Dec 17th my MIL suffered her 4th stroke ( 1st in 2009, 2nd 2010, 3rd 2012 50 -100+ TIA's to many for the doctors to count) 3 days ago while in rehad her left leg, arm swelled to 3 times normal size, right leg 2 times normal size. Staff seems to just blow it off what on earth other than retaining water from staff lack of giving water pills (low dose spirolactone) could cause this? Her previous strokes left her with some weakness this one pretty much wiped out her left side except her face. On top of this she has dementia and has been sundowning off and on for the last 6 monthes but also has had 9 unrinary tracks back to back.. at wits end here.
Is she laying on one side, and lot? Or, hanging her legs a lot, while sitting in a wheelchair or other chair?
Are you Certain, she hasn't had a fall?
A DVT needs to be ruled out! And If/When it is, then there are massage techniques that can help with the swelling, in addition to wrapping the affected limbs from the hand or foot upwards, loosely, BUT SHE MUST BE SEEN BY THE CARDIOLOGIST FIRST, before any of these type things should be tried!!!
Is she Short of Breath? Is there any redness, suggestive of Vasculitis, DVT, and cellulitis? Is there any pain along with the symptoms in the affected extremities? Has she had a Headache, suggesting a stroke, or TIA, these questions all need to be asked of the Cardiologist, and normally, they do ultrasound type tests, to rule out a blockage!
I don't know the age of you MIL, or what her DNR status is, or other physical symptoms, life expectancy and such, but if you are wanting her to have the very best chance at living beyond such symptoms, I would be Very Persistent in getting her Acute Care, as in 911!
See All Answers