[appleParticipant]

Admittedly, this seems trivial compared to most side-effects, but especially now water retention (according to both Doctor and myeloma nurse) has bloated my feet, it is compromising my ability to work. The situation is further exacerbated by the change in the weather; rain/puddles will compress my trainers, and the absence of anywhere at work to raise my feet, even at lunchtime. This problem seemed to start with the second round of Dexamethasone in the first Chemo cycle, but has not reduced since. I have just finished the first round (day 4) of the 2nd cycle.
Obviously, longer term I need to re-double efforts to buy non-binding socks and wider shoes, but as neither seem to be available on the "high street", this will take time for on-line delivery. The subject of Water tablets will be raised at my check up on Friday, but has anyone got a "quick fix" to allow me to work tomorrow and Thursday? I've been managing 3-4 "short" days a week so far, so it would be a shame not to work at all for what is largely a practical, rather than medical side effect.

Thanks,

Phil

[eveParticipant]

Hi Phil

Sandals might be your answer,plus if you cannot find any loose top socks cut the top off your other socks,I found socks very easy went to the cheaper shops,as M&S did not have any,factory outlet shop had them.:-)

You need to get your feet much high than your body,if sitting on a sofa the arm is about the right height ,same in bed,I use to massage Slims feet with Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula it easier s the tightness of the skin.,but you still must walk as well.

Hope this helps Eve

[appleParticipant]

Thanks, Eve. There is a factory outlet a few miles down the road – albeit the bus is only hourly at weekends. I have been lent a pair of bedroom sandals, but don't think these will do for the office. I'm about to lie on the bed with raised legs, and I suspect this and the drier weather forecast for tomorrow are my best hopes for working the rest of the week.

Phil

[eveParticipant]

Hi Phil

Have you not explained your condition in work???! I am sure they would want you to be comfortable,your health and comfort should come before,any office attire,if you were a pregnant woman it would be no tights no heels,and any thing that fits on your feet.;-)

Cheaper to. Cut the top of your socks off,than pay for the bus!!!

I like the Aussie and NZ attitude to hot weather,anyone wearing long trousers looks out of place even in the office,we need to mend are ways in this country. Eve

[appleParticipant]

Hi again, Eve.

I should have been more explicit. Work have actually been very accomodating, especially with my reduced hours. The problem is there is physically nowhere to raise my feet. Conventional socks were stopping the water at my ankles, so it eased once I got home, removed all footwear and bathed. Its only this last few days – coinciding with using these bedroom sandals, and starting Cycle 2, that my feet themselves have been swelling.

Normally, you would be right regarding bus fares – anything above 2.5 miles return is a minimum of £4 in Greater Manchester – however, I have a free pass.

Again, though, I have to stress, its the next three days I am most concerned about.

[DaiCroParticipant]

Hi Phil,

I can recommend:

[quote]SUPER TRAVELLER Compression Travel Flight Socks Size 6-9, 39-43 MEDIUM – BLACK

Available on Amazon with free next day delivery on [b]Amazon Prime[/b]. I can attest to their delivery service and to the quality of the socks… much easier to put on than the NHS socks which takes two Tug O' War teams and copious amounts of small pains, with ten pinch to the inch. I can even manage to put them on myself (on a good day) which is a good stand-bye. If you haven't got a Janet or an Eve then that comes in handy.[/quote]

I include the review below from the Amazon review for these items. They averaged 4.5 stars (from 50 reviews, which might held you with the confidence factor.8-)

[quote]I chose these socks because I needed to reduce the swelling in my ankles and support my aching legs. I wear them all day and find that they are extremely comfortable. I found them so comfortable, I've ordered more socks.[/quote]

Best of luck with using whatever you settle on.:-)

Dai.
(2 DVT's – 2011 Right & 2012 Left)

[appleParticipant]

Thanks, Dai – and just about my size too! When I lloked on Amazon, there seemed nothing in the 7-11 (shoe) size for any socks. This will help medium term, but still hoping to get through next three days.

[appleParticipant]

Having got through the first cycle, and started the second cycle quite well, I "hit the wall" on day 13 with severe fatigue. I dragged myself in to the check up the following day (2 hours late and by taxi), where all results were "normal". The fatigue took a further 5 days to even start wearing off, but I completed cycle 2. On going for the check up last Friday, the doctor has suspended cycle 3, pending a liver scan. Results weren't discussed, but he seems to have made this decision based on my increasingly distended abdomen. No idea when liver scan will be, but continuing with all the other drugs and due back in clinic Friday.
And what's all this got to do with swollen feet (due to Water retention)? Simple, its getting worse and this morning, for the first time ever, I simply couldn't put anything on my feet. Note that the doctor won't prescribe water tablets or similar, in case they affect the liver. So, if they don't go down naturally, how do I get to – and indeed around – hospital on Friday? Not to mention going stir crazy worrying about the implications of liver problems, chemo delay….and the fact that the Insurance company have rejected my claim for the holiday I was due to start three days after diagnosis, but won't explain clearly why! Over £2000 is at stake.

[sanParticipant]

Hello Phil, all i can tell you is that my Mum had 2 cycles of RCD and her liver could not cope and so all drugs were stopped for many weeks, she had diurectics from the Gp as her feet became swollen and probably should not have as her potasium levels plumented and she had to take high doses orally at home which improved her situation and the diurectics were stopped, her liver improved, the liver specialist that she saw said that he expected her liver to fully recover he could not say how long this would take and naturally we were worried about her Myeloma and the need to continue her chemo at some stage, she was lucky as the chemo had knocked her pp's to 4 and she is currently ok and thought to be in remission, now that the liver is improving her feet are less puffy and she is more mobile and so this helps too but she pops her feet up when she sits down. So hopefully your liver will improve now but it takes time, they may change your treatment regime if the current chemo upset your liver and reduce the dosage of your drugs when they are restarted, the liver is a remarkable organ and will heal,so sorry about your holiday claim an added worry that you do not need at this time. Is there somebody who can take you to the hospital on friday you could get a wheelchair at the hospital i know that it is not great but at least you get to see the Dr best wishes San x

[appleParticipant]

Thanks, San.

My feet were a little better this morning, so I have managed to get some new stretchier socks on, and go and trawl some shops for alternative (ie. 2 sizes above normal) softer, footwear. I've got two different pairs, and as each cost less than the taxi fare to the hosptial, they will pay for themselves in one use. Besides, it meant I got some much needed exercise and fresh (ish) air.
No date for a liver scan yet, but a long delay in restarting chemo will be a bit of a shock, as apart from raised liver function recorded on day 7 of each of the first two cycles, and a short suspension of Lansoprazole on the second occasion, I've been led to believe that nothing unexpected was causing the doctors concern. I doesn't help that out of 7 check ups, I've seen the MacMillan Nurse once, and five different doctors.

Apple

[sanParticipant]

Ahh everyone is different and so all might be well very soon, its just the not knowing that can cause more anxiety, you will know more on friday the best of luck with your consultation, glad to hear that you are getting about better today exercise will help i am sure,let us know how you get on, take care San x

[maxParticipant]

hi mumum is 73 and got myloma its stage 3 she has just dicovered a lump nr her grion area its not soft so dont think its a hernia its hard to touch too am worried i admitt her leg keeps going too shes too scared to get out off bed now in case she falls anyone any idea what it could be

[appleParticipant]

Chemo still suspended. New doctor quickly organised an ultrasound. Ascites diagnosed, with 50mg a day of Spironolactone prescribed, for now. Hope it begins to take effect soon.

Apple

[sanParticipant]

Hello Apple, glad to hear that the Doctor is onto it, the ultrasound should happen quite quickly and then you can go on from there, i am sure that they will start chemo again as soon as they can but first things first, take care and hope that you feel better soon with the new medication, best wishes San x

[appleParticipant]

Thanks, San. What I didn't mention is that when I returned to clinic from having the ultrasound done, I was then seen by the original doctor. He was all for admitting me to stew in hospital over the four night Bank Holiday weekend, until he actually spoke to the ultrasound technician. Instead, I was called back in today, just for another round of blood tests, but (surprise, surprise), I was not expected. Anyway, the Nurse sorted it, but it meant (again) I didn't get the oppurtunity to raise a "side effect on side effect" question. The dilated stomach had stretched the skin below the abdomem, leading to an occasional burning senstation – to be expected, apparently. However, this is now affecting my left thigh. With the usual precaution of using nothing that could impact on the liver, can anyone recommend an "off the shelf" cream or ointment to allay these symptoms in the short term?

Apple

[Author]

Posts