HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Shortness Of Breath And Swollen Ankles

default
Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2015
Question: I feel sick, have shortness of breath, my ankles are swolen but I had my heart chacked and everything was ok what else can it be???

I also have pins and needles in my hands and feet, I don't remember if I mentioned that. I am being treated for a head injury from one year ago they cut into my head to remove some cells because they thought I had giant cell Arteritis but it turned out to be a false negative and they put me on the prednisone and all of my problems started when they took me off. I gained 30 lbs, pins and needles in hand and feet, sick at the stomach, everything.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Kidney/liver/clogged leg's blood vessels/lungs problems to consider...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I am sorry for the situation you are going through.

1. Heart problems could be a possible cause to swollen ankles.

Other possible causes include:
- kidney problems: get kidney function test; urine analysis and abdominal ultrasound done to determine/rule it out
- liver issues: get a liver function test done
- problems with leg's blood vessels: a Doppler ultrasound will determine/rule them out

2. Apart heart problems, shortness of breath could be related to:
- lungs problems: a physical examination and respiratory function test will be helpful to determine/rule it out
- if no organic problem is found, then, anxiety and stress (neurological) are to be considered

3. If still nothing is found, then, should be taken into account possible prednisone withdrawal symptoms. However, you are saying that you've been taking it for several years (and I believe in low dose). Furthermore, I do not think the doctor stopped it "cold turkey"; but gradually reducing the dosage until stopping.

Anyway such effects should be considered too.

Hope it was of help! Let me know if I can be of further help!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)
I was only on the prednisone for four months then slowly taken off, my body doesn't take well to new meds. I will talk with my doctor about your advice, I did have a chest x-ray and ekg and nothing was found but will make sure he does further testing...thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes,keep following up with your doctor&discuss about my advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Please follow up with your doctor to run the advised tests in order to rule out other organic problems for final diagnosis.

All the best!
If no more queries, please do not forget to close this discussion!
Dr.Albana
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Shortness Of Breath And Swollen Ankles

Brief Answer: Kidney/liver/clogged leg's blood vessels/lungs problems to consider... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, I am sorry for the situation you are going through. 1. Heart problems could be a possible cause to swollen ankles. Other possible causes include: - kidney problems: get kidney function test; urine analysis and abdominal ultrasound done to determine/rule it out - liver issues: get a liver function test done - problems with leg's blood vessels: a Doppler ultrasound will determine/rule them out 2. Apart heart problems, shortness of breath could be related to: - lungs problems: a physical examination and respiratory function test will be helpful to determine/rule it out - if no organic problem is found, then, anxiety and stress (neurological) are to be considered 3. If still nothing is found, then, should be taken into account possible prednisone withdrawal symptoms. However, you are saying that you've been taking it for several years (and I believe in low dose). Furthermore, I do not think the doctor stopped it "cold turkey"; but gradually reducing the dosage until stopping. Anyway such effects should be considered too. Hope it was of help! Let me know if I can be of further help! Dr.Albana