Severe edema as a result of serious issues - according to my doctor friend

[Katnip.]

10. Severe edema can be very serious

Those with heart failure who fail to control it can suffer dire consequences.

I know an elderly man who was frustrated by diuretics (Furosemide aka Lasix) that had him making many trips to the restroom.

He went to his GP (despite warnings by his cardiologist) to decrease the Furosemide and his GP did it. It didn't take long for the edema to return.

His legs swelled from his feet to mid thigh, he had difficulty walking, could barely climb stairs. He later had to have intravenous medication for a week as an in-patient to remove the excess fluid.

His ankles with socks on is exactly how the man's ankles looked.