Weeping Edema

mommyandme (m&m)

Well this is new and different.   Didn’t know this was even a thing.  Moms legs, mainly calves, have been retaining water for quite some time. Elevating hasn’t seemed to help at all ever.  Yesterday I couldn’t figure out what was going on with this small hole that water would rush out of if I got near it. Otherwise it just seeped and soaked everything.  I thought maybe the cat may have produced the puncture but not so sure anymore.  The hospice nurse is coming by a little later to check it out.  Any insight you wise folks have would be greatly appreciated.

M1

Sounds bothersome. Is it causing her any distress? Always the key question. I wonder if just a soft dry dressing would protect it. You worry about places like that getting infected. But if it’s not red or sore, there may not be much to do. Compression dressings or stockings would probably be too uncomfortable.

mommyandme (m&m)

Thanks M1! 

So far it’s not causing her discomfort. Our hospice nurse has agreed all along that she not a fan of compressions to deal with edema.  Love it when two medical professionals agree.

Can this type of hole heal? 

May flowers

My mother-in-law had this when battling cancer, I don’t remember what caused it or they did to treat it (maybe a diuretic?) but she had several areas that were weeping (ugh), it did eventually heal though.

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mommyandme (m&m)

Thank you!  

So far there is no smell, one of the first things I checked.  Good news there.  

abc123

My dads neck weeps a clear, odorless liquid. It doesn’t cause him any discomfort. He keeps a tissue in his shirt pocket.

Ed1937

My wife had breast cancer, and she had lymph nodes removed. Her wrist, hand and lower arm was always swelled from that. She also had water weeping out of her hand at times. This went on for years before it finally stopped.

M1

M&m there are a lot of potential causes. Her protein levels could be low because of poor intake, kidney disease, all kinds of things. But probably none reversible or worth pursuing. I'm glad it doesn't seem to be bothering her, that's the important thing. And I'm glad hospice is keeping her. Sounds like the right decision all around.

mommyandme (m&m)

thanks for sharing your experiences and wisdom with me! I appreciate everyone.

JDancer

Could also be due to congestive heart failure. Fluid can collect in the lower extremities and/or lungs. The nurse will assess and can give you advice.

May flowers

Does anyone know if heart issues can cause a swollen face? FiL has this now in the morning, but it goes away once he’s in his chair. I thought maybe it is how he is laying (gravity) but he has had an irregular heartbeat for a few months now