I've been getting very worried. My ankles have been
swelling really bad, and I haven't taked pred in about
3 weeks. Anyone else experience this without pred?
ThanksI've never been off pred since my diagnosis, but I get more swollen wrists, knuckles, knees and sometimes ankles if I go off MTX and enbrel which I've done 4 times due to infections.
Tara-are you feet or toes swollen too? what about your hands? If you press on the ankle does it leave an indention?
crunchy-it's mostly my ankles and a little on the top ofWell CHF causes fluid to build in the lower extremities because the heart isnt working as it should. You are still pretty young and if you have been otherwise healthy that is probably not the case. Ankles just dont swell for no reason. But the most likely cause is your RA. Prednisone is supposed to decrease inflammation. Something like CHF would require a fluid pill like Lasix to reduce the swelling.
Kidney problems and things like hypertension and diabetes can also cause ankle swelling. It is always a good idea to at least call your doctor or at least the nurse there if this is a new symptom for you or it concerns you in anyway.
You might want to see the doctor. What you describe where you leave an indent that bounces back might mean you are retaining water and oh, that can really make your feet hurt and swell. The solution is simple -- a diuretic and potassium (you need both).
A doctor can tell by just looking. Retaining water is a side effect of the prednisone. Like we needed another. Always a good idea to get it checked out.
Other things that help are soaking your feet and wearing those lovely support stockings.
But ouch!
I had swelling from high blood when I was pregnant I know what that is like this swelling only in the ankles and feet. Mine hurt the worst around the heel area.I have very swollen ankles, top of foot and toes. I am tapering my pred. and am down to 15mg. daily. I don't have congestive heart failure, diabetes, or kidney disease. Have been checked for all of them. My RD says it's directly related to the RA. I'm waiting for the Mtx and Enbrel to kick in. Its been almost 8 weeks and I only see a mild reduction in symptoms. I'm also on a diuretic and potassium. Tara sweetheart, I flared bad when I got off pred. Ended up getting a cortizone shot. It got me back to normal - whatever that is. The side effects are not as bad with cortizone, my moon face is gone which thrills me. Maybe try that?Is this something that is common with RA? I hope the Dr. won't want to increase my Prednisone as I've gained weight and my face is like the smileys, round..
I was just hoping maybe you all could advise me. Trisha Trisha, Have they done xrays and an MRI yet? When they drained your knee, did they biopsy it to see if there was an infection going on? I definitely would see the doctor and push for better answers. I have Osteoarthritis and RA in my knees. That's why they want to eventually do knee surgery. Mine is mostly OA and there is no cartiledge left. I wear braces and have used a cane. I also had months of physical therapy. If you don't get good results from your RA doctor, then ask to see an orthopediatic surgeon. They are very good at evaluating these type of problems (you probably don't need surgery -- it sounds like something else is going on. But I would absolutely insist on an MRI. An MRI will pick up bone erosion and fluids. Deanna, the Dr. showed my husband & I the fluid from my knee & he told us that there was a lot of cartilage floating around. Yes, he did send the fluid away to biopsy. I don't know what the results were. I have had lots of X-rays of my knees about 2 months ago. No MRI. This swelling makes it hard to get around. I consider myself VERY fortunate when I read some of the posts. Most of you gals are very young & apparently have a long road ahead. I'm in my 60's. I just found out about 3 months ago that I have RA. I have never been so tired in my life, even though I have under active thyroid. I have always been very active, but boy have I ever slowed down lots!! Thanks for your reply, Trisha Trisha, I'd definitely push the doctor for more relief on this problem. I seem to remember them being able to treat this more agressively in some of the reading that I've done. Only I don't remember exactly what they do since it isn't the same as my problem. The fact is that doctors have many more tools available to help us than they seem to be willing to offer. This is usually because they really are not understanding how much pain and how much it limits our activities. Speak louder!
Trishasea-sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I
hope you will find relief for your knee soon. Are you
on any RA meds? I understand about the tiredness!
It's so frustrating.
I think I will have the dr check my ankles and I'm
pretty sure I need a diuretic. Also, I seem to be
flaring a little all over..especially in my hips-which is
new-and I just had my remicade 3 weeks ago. It has
been working great, so maybe it is from going off
pred. Don't want to even think about going back on
it-I'm looking forward to my moon face going away
too Roxy!
Looks like I'm also going to be picked to be on a jury
for a month-long trial. Not looking forward too it.
Wasn't able to get a medical excuse. If I do get
selected, it will be 4 days a week where I won't be
typing and walking around all day..(I support our
company controller, purchasing vp, and about 35
others on 3 floors).maybe that will help some.
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