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Original poster

Odema management

11 replies

LipUpFattie · 07/04/2026 17:32

Hoping there's some of the tribe out there with some experience.

I've been suffering with odema after having cellulitis but my ankle at my heel is weeping. I will get to the GP but does anyone have any advice on how to stop it weeping other than sitting with my leg up. Putting a bandage on hasn't been very successful as it gets soggy.

OP posts:
Shouldbedoing · 07/04/2026 21:36

You need professional help via District Nursing or Tissue Viability Nurse. Meanwhile keep it clean and covered.

BillieWiper · 07/04/2026 21:37

You need to clean the wound several times a day with isopropyl alcohol and use dressings and wadding.

Does the discharge smell bad? Are you feeling hot, sick, dizzy?

I did have oedema in feet and ankles and that was to do with malnutrition so a better diet and lots of vitamins helped, but an open wound is more of a concern.

I hope you can see the GP as an emergency for the wound? Wishing you well x

DoAWheelie · 07/04/2026 21:43

Ask your GP for a steroid cream - its the only thing that gets it to heal up when it's weeping for me.

I buy large dressings and cover them in a thin layer of cream and put them on for an hour or so once or twice a day. The rest of the time I keep my leg raised with a towel under and make sure to change it around to keep the skin as dry as possible.

Without the cream I sometimes had weeping for weeks at a time, with it I can sort it same day in most instances.

Are you on water tablets? They make a big difference and I only get weeping issues when I've been unable to take them due to other health conditions.

Original poster
LipUpFattie · 08/04/2026 12:36

DoAWheelie · 07/04/2026 21:43

Ask your GP for a steroid cream - its the only thing that gets it to heal up when it's weeping for me.

I buy large dressings and cover them in a thin layer of cream and put them on for an hour or so once or twice a day. The rest of the time I keep my leg raised with a towel under and make sure to change it around to keep the skin as dry as possible.

Without the cream I sometimes had weeping for weeks at a time, with it I can sort it same day in most instances.

Are you on water tablets? They make a big difference and I only get weeping issues when I've been unable to take them due to other health conditions.

Thankyou. The last time I saw the doctor water tablets were mentioned but he was going to wait and see if the swelling went down of its own accord. It hasn't so it's definitely an option.

Will take today's bandage off after DPD had delivered!

OP posts:
Girliefriendlikespuppies · 08/04/2026 12:41

You need a Doppler test and compression bandages, is there a leg ulcer clinic near you? You could ask to be referred.

caringcarer · 08/04/2026 14:00

You need water tablets. After taking them and weeing lots of times I can lose 2lb in a day.

Original poster
LipUpFattie · 08/04/2026 15:16

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 08/04/2026 12:41

You need a Doppler test and compression bandages, is there a leg ulcer clinic near you? You could ask to be referred.

There's an edema clinic but I'm waiting for an appointment. I'm assuming that they referred me - they said that they had....my surgery leave a lot to be desired as I've had to chase them for a prescription and a fit note as it is.

OP posts:
Original poster
LipUpFattie · 08/04/2026 15:18

caringcarer · 08/04/2026 14:00

You need water tablets. After taking them and weeing lots of times I can lose 2lb in a day.

I was hoping to avoid that ...... (because of the weeing I mean).

OP posts:
redfishcat · 08/04/2026 16:23

You need lots of protein in your diet, make sure you have some at each meal.

DoAWheelie · 09/04/2026 02:51

LipUpFattie · 08/04/2026 15:18

I was hoping to avoid that ...... (because of the weeing I mean).

Show quote history

I wanted to avoid it too as I have mobility issues and some days wouldn't be able to get to the toilet, but once you have the main bulk of the excess water out, you can maintain it quite well without taking them every single day.

I decide each morning if I should take them based on current build up, my pain levels, my mobility levels, and if I need to leave the house before they'd wear off. I take them maybe 2-3 days a week total and that's enough to keep it mostly under control.

Most weeping issues now are accidental small puncture wounds from a cat trying to steal food from me. The skin doesn't ever randomly split from tightness anymore.

Original poster
LipUpFattie · 09/04/2026 07:36

DoAWheelie · 09/04/2026 02:51

I wanted to avoid it too as I have mobility issues and some days wouldn't be able to get to the toilet, but once you have the main bulk of the excess water out, you can maintain it quite well without taking them every single day.

I decide each morning if I should take them based on current build up, my pain levels, my mobility levels, and if I need to leave the house before they'd wear off. I take them maybe 2-3 days a week total and that's enough to keep it mostly under control.

Most weeping issues now are accidental small puncture wounds from a cat trying to steal food from me. The skin doesn't ever randomly split from tightness anymore.

Show quote history

That's really helpful. Thanks for explaining. Sounds a lot more manageable than I thought.

OP posts:
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