IGX

I have had a swollen right calf for over three weeks now. At one point the right calf measured two inches bigger
than the left one. The swelling sometimes extends down as far as the foot, but never extends up above the calf.

Curious as to what type of Medical Doctor I should see. Have not been to an M.D. in over several years and my
G.P. retired.

Does it seem like Edema or from an injury?

Alfred_E._Neuman wrote:Does it seem like Edema or from an injury?

Good question. Never had edema before, but never had a severe calf injury before either.

Initially I would have said injury. Had been rowing on a Concept 2 ergometer daily from 70K
to 114K a week for several months.

Did a tougher squat and deadlift workout on a Monday two days prior to noticing the swelling.
No sudden pain, but once the swelling started the pain arrived and I limped badly for a bit over two
weeks. Quit rowing entirely for 20 days. The right calf was only about an inch larger than the left one
three days ago and I could walk normally so I resumed rowing easily for just 30 minutes a day. the
evening of the second row day, ( I row in the mornings ) the cald swelled up again. Now there is not
much pain at all, so it seems more like edema. Initially ( three weeks ago) it seemed more like an
injury.

Probably best to go to an internal med/family doctor and get a venous ultrasound to rule out a DVT. That is not something to fuck with. It might not be serious, but I wouldn't mess around.

^^ yes. ASAP.

My sister had her leg swell up one time that sounds like what you are describing - turned out to be "compartment syndrome" or something like that. It was a very big deal before it was over - see a doc.

Do you have "pitting edema"? If you poke in the swelling, does a divot remain like if you poked a lump of clay?

nafod wrote:Do you have "pitting edema"? If you poke in the swelling, does a divot remain like if you poked a lump of clay?

No. The area seems to return to normal after a poke.

Thanks for all the replies. Each one has been helpful and I do appreciate them all. I am currently
googling internal medicine in a nearby town.

Yep. Rule out DVT first, then look at muscle injury / inflammation as a secondary explanation. I would strongly suggest looking for a sports medicine doc with family medicine training if there is one available. Most internists are not well trained in musculoskeletal issues.

If you get any unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath, that is a do-not-pass-go, do-not-call-PCP, go to the Emergency Department. Chest pain + leg swelling = blood clot in lung until proven otherwise.

Going on the internet first is always a good idea.

Any word on the results Bob?

I had an ultrasound done on my right leg yesterday. The Doctor and Ultrasound Tech told me
that I definitely have a clot.

I went to an emergency room in a better part of town than I live in and had several vials of blood drawn
and another ultrasound. The staff there confirmed the first Doctors assessment.

I plan to go to the ER Saturday morning to get on some blood thinners.

One again I want to say that I appreciate all the responses to my question. It really floors me that I have this
thing. I am not aware of any family history of this and I have been an endurance geek since the Spring of
2003. I just assumed Cancer would be my undoing.

After my first post, I was going to say just go to the ER, but the important thing was that the problem was found and you will be getting treatment. There isn't always a genetic component to getting a DVT.

Good luck with your recovery.

Dude, why the hell are you waiting until Saturday to get anticoagulated?

Again, my original statement stands, now with added emphasis. Chest pain or shortness of breath now means call 911.

Listen to judob.

Doctor Mungobie will see you now.

Have you been making sure to take a shower after having unprotected sex with HIV infected hookers? When is the last time you had monkey meat? How many times do you consume fatty white missionaires; 1 ,2, 3+ times a month?

Have a seat and fill out these medical forms.

LOL @ "monkey meet". My bet is recently.

judobrian wrote:Dude, why the hell are you waiting until Saturday to get anticoagulated?

Again, my original statement stands, now with added emphasis. Chest pain or shortness of breath now means call 911.

I never had any chest pain or shortness of breath. The symptoms have all eased and I have been able to
row 10K each morning for over a week now.

I have a very strong hunch that my employer would try to axe me if he knew of my current medical situation.
Alive, but broke and homeless does not seem to be a more attractive than being in the lying cockroach
position.

Just look at Big Peach's signature three per day for a week. If you're not cured after that, and you're still alive, let us know.

Big Peach's sig is interesting. I find Fat Cat's sig much more arousing.