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What Is Going On With My Legs? They Have Been
Question: What is going on with my legs? They have been severely swollen and hard with very dry skin. The problem is in my knees and lower extremities (both legs and feet) I have kidney problems that I take medication for. I have osteoarthritis in my spine and legs and both feet. I had an ultrasound done on both legs last Fall of 2019. I saw my kidney doctor and he said I have elevated potassium levels in my blood work and urinalysis. My internal medicine doctor is the one that ordered the ultrasound. I have been sleeping in a sitting position for the past 8 months. I cant walk well enough to go to buy a new bed yet. Can you help me?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that the swollen legs could be related to the chronic renal disease, coupled with the position (sleeping in a sitting position, can lead to swollen legs as the blood tends to remain in the legs). The dry skin is caused by the changes in the skin due to continuous swelling.
Coming to this point, I would recommend taking diuretics (furasemide or torasemide) and try to avoid this sleeping position. Wearing compression socks can help too.
I would also recommend performing also a cardiac ultrasound and checking albumin and total protein plasma levels.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that the swollen legs could be related to the chronic renal disease, coupled with the position (sleeping in a sitting position, can lead to swollen legs as the blood tends to remain in the legs). The dry skin is caused by the changes in the skin due to continuous swelling.
Coming to this point, I would recommend taking diuretics (furasemide or torasemide) and try to avoid this sleeping position. Wearing compression socks can help too.
I would also recommend performing also a cardiac ultrasound and checking albumin and total protein plasma levels.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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