AIBU to feel like I've been fobbed off?

[abigwideworld]

About a year ago I developed swelling in one foot. I was doing the last week of c25k at the time so I rested it and stopped running. I couldn't remember injuring it though.

After two weeks I realised it hadn't gone down so I saw my GP. They said it was actually fluid retention rather than swelling and prescribed water tablets. The water tablets would ease the swelling whilst I slept but as soon as I would walk on it, the swelling would come back. It has now been there almost a year.

In the meantime, I've had blood tests (clear) and an ultrasound (just confirmed water retention). I've also been seeing the most senior GP in our practice because nobody could figure it out and he thought it was interesting. After my ultrasound he said it's unlikely to be anything serious. He said it was either leaky blood vessels or a blocked lymph node, but that they couldn't treat either so I should see it as permanent. I'm only 23 and can't wear heels, struggle to fit my foot into trainers etc. My partner thinks I'm being fobbed off. Is he right?

[abigwideworld]

Oh, and I've asked for an X-ray but was refused on the basis that any injury would have healed by now. Another doctor suggested MRI but my GP doesn't think there's any point.

[cathyandclare]

Could it be lymphoedema? It's often missed

[abigwideworld]

Yes that is one of the 'possible' things the GP thinks it could be, but he is not willing to do anything to confirm as there is no cure. He has told me to wear compression stockings and rest the foot often but this isn't really compatible with my lifestyle long term. I'm due to have a baby soon (got pregnant after the problem started) and will be on my feet a lot!

[JennyOnAPlate]

I think in your shoes I would be insisting on the MRI. I wouldn't accept being told to expect to stay like this forever!

[abigwideworld]

Thanks that was my thoughts too. Getting sick of going back and forth though.

[edwinbear]

Do you have private medical insurance? If so could you ask the GP to refer you to a specialist?

[WhateverWillBe]

Tbh I probably wouldn't bother investigating it further whilst you're pregnant...my feet were like water balloons when I was pregnant and many people get fluid retention so any problem you have when pregnant isn't likely to be a true reflection right now.

Definitely go back again if it doesn't calm down once baby's born though.

[ElBandito]

As a word of warning your feet can swell up massively immediately after your baby is borne do cause the same sort of problem. I have had one slightly swollen foot since DD was born 8 yrs ago. I could imagine that if you have a problem with one foot already pregnancy and giving birth could make it worse.

[petalsandstars]

Yes I'd wait until a few weeks after baby's born for the general fluid retention to go down then seek further treatment / pester them to run tests.

[abigwideworld]

I don't have private medical insurance. I'm not even working at the moment, though hopefully that will change when baby is here.


Yeah I won't be trying to get any more tests until baby is here, but he is due in just over four weeks so it won't be long. Just trying to find out if it's worth pushing the doctor about or if I've hit a dead end.

[ILostItInTheEarlyNineties]

You say the doctor is unwilling to do anything if it is lymphoedema because there is no cure.
In fact you can be referred to a lymphatic therapist who can treat it. A course of specialised massage (which you can be taught) will move fluid to the lymph nodes where it will be removed by your body.
Compression is really important and you should be provided with compression garments or velcro bandages.
Surgery is also an option (although that's a specialised area.)

As pps have advised, it would be best to get your pregnancy and the first few months with a newborn out of the way before embarking on treatment but do push for a diagnosis.

[abigwideworld]

Thank you :) another doctor I saw did mention referral to a clinic for treatment, but I get the impression I'm unlikely to get one unless I really push for it. Will deffo try after baby has been here a while and my body has settled down!

[ILostItInTheEarlyNineties]

Good luck .