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Question

I have numbness and tingling in my feet and toes, and stiffness in my ankles and the lower leg. Recently, the ankles and lower legs were swollen, but the swelling has gradually gone away and I am able to wear loafers again, but the skin of the ankles and lower legs is especially dry and the front part of the legs have a slightly red sign of irritation. Two and a half months ago I had open heart surgery for an aortic valve replacement and also surgery in the neck to clear arterial plaque which could have caused a stroke. I have had spinal stenosis and herniated discs(4 in lumbar region) for about three years. Is the leg and ankle stiffnes, plus the numbness in toes and feet due to the heart surgery or is this due to the lower back and cervical problems?

Submitted: 26 days and 8 hours ago.
Category: Health
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Gender: Male
Age: 77

Already Tried:
I am in a physiological rehabilitation plan for 90 days and have completed a month attending 3 sessions of one hour per week

Posted by CamilleRN 26 days and 8 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi and thank you for your question. It's difficult to know what has caused the leg problems specifically, but the swelling is most likely a circulation issue. What did you do to eliminate the swelling , are you on water pills? Are the red areas on your legs on the front or the back of the legs?

26 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

I wore leg stockings in the hospital to help eliminate the swelling and I tried to elevate my legs at night. I take a water pill daily (lasix) and Potassium. I realize my circulation is bad because at normal room temperatures seem cold and I have to wear an extra jacket.
The redness has appeared on the shins or front side of the legs.

Posted by CamilleRN 26 days and 7 hours ago.

Info Request

If you place your hand over the redness is it warm to the touch? ( warmer than the rest of the leg)

26 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

No, it is not warmer than the rest of the leg.

Posted by CamilleRN 26 days and 7 hours ago.

Info Request

that's a good sign.Some warmth could indicate cellulitis (an iflammation) so watch for that, if they legs become more reddened and begin to feel hot to the touch, that should be reported to your Dr.
You can continue to elevate your legs every so often. .. not constantly, and apply some moisturizing lotion to help with the dryness. You'll want to watch for any open areas on the places that are dry because dryness will make the skin more brittle and easier to tear. Swelling of the legs causes tingling and numbness because the tissue is swollen, so that coupled with your circulation is probably the reason. Are you diabetic?

26 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

No, I am not diabetic.

26 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

I am pleased with your reply to my question and will look for it in my e-mail.

Thanks,
XXXXXXXXXXX

Accepted Answer

You are very welcome Mr. Byron, if you ever need anything else, I'm here to help you anytime!

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Expert: CamilleRN
Pos. Feedback: 98.4 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/28/2009

Registered Nurse, Director of Nrsg

30 yrs experience in Skilled Nursing. My goal is to help you to the best of my abilities.

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