[ExSoldier]

Does anybody know what kind of circulatory problem is in Jim's legs and what the symptoms are? My reason is that I've been to the magnificent VA here in Miami about ten times in the last three weeks. On FEB 21st I suddenly manifested a severe edema (fluid retention -- pitting type) in both my lower legs. Also in my hands and wrists. Edema is usually associated with kidney failure, liver problems or heart failure. None of those are any fun. They took about a beer keg's worth of blood & urine. I had an echo cardiogram (results not back on that) and a sonogram of my stomach is next to see if that's just good livin' (too much) or if that's a fluid retention problem too. I haven't changed my diet to speak of and can think of no reason to have my lower legs look like tree trunks and my toes look like sausages but I have to admit to being a bit scared. But Jim's right: The VA folks are awesome. For that reason and my faith in Christ, I refuse to let this get me down. I have another appointment tomorrow at 0900.

This one is to dermatology for the mysterious rash that has appeared on the TOPS of both my forearms and there ONLY. Nowhere else on my body. This condition has been present for a couple of years but only worsened in the last six months to the point that here in sunny south Florida I'm restricted to wearing long sleeve shirts so as not to freak folks out. Thank the Lord MRSA has been ruled OUT. But that's all. Last time I went into dermatology the head of the department examined me and then called in the entire staff and all the interns too, and they all clucked and went "Hmmmmmmm" a LOT! That made me pretty uncomfortable, too. Hard to mystify a group of folks that is used to seeing all sorts of exotic skin conditions from wars all over the planet. But I somehow managed. They did give me something to reduce the itching, but the rash is still visible. I think I'm kind of a wreck. So while y'all are praying for Jim, send one up for me, too. Funny thing is that my first name is also Jim. So I'm in pretty good company and so is he. lol

[ExSoldier]

Somebody just told me Jim's actual condition and I apologize for listing my paltry needs along side his. Of course I'll pray for him. Again, I'm sorry. Mods please feel free to delete my post.

[sweetiepiezer]

My PRayers for you also ExSoldier, do hope they can find the cure for you also.

[Jim Robinson]

Sorry to hear about your circulatory problems. In my case it started six or seven years ago when I accidentally turned my wheelchair over and scraped my ankle. The scrape refused to heal. We washed it daily and applied antibiotic creams but it didn’t do much good. My doctor prescribed oral antibiotics but they didn’t help either.

Eventually my feet and ankles started swelling up. The swelling would come and go. The doctor said it was edema caused by poor circulation and that was probably due to sitting in a wheelchair all the time.

Then last fall it took a turn for the worse. My right lower leg started developing blisters that would pop and drain water. Went to the doctor and he prescribed more antibiotics. This prescription included penicillin and I broke out into a terrible hot itchy red rash over most of my body. So then I had to take pills to counteract that, and creams to soothe the rash and itching. Took about a week or more to get rid of that.

In the meantime a second course of antibiotics didn’t help. Then the left foot and leg began swelling. My left foot is now so swollen I can’t put my shoe on.

Then by Christmas I had water and gunk coming out of both lower legs and a layer of skin came off a 6 inch swath over my lower left leg and my right leg developed oozing sores.

My doctor said that I’d probably have to have bypass surgery and if that didn’t cure it, I might lose my legs. He sent me to a cardiovascular surgeon who said basically the same thing.

The cardiovascular surgeon sent me to the VA hospital where he said they had a great cardiovascular team. The first VA doctor who examined me sent me home with antibiotics to fight the cellulitis that was creeping up my legs nearly to the knees and ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

I went back to the VA ten days later for a follow-up and this doctor was so concerned about the swelling, redness and weeping/oozing that she didn’t want to send me home. She wanted to admit me right there on the spot either for emergency surgery or intravenous antibiotics. She was worried my blood would get infected and then I’d really have some serious problems.

She called in a surgeon to have a look and he listened to my arteries with a Doppler device, measured blood pressures in my arms and legs and came to the conclusion that it was not an emergency situation. A second surgeon came in and concurred. Then the chief cardiovascular surgeon came in and and ran some tests, asked a lot of questions and concluded it probably was not arterial, but a venous problem that could be solved without surgery. He said, don’t worry Mr. Robinson, we know your legs are important to you and we will save them. Thank God!

He wrapped my feet and legs in a compression bandage and sent me home.

In the meantime, the doctor had taken a culture of some stuff oozing out of my sore left big toe that I had smashed and lost the toenail on, and she called my yesterday to say it was definitely infected. She prescribed antibiotics to fight that infection.

I went in yesterday for ultrasound and x-rays. Don’t have the results on those yet. The nurse changed my compression dressings while I was there and scheduled me in twice a week for regular changes.

Have an appointment next Tuesday for a follow-up on the infection and another in three weeks at the surgery clinic. So, we’re sitting here waiting and praying.

Thank you all very much for your prayers.

And I’ll offer prayers for you, my friend.

[Myrddin]

I experienced an acute edema of my feet and legs in 2003. It looked exactly like my older son's congestive heart failure problems before his last open heart surgery fixed his aortic valve. The docs did lots of tests and emptied $1500 out of my pocket, but offered no diagnosis or treatment. A week later, another doctor considered the possibility of an acute arthritic attack. He tested for C reactive protein, but that peaks in the first 36 hours. It was already a week past the peak. I "fixed" the problem by walking 20 minutes a day on a treadmill. I couldn't put my shoes on for almost 3 months. Thankfully, my employer didn't send me off on any business trips during that time frame.

Consider rheumatoid arthritis on your list of candidates. There is also a rash manifested by gluten intolerance that frequently appears on the elbow area. Try cutting gluten (wheat,rye,barley) and dairy (milk products) out of your diet for a week to see if that improves the situation. It's a pretty simple thing to try.

Good luck in your search for an answer.

[Brad’s Gramma]

While I’m pinging Logan’s Prayer Warriors tonight......”ExSoldier” needs prayers, too....

See #182. Thanks, all.

[Fawnn]

You have my prayers, too.

[Pegita]

Thank You, Most Gracious, Heavenly Father, for these two patriots, who have served You and our beloved country in the fullness of youth and health. Thank You for the hospitals and staff now available to meet their changing needs. Grant wisdom as each undergoes testing ... may their individual needs be identified, and treated, that they might continue to serve You in the fullest measure of health possible. To You, O God, be the Glory ... great things You have done, and continue to do. Amen and Amen ...

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers for you and your doctors.

[Allegra]

So while y'all are praying for Jim, send one up for me, too.

I certainly will. Please let us know how you're doing now and then.

[spotbust1]

Prayers going up now. I had something like this when I was younger, not quite so bad, but it was an allergic reaction and actually exacerbated by stress from a MVA. Yours sounds a bit different, but I will pray that the physicians will be able to figure it out quickly and you will have a full and speedy recovery.

God bless.

[CAluvdubya]

Sending healing prayers your way.

[steve86]

I’ve had the experience of freaking out University Dermatology staff as well. My condition is mostly better now. Prayers for both of you!

[cubreporter]

Prayers for you too. By the way, keep up the positive attitude. That’s a large part of any battle. God bless.

[spectre]

Keep us updated, ES. You’re in our thoughts and prayers..Be well, sw

[50mm]

Prayers being sent for you, ExSoldier!

[Oorang]

Many prayers up for both of you.

[Grammy]

Jim, I am praying for you as well. May Jesus manifest Himself in you and in your healing.

[amom]

Sending one up on your behalf also. Please keep us posted.

[TruthNtegrity]

No prayer request made on a thread for another is ever seen by me as inappropriate.

Our God is big enough to handle all of our problems, and I don’t think you need to be concerned about asking for our prayers, along with those we’ve already offered up for Jim.

God bless our Military and a special portion for those in a warzone and for those suffering in any form or fashion. I’m pleased to pray for two “Jim’s” at the same time.

No fears my friend. Prayer threads are not the place where flames are thrown (usually).

God speed, and may the VA docs find out what is going on with you.

And thanks for your service.

TNT

[Shelayne]

Prayers going up for you as well!

Please keep us posted!