can become fragile, so it must be babied along, too.

    Good luck to both of you! Until it's better, encourage your mother to keep her foot up as much as she can.
  • kikiz
    kikiz Member Posts: 94
    #3
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    Barbara53 said:

    lymphedema with infection?
    My mother began having lymphedema in her left leg about 6 months after her surgery (3c/4). This is a common side effect of surgeries that remove lymph nodes. Its first onset involved a lot of swelling and Mom got a soft tissue infection that required IV antibiotics. The foot and ankle were hot to touch, and very painful. In the hospital she got a diuretic, too, but those are not to be used with lymphedema except under close medical supervision.

    Hopefully your mother will respond to the antibiotics and hospitalization will not be necessary. Mom only stayed 2 days, long enough to resolve the infection.

    We were able to locate a lymphedma physical therapist who helped Mom get the condition under good management. It took a while, and involved massage, compression, and ultrasound. She has to wear a compression stocking, which is a hassle, but better than swollen legs and infections.

    Sometimes the best way to get the foot comfortable is to elevate it and apply gentle chilling, like an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth. The skin can become fragile, so it must be babied along, too.

    Good luck to both of you! Until it's better, encourage your mother to keep her foot up as much as she can.

    Swollen Foot
    This may not help but I have been off Chemo for a year and my regular doctor prescribed me a medication for an injury I have had problems with for years. My foot and leg swelled up so he took me off it. It was a form of Asprin. I have never been alergic before so he explained that Chemo and surgery may have caused my veins to become smaller so the asprin pooled in my legs causing an reaction to it. I have also found that I am allergic or have reactions to things I did not have pre Chemo. Good Luck to you and your mom.
  • sanam
    sanam Member Posts: 106
    #4
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    Barbara53 said:

    lymphedema with infection?
    My mother began having lymphedema in her left leg about 6 months after her surgery (3c/4). This is a common side effect of surgeries that remove lymph nodes. Its first onset involved a lot of swelling and Mom got a soft tissue infection that required IV antibiotics. The foot and ankle were hot to touch, and very painful. In the hospital she got a diuretic, too, but those are not to be used with lymphedema except under close medical supervision.

    Hopefully your mother will respond to the antibiotics and hospitalization will not be necessary. Mom only stayed 2 days, long enough to resolve the infection.

    We were able to locate a lymphedma physical therapist who helped Mom get the condition under good management. It took a while, and involved massage, compression, and ultrasound. She has to wear a compression stocking, which is a hassle, but better than swollen legs and infections.

    Sometimes the best way to get the foot comfortable is to elevate it and apply gentle chilling, like an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth. The skin can become fragile, so it must be babied along, too.

    Good luck to both of you! Until it's better, encourage your mother to keep her foot up as much as she can.

    Thanks Barbara.
    I believe I
    Thanks Barbara.
    I believe I might be dealing with a similar case.Her surgery was in May and maybe she starts having the symptoms now.
    After taking antibiotics and Naproxen she is feeling much better.
    I will use your advice for compression and this time I will ask her oncologist if we can do physical therapy .
    Hugs
  • sanam
    sanam Member Posts: 106
    #5
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    kikiz said:

    Swollen Foot
    This may not help but I have been off Chemo for a year and my regular doctor prescribed me a medication for an injury I have had problems with for years. My foot and leg swelled up so he took me off it. It was a form of Asprin. I have never been alergic before so he explained that Chemo and surgery may have caused my veins to become smaller so the asprin pooled in my legs causing an reaction to it. I have also found that I am allergic or have reactions to things I did not have pre Chemo. Good Luck to you and your mom.

    Thanks for your hint
    Thanks for your hint dear.Chemo is doing strange things.

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