[arlenecarol]

If you've been following my exciting saga for the past few weeks, you know I wasn't feeling very well and couldn't figure out why...then just 5 days after I made a long-delayed appointment to see a new doctor, the news broke about Avandia. I printed out the initial reports and asked this dr. to change my meds. At that point, he hadn't heard anything about Avandia (i see him again next week, and i'll ask him if anything's been in our press about it). At the same time, i mentioned that my BP meds didn't seem to be working and could we switch to something called Norvasc. He said 'okay' to that too. The next week, i had to return with a list of my BG tests 3-4 times a day so we could discuss any changes if necessary.

When I was there, I pointed out the swelling in my lower legs... my legs never looked like that before...He took one look and said it was the NEW BP medication, so he took me off that medication and put me on something a bit less detrimental, but still not great...swelling was down but it wasn't normal. But i felt so much better now that i was off Avandia. Playing doctor, i switched myself back to the old BP medication and what do you know...i'm doing very well...normal legs plus great BP! (i suspect the Avandia was the root of all these problems...i'm even breathing better now)

BUT...then last week, something else was wrong and i started bleeding from my nether end...went back to the doctor on Tuesday and prepped for the endoscopy set for today. Problem was diagnosed as diverticulosis and hemmoroids. this doctor (not my Internist) prescribed a medication (Venoruton) for my 'internal varicose veins'...but it's generally used to treat, ----what do you think - swollen legs!!

Is there a connection here?? I think there's a link between all of this...

i'm not sure i should take this Venoruton now since my legs are WONDERFUL...

Is medicine killing me?? how can i determine where the problem lies? or is it just me, getting older and older?



what do you think? i'm starting to think that doctors don't know what they are doing most of the time!!

by the way, he requested a HbA1c test today even though i just had one 3 weeks ago...he didn't know...but the good news is that i'm down..three weeks ago, i was 8.2...today i'm 7.6. i think i'm on the right track...

i also suspect there's a connection between all this and that they aren't separate events...there's a real cause and effect here...what do you think?

[sweetcheeks]

Sometimes people are just over medicated.

Does your BP meds have diuretics in them?

My body doesnt tolerate any BP meds well unless it has diuretic in them, which in turn keeps the swelling of the legs down.

[princesslinda]

Arlene, you've had quite a few things going on lately. Hope your procedure goes well today...sending well-wishes your way.

I read a little about the medication you are on for your legs as I had never heard of it, seems that it causes your capillaries to dilate, giving better circulation, which would definitely improve both your blood pressure and your leg edema. You really should see if your doctor thinks a diuretic would be appropriate for you if you're not on one already....all that fluid retention would certainly make your legs swell and if you have fluid retention around your heart, breathing would certainly be difficult. Might be worth looking into.

Do you watch your sodium intake as well? I'd suggest you keep your legs elevated when your not up and about as well.

Anyway, keep us posted on your issues and the results of your GI procedure.

All the best,
Linda

[BriOnH]

It reads like the medication was putting a strain on your kidneys causing edema in your ankles.

[shockme]

hi arlene!i hope your endoscopy goes/went well!keep us posted.take care,trish

[arlenecarol]

Originally Posted by shockme

hi arlene!i hope your endoscopy goes/went well!keep us posted.take care,trish

Well, as far as tests go, this wasn't my favorite! I hope i don't have to do this again for a long time. I'm still losing a lot of blood but i'm hoping this new medication will put an end to that. I have to go back to the hospital again next thursday anyway, so i'll be good till then. the dr had some blood work done yesterday and it appears that the blood loss isn't making me anemic so maybe losing some blood is a good thing. in the olden days, they used to 'bleed' sick people...i wonder if it really helped?

i just need to get more fiber in my diet now. guess i need to go back to eating some bread...whole wheat. the bakery here has it available most of the time. so, it's back to bread once or twice a day.