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Ankle swelling & knee pain swelling

Tillyboo
  • 2 replies
  • 43 subscribers
  • 187 views

My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March, no symotoms T3 N2 M1c.

Hes had 4 keytruda & 3 zometa.

My question is, before any of this started he was suffering with ankle swelling ( right worse than left, due to a stroke in 2018).

So far his oncologist has done all tests inc heart & alls ok, she said to see GP for med review. GP stopped amlodipine & increased furosemide & its made no difference.

Hes being seen in physio & been given a foot brace for foot drop due to stroke, but also due to the amount of swelling on the right foot.

He used to go out every day, but due to this swelling & knee pain maybe once a week. He only walks about in our flat.

Its becoming impossible to get answers of whats causing this or treatment. My last call with his GP said its probably age related!

He as no other problems no cough etc its just this swelling & knee pain. Which is getting worse. He as had knee problems for years & various procedures.

We've now resorted to seeing an acupuncturist tomorrow to see if he can help.

My husbands life is just being at home, we cant do anything due to this ankle/knee problem, if we go out it as to be taxis as his scared of falling ( which he did 2 wks ago).

Its a mystery, something is causing this, the oncoligist/GP/Physio is aware how frustrated he is due to reducing his mobility & independence. I cant do anything with friends anymore, as I worry about leaving him alone. Before this it wasnt a problem, but now neither of us gave a life, as he cant get out & about & I feel guilty if I go anywhere other than the shops.

We've bought massage boot things for circulation to see if that helps & they did nothing, we've bought a feet EMS pad that as various settings, a bit like a tens machine, that sends pulsing through feet, calves etc he had it on the highest setting & couldnt feel a thing, I had it on one & it was felt. He can feel when his feet are being touched, but couldnt feel any pulsing from this foot pad, which is for people who suffer with swollen ankles & circulation problems.

Absolutely at a loss of what to do next....and hope acupuncture does something. Nobody medically seems to be understanding how bad this is for him & I'm getting really frustrated at wasting life of getting up & sitting in on account he cant walk safely.

  •  Hello Tillyboo,  

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan. My name is Helen; I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.  

    I see that you have joined a few of our online groups and hope you find them warm and welcoming.  

    I was very sorry to learn that you husband is having such difficulties with his swollen ankle and knee pain. I can see you are quite desperate for answers and a resolution to the issue.  

    Tillyboo, it is very difficult for us here on the support line to make any kind of meaningful assessment of your husband’s symptoms.  

    In addition, you have kindly explained that the ankle and knee issues preceded your husband’s lung cancer diagnosis by many years, and that his lung specialist has ruled out any relation.  

    Because we are specialists in cancer only, it would be unsafe and inappropriate for us to suggest a cause outside of our specialism.  

    I sincerely hope that makes sense and you understand.   

    You have said how much this is impacting on the quality of life for you both and how frustrated you feel about your lives having contracted so significantly.  

    I know you might not consider yourself a carer, but you are very much providing your husband with care and support, all of which impacts on your health and well-being and brings with it complex feelings.  

    There is no doubt that having some time to do what is important to you is essential, so I am popping some ideas here for more social support for you both.  

    I wonder if Carers UK’s ‘support where you live’ information might be a helpful in accessing some social support.  

    You mention in your profile that your husband is having treatment at the Royal Marsden, so here is a Surrey service, for example. 

    As well as Carers UK, your county council website will have information about how to access support services including a free assessment of your husband’s needs with regards to being safe and independent at home.  

    Have you considered applying for attendance allowance? If your husband is eligible, this will provide him with some additional money that might be spent on a carer providing some assistance for him and some respite for you. You are most welcome to speak our benefits advisors for help in applying (number below).     

    I know this is not the response you had hoped for, but I hope at least there is some information here that might help ease your situation.  

    I sincerely hope that the acupuncture can offer some relief to the knee pain. 

    With my best wishes, Helen 

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

    You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

    Ref:  HM/SH 

  • in reply to Helen M - Macmillan

    Hi thanks for your reply. He is already in reciept of PIP. 

    Can Immunotherapy/Zometa make arthritis worse?

    Since he fell a few wks ago his knees are still painful.

    I was just wondering if current treatments, can affect arthritis?

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