Rheumatologist Questions Rheumatoid Diseases

Edema: ankles feet and lower legs

My peripheral edema is persistent. I also have abdominal bloating. I have had liver and kidney tests to be sure they aren't the cause. My heart is fine. My question is simple--could my rheumatoid disease with inflammatory osteoarthritis be the reason for this edema? I take 4 mg. Bumetinide daily and it barely keeps swelling at a minimum.

62 years old
Complaint duration: 12 months
Medications: Bumetinide Arava
Conditions: Edema, secondary Sjogrens, Usual Interstitial Pneumonia caused by RA, inflammatory osteoarthritis

4 Answers

It sounds like you have venous insufficiency or lymphedema
Specific lymphedema therapy, compressive stockings and Vascular Consult is recommended
I would suggest you find a lymphadema specialist. If it was only fluid, it would have responded to diuretics. Lymphadema would not.
Yes!
Have the cardiologist do an echocardiogram to make sure it's not pulmonary hypertension, a disorder that can be hard to diagnose and can happen with Ra or Sjogrens. Final disposition may need a right sided heart cath. Show this to the Rheumatologist.