symptoms and the menstrual cycle

[Nancyw]

I just found this site and think that lymphedema might be my problem. One of my questions is if symptoms get worse during the ovulation to period time of the cycle. I have had swelling in my hands since I was about 13 and some in my legs as a kid. I had pre-eclampsia with my first child, not the second. I have had my left leg swollen for the past 9 months. It started in my foot and worked it's way up the leg. It seems to be receeding now and is only in the top of my foot to the extent of pitting edema. My doctor did a vein study but has not seen a need for more studies. I notice that the two weeks before my period I my legs and arms become so much weaker and feel so much heavier. Some times it shows edema sometimes it just feels like it. I have more trouble breathing and develope a cough, I get so fatigued that I can hardly more or stay awake. Once my period comes I feel so much better. My cycle is only 21 days long so I don't get to feel good for long. I have been telling my doctor for years how much worse it is during that time. Has any one else found this to be true. My gyno just did an exam and found a lump during my last few days before my period while I was really swollen and tender. I have to go to get a mammagram and ultrasound and then see a surgeon. I'm nervous about getting the mammagram if it is really lymphedema that i have. I go on Monday the 5th of June so I'd appreciate any help in this area. Thank you, Nanc

[dbaird]

Nancy, how was your appointment today? I hope and pray you are finding answers.

Keep us posted!!!

[Nancyw]

Thank you Denise, Looks like everything is ok as far as I know. They really couldn't find the lump she felt though there was some differnce in the area. The radiologist said I would be fine but I have to call my doctor to see if she still wants me to see the surgeon. I don't think they she will unless they didn't tell me that they did find something. I got the impression that if they found something the radiologist would have been out to tell me. Big sigh of relief. Now all I have to do is see my endocronologist (sp) and if she rules out the thyroid I have to get my regular doctor to listen to me about possible lymphedema. The more I read on this sight the more it sounds like what has been going on with me for most of my life. Thanks so much for thinking of me. I'm so glad today is over and it looks like it will be ok. Nanc

[cutiebabiesbyr]

I also noticed that mine is much, much worse at this time, it's bad at other times, but gets REALLY red and more swollen when I ovulate and get my period.

[renita]

I have Lymphedema pretty much everywhere. I was also diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure at the same time. My cough and trouble breathing were due to the fact that i had fluid around my heart and lungs. After the initial 150 lbs. of fluid came off of my body from lasix and other meds. and diet. The congestive heart failure is better and so is my breathing and I don't have any coughing anymore. The overwhelming tired feeling I had was due to my heart having to work so hard. It was literally being squashed by all the fluid in my body. I was not able to breath or sleep which made me very lethargic. I wanted to sleep badly but couldn't and when I did fall asleep I would wake up with a sudden burst of struggling for air. I also had sleep apnea, even sitting up.I also had the worst case of Cellulitis, the Doctor had ever seen. He did 2 biopsies, to make sure it was Cellulitis. And it was.

[dbaird]

Hi Renita, Oh my goodness, I am so sorry you have had such a rough time BUT glad you are doing better. Our weight is so important to keep off as much as possible. I started Weight Watchers 9 weeks ago and have lost over 11 lbs, even though I blew it at a family reunion this last week, my legs feel much better. I have 10 more lbs (probably more now because of all I ate at the FR) to lose and I will be at my goal weight. Hang in there and Congratulations on losing 150 lbs of fluid, that is great!! You are in my prayers.