Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Swelling In The Upper Legs
Question: Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me whether using a C-Pap machine can cause some swelling in the upper legs in the thighs. I do wear compression stocking as I have varicose veins. I have been getting treatments done on my legs, the last one being September 6th this year. I am wondering if I should ask my doctor for a good work-up, ie blood test, etc. Also, if I should book to see my vein surgeon again ... It is hard for me to tell if they are actually retaining fluid, as I gained a lot of weight on my upper legs since I have had the sleep apnea. Any info you can give, would be much appreciated at this time. Thanks, XXXXXXX
P.S. I don't think I would have pitted edema, as when I press my fingers on my legs anywhere there is no indentation or white spot lingering.
P.S. I don't think I would have pitted edema, as when I press my fingers on my legs anywhere there is no indentation or white spot lingering.
Brief Answer:
It can cause swelling but Deep vein thrombus should be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.
First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through. Based on the history you have shared, Yes continously airway pressures can cause increased intrathoracic or chest pressures leading to decreased venous return to heart and may cause mild swellings In peripheries but according to your description, an ultrasound of the legs with and without doppler to see the blood flow and to rule out deep venous thrombosis should be performed alongwith D dimers and fibrinogen levels.
An Echo cardiogram to look for pulmonary hypertension or raised pulmonary artery pressures should also be done. If these are normal then urinalysis, kidney and liver functions and thyroid levels may also be done to reveal other causes of such swelling.
Meanhwile continue the stocking and C pap as advised by your primary doctor.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
It can cause swelling but Deep vein thrombus should be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.
First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through. Based on the history you have shared, Yes continously airway pressures can cause increased intrathoracic or chest pressures leading to decreased venous return to heart and may cause mild swellings In peripheries but according to your description, an ultrasound of the legs with and without doppler to see the blood flow and to rule out deep venous thrombosis should be performed alongwith D dimers and fibrinogen levels.
An Echo cardiogram to look for pulmonary hypertension or raised pulmonary artery pressures should also be done. If these are normal then urinalysis, kidney and liver functions and thyroid levels may also be done to reveal other causes of such swelling.
Meanhwile continue the stocking and C pap as advised by your primary doctor.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi. thankyou so much for your very prompt reply. I was just at the vascular surgeons a few months ago and he did an ultrasound at that time. He said there was some reflux in both legs, so he needed to do some treatments on both legs. Mostly the right one. I had gone to him because I had a lot of aching in both legs in the morning for a few weeks, which I thought was just on account of the all the yard work I was doing. Anyway, it did turn out of be reflux.
From what you are saying I guess it would be best to book with my doctor to get a referral back to the vein surgeon. I don't have any syptoms of DVT as no pain, redness, warmth, etc. All looks normal, so that is why I am not sure whether it is just weight gain which has been there for a very long time. Never thought much of it til now.
Anyway, I will go and see my doctor and ask for a good workup to be done, ie. liver, kidneys, heart, CRP, etc. Also cholesterol, etc.
Thank you so much for your advice Take care, and Happy Holidays to you. XXXXXXX
From what you are saying I guess it would be best to book with my doctor to get a referral back to the vein surgeon. I don't have any syptoms of DVT as no pain, redness, warmth, etc. All looks normal, so that is why I am not sure whether it is just weight gain which has been there for a very long time. Never thought much of it til now.
Anyway, I will go and see my doctor and ask for a good workup to be done, ie. liver, kidneys, heart, CRP, etc. Also cholesterol, etc.
Thank you so much for your advice Take care, and Happy Holidays to you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Closing remarks
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for such a detailed feedback.
Yes, a vascular surgeon is the right person to be consulted as it should be ruled out with the blood workup even in the absence of these symptoms.
Good luck with the work up and thanks again.
Please keep me updated.
Regards.
Closing remarks
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for such a detailed feedback.
Yes, a vascular surgeon is the right person to be consulted as it should be ruled out with the blood workup even in the absence of these symptoms.
Good luck with the work up and thanks again.
Please keep me updated.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
