Hi and thanks for the query,

The intermittent changes you are experiencing at the level of your lower limbs are very compatible with the peripheral neuropathy and gabapentin is grossly adapted in such circumstances. The association with swelling and growing red might need a keener attention. Something needs to be clarified, do you experience any tenderness during these periods or just pain?
Excessive accumulation of fluid on its own could explain this. the particular timing of the day when this occurs is important. If it is mostly in the morning, it should associated to accumulation of fluid in the lower limbs.Venous incompetency (defective valves in the veins) or heart failure are generally associated with lower limb swelling. This might need a more critical reevaluation by your physician.

Treatment usually involved raising the lower limbs above head level as you are already doing, some specific venous stockings or venotonics (drugs that cause venous contraction).

It is true that furosemide is a diuretic and should reduce blood pressure or fluid volume through excessive urination. It is worth noting that furosemide has other intrinsic characteristics on the blood vessels too. Increasing furosemide levels shall require monitoring because of the potential side effects it has especially on electrolyte balance.

An evaluation by your physician for the integrity and balance of blood pressure, cardiac (heart function to exclude hypertension) are relevant preliminaries before modifying the furosemide dosage. Poorly controlled heart function on its own could explain swelling of the lower limbs.

I would strongly suggest you book an appointment and get a proper reevaluation by your internist.
Do not hesitate asking any further questions if need be. I shall be honored making suggestions.

Best regards,
Luchuo, MD.

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Hi and thanks for the response,

Morning tightness and hot feet, mainly in the morning could suggest a cardiac origin, certainly due to fluid accumulation/congestion at the lower limbs. Morning stiffness also, which ameliorates as the day goes by, especially when the knees and other smaller joints like the wrist and finger joints are implicated could suggest a rheumatologic disease. This however deserves a careful evaluation.

With a past history of peripheral neuropathy, and swelling symptoms, interplay of these two clinical scenarios on the burning sensation you observe could make it difficult to elucidate whether the dosage of Gabapentin you are taking is sufficient or not. I strongly suggest you continue with your same dose of Gabapentin prescribed by your physician, till you get to your appointments for a proper review. Changing the doses of these drugs should be determined by your physician to judge clinical success.

For now, I strongly recommend you continue with your same drugs, life style modifications (low salt diet, some exercise, vegetable XXXXXXX diet and fruits), elevate your legs when you sleep and continue with the same doses of drugs till you get to XXXXXXX your doctors.

Thanks and hope this helps as I wish you the best in your health. I shall be honored answering further questions if need be.

best regards,
Luchuo, MD.

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