Might this be an early sign of DVT?

[Beth Andrea]

I've noticed my left ankle is a bit puffy, compared to the right. Only the ankle, and no pain or pressure...no changes to the calf/thigh/etc.

It's been like this (puffy, but neither increasing nor decreasing) for 3-4 days iirc.

I see my endo at the end of May...what'cha think?

🙁

[big kim]

Probably nothing as serious, could be edema (water retention) cured with diuretics.Mine was caused by sitting for long periods driving a bus I've since got/had varicose vein problems and exma sciatica,phlebitis , celulitis and a DVT false alarm

[Nicolette]

Have you had any change of diet, like more fluid intake? I've had the identical problem on some occasions with my left foot. Putting two and two together, I realised it was because I had been pressing my left foot on the left pedal of my piano and playing like that for lengthy periods. Is your left foot more inactive than your right foot?

[spacial]

Elevate the limb

[Beth Andrea]

Thanks, all!

I do drive a bus (20+ years...ain't gettin' any younger tho)...no change of diet...well, I have been drinking 2 beers each night for the past week, probably need to cut that out just on general principles.

I'll do the elevation thing, too.

[Shantel]

I noticed that the drinks coupled with my HRT caused ankle adema and also drove my blood pressure up. I had to give up the drinks for that reason and the fact that it causes a gout-like condition in my feet. It's nice to walk normally and be pain free, and though I liked to get a little buzz-on each day it's not worth the after effects. As you know I did have a bout of DVT not long ago and the adema and buzzing sensation in my lower left leg preceded some rather nasty upper leg cramps before it was diagnosed as DVT. The only difference between you and me is that I had been self medicating on my own unsupervised HRT regimen at the time, not a good plan. But yeah getting older isn't for sissies and it pays to stay mobile and have a daily physical workout.

[Beth Andrea]

Thanks Shan, I'll give the rest of the beers to a neighbor, don't need the risk (and truthfully I was an "alkie" or borderline when I was in the .mil years ago, do NOT want to repeat that episode again).

*hugs*

[Hikari]

Thanks, all!

I do drive a bus (20+ years...ain't gettin' any younger tho)...no change of diet...well, I have been drinking 2 beers each night for the past week, probably need to cut that out just on general principles.

I'll do the elevation thing, too.

I drive for a living too, some people who are particularly at risk at my work wear compression tights designed specifically to keep circulation up and risk of DVT down. Some also take an asprin regimen for similar purpose. I don't at the moment, but I am starting to think maybe I should, the human body just wasn't meant to sit in a seat for 10 hours a day, I do stop every few hours, and get up and walk around but DVT is something that has worried me ever since I got this job.

[Beth Andrea]

I'm more fortunate than big bus drivers, or big truck drivers, in that I get out and move around 5-6 times an hour.

But age and weight does take a toll on one's health...

[Shantel]

I drive for a living too, some people who are particularly at risk at my work wear compression tights designed specifically to keep circulation up and risk of DVT down. Some also take an asprin regimen for similar purpose. I don't at the moment, but I am starting to think maybe I should, the human body just wasn't meant to sit in a seat for 10 hours a day, I do stop every few hours, and get up and walk around but DVT is something that has worried me ever since I got this job.

I read an article a few years ago about an Internet junkie that spent ten or more hours a day on the Internet, lived on junk food and died of a severe DVT episode, so with that I think I'll get off and get on my rowing machine, later!

[Beth Andrea]

Ok, so a follow-up:

I gave the rest of the beers to a neighbor, and haven't had a drink in several days. The swelling has gone down to almost normal levels (or my imagination is seeing something where there is nothing).

Thanks Shantel, that was very good advice!

[Shantel]

Ok, so a follow-up:

I gave the rest of the beers to a neighbor, and haven't had a drink in several days. The swelling has gone down to almost normal levels (or my imagination is seeing something where there is nothing).

Thanks Shantel, that was very good advice!

Good for you Beth! I find that salt will cause pedal adema and ankle swelling coupled with lack of physical exercise. I cut my salt way down but grilled a few burgers the last few days which called for a few beers and salty potato chips and I'm puffed back up again. I used to have a baseball cap from a masonry manufacturer that said "Brick" on it, maybe I'll wear it for the next few days.