Advertisement

 

doctorslounge.com

 
Powered by
Careerbuilder

 

                    Home  |  Forums  |  Humor  |  Advertising  |  Contact
   Ask a Doctor

   News via RSS

   Newsletter

   Nephrology

   News

 

 Conferences


   CME

   Forum Archives

   Diseases

   Symptoms

   Labs

   Procedures

   Drugs

   Links

advertisement.gif (61x7 -- 0 bytes)

   Specialties

   Cardiology

   Dermatology

   Endocrinology

   Fertility

   Gastroenterology

   Gynecology

   Hematology

   Infections

   Nephrology

   Neurology

   Oncology

   Orthopedics

   Pediatrics

   Pharmacy

   Primary Care

   Psychiatry

   Pulmonology

   Rheumatology

   Surgery

   Urology

   Other Sections

   Membership

   Research Tools

   Medical Tutorials

   Medical Software

     
 
 

 Headlines:

 
 
 

Doctors Lounge - Nephrology Answers

"The information provided on www.doctorslounge.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician."

Back to Nephrology Answers List

Forum Name: Renal Failure

Question: FSGS & Extreme Edema


 weedheaded - Sun Dec 16, 2007 1:01 am Bookmark and Share  

I was recently diagnosed w/ FSGS. I currently weigh about 40 lbs. more than my normal weight. I just started steroid therapy this week, and I take Lasix and also meds for thyroid, cholesterol and high blood pressure.

My main concern is the swelling of my scrotum. The swelling of the feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, and stomach I can deal with. But my scrotum has swollen to the size of a large grapefruit. I can't walk normally, I can't sit down for any extended period of time, I can't sleep comfortably. It presents all kinds of problems.

My doctor doesn't seem overly concerned about my scrotum. He said all the weight will come off gradually, maybe 2-3 months (I gained it in about 1 week) and that my scrotum will progress at the same rate. I don't know what I'm going to do if that's the case. I can't go to work like this. I went out this morning and bought an XL jock strap, but the problem is the waist is way too wide, and the part that actually holds your sack is way too small. I'm thinking about asking my friend Sally to take two of them and sew it into one super jock strap.

All kidding aside, though, I would appreciate any suggestions, advice, or even just related experiences from anyone who has gone through something like this before. Thank you. God bless.
 Dr. Chan Lowe - Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:58 pm Bookmark and Share  

User avatar Hi Weedheaded,

This can be a difficult situation. Your doctor is correct that the best way to correct this is slowly. Rapid removal of large volumes of fluid can cause dramatic and dangerous problems with electrolytes and other body systems. The trick is managing the swelling until it resolves.

The excess fluid is basically gravity dependent so it will tend to collect in areas that are lower, such as the legs and the scrotum. It may help some to try to elevate your scrotum while you are lying flat. This can be done with pillows. While standing, if you are not able to find a supporter you may be able to make one that will work at least a little with some gauze wrap (commonly called Kerlex) that can be obtained from your local pharmacy.

Follow up with your doctor is important.

Best wishes.

|

Check a doctor's response to similar questions

 

advertisement.gif (61x7 -- 0 bytes)
 

Are you a Doctor, Pharmacist, PA or a Nurse?

Join the Doctors Lounge online medical community

  • Editorial activities: Publish, peer review, edit online articles.

  • Ask a Doctor Teams: Respond to patient questions and discuss challenging presentations with other members.

Doctors Lounge Membership Application

 
     

 advertisement.gif (61x7 -- 0 bytes)

 

 



We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the HON Foundation. Click to verify.
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here

Privacy Statement | Terms & Conditions | Editorial Board | About us
Copyright © 2001-2010 The Doctors Lounge. All rights reserved.