CT scan

[Sangye]

Okay, just wanted to be clear with everyone!

[peachyhugsgina]

I am having some issues with lower extremity edema, 4 plus pitting edema, and rapid weight gain as a result.. 15 pounds in less than a week. The pcp started me on a mild diuretic, which isn't removing fluid, but is lowering my blood pressure a great deal. I have a fairly low blood pressure anyway. I saw the cardiologist last Monday,and will be having a persantine-thallium stress test, and echo this Monday. I was able to get the mtx this week, even though I am on antibiotics for the URI. I am still wheezing on the right side, and have a mildly productive cough now. I am still waiting on the referral to go to the Weg's specialist at UAB.. guess I am going to have to call the scheduler and ask what is going on next week.. my rheumy isn't in the office on Fridays.
I have felt pretty fatigued the past couple days, and been quite nauseated as well since getting my last mtx shot. I am going to call it a night, and go to bed.. slept most of the afternoon, but still very tired, and dopey.
Take care..
Peachy hugs,
Gina

[Sangye]

Gina-- go to the ER immediately. That sounds like classic kidney failure.

[peachyhugsgina]

Sangye, My kidney blood tests are perfectly normal, as is my liver function tests, and my blood counts. I had an abnormal EKG, the pcp heard a loud murmur, and I was in sinus bradycardia. I think the cardiologist said I had a right bundle branch block on the EKG and that is why he wants more tests.. can't edema be a sign of cardiac problems as well.? I also thought some medications could cause swelling. I don't feel really bad, just majorly overly fatigued and achy . I just need to go to bed and sleep. Thanks
Take care

[elephant]

Gina, need to go to the emergency room. Go now.

[Sangye]

Yes, a right bundle branch block can cause all those symptoms. (Other heart conditions can, too)

Does your cardiologist know you've gained 15 lbs in less than a week and have a productive cough, etc...? This indicates your heart is not pumping adequately and fluid is backing up into your lungs. You must get the fluid off. You need to go to the ER tonight. This is an urgent problem that can't wait until next week, or even until tomorrow.

[JanW]

I was coming in to say the same thing....I didn't know if the edema would indicate a kidney problem also...others with that involvement would know better.

Gina, ER...seriously. 15 lbs in a week is nothing to play around with and I know people can have a lot of fluid on the lungs and not know. What does your cough produce...clear thin mucous? Get to the ER.

[peachyhugsgina]

I have been very fatigued for the past few days, way more than usual, and slept a lot. The edema has gone way done, not completely gone, and my weight has decreased by 12 pounds overnight. I see the cardiologist again on Monday, and will definitely make him aware that I had a large weight gain in a short time with the edema. Thanks for all your concerns. I am still feeling lousy, and will spend today resting.
Take care

[Sangye]

Gina, I'm glad you got that much fluid off so quickly. You must have been in the bathroom non-stop. I still believe a trip to the ER today is in order. The stress to your heart and lungs is incredible, and the underlying cause has not even been addressed. Your fatigue can be the result of insufficient heart function.

At the very least, I suggest calling your cardiologist this morning. Waiting until next week is seriously risking your life.

Also, I'm assuming you're taking lasix (furosemide) as a diuretic? Did your doc give you potassium to take with it? Lasix pulls potassium out of you and that can cause serious problems-- heart, blackouts, etc....

[Lightwarrior]

I concur with the group, Gina you need to be seen immediately, putting on 15 pounds in a week and taking off 12 in a day is not normal. The fluid shifts that are occuring can be deadly. GO NOW