Conversation with Merlin [email protected] · Fri Jan 12 2024

How's Your Morning Money Merlin? so i went to the doctors due to swollen feet and ankles with no apparent cause. its been happening for 3 months now and doctors did all the test they deemed necessary and were baffled that they could not come to a diagnosis. i was just coming to see if maybe you had some hypothesis you could possibly add to my list of possibilities?

I'm not Money Merlin, but I'd be glad to assist you as Medical Merlin. I'm sorry to hear about your struggle with swollen feet and ankles. It must be frustrating to not have a clear diagnosis despite undergoing various tests. Swelling in the feet and ankles can be caused by a wide range factors, so it's important to consider both common and rare possibilities.

  1. Cardiovascular Conditions: Heart failure, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can all lead to persistent swelling in the lower extremities. Cardiac conditions that affect the heart's ability to pump blood can result in fluid retention and subsequent swelling.

  2. Liver and Kidney Disease: Both liver and kidney issues can cause fluid retention and lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. Liver cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease are two examples of conditions that may present with this symptom.

3 Lymphatic Issues: Lymphedema, a condition where there is swelling due to a problem with the lymphatic system, could be a consideration, especially if there's a history of lymph node surgery, radiation therapy, or infection in the affected limb.

  1. Medications: Some medications can to peripheral edema (swelling in the extremities) as a side effect. This can include certain calcium channel blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and others.

  2. Chronic Venous Insufficiency: This occurs when the veins in the legs unable to pump blood back to the heart effectively, leading to, varicose veins, and other related symptoms.

  3. Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can also present with joint swelling and inflammation.

Given the complex nature of your symptoms, it's essential to ensure that your healthcare provider considers these possibilities and performs appropriate tests to rule out each one. Further studies, such as an ultrasound to assess for DVT, and additional blood work to evaluate cardiac, liver, and kidney function may be warranted. Additionally, a consultation with a specialist, such as a cardiologist, vascular specialist, or rheumatologist, may provide further insights.

It's crucial to keep communicating openly with your healthcare team, asking questions, and expressing any concerns. I emphasize the importance of seeking professional medical assistance to address your condition comprehensively. If you're experiencing any new or worsening symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe pain the swollen areas, it's imperative to seek immediate medical attention.

I hope this information provides some considerations for you to discuss with your healthcare provider. If you have any more details to share or any related questions, please feel free to let me know.