Leg swelling

I need some advice. My dad is on morphine, which is gradually being upped and his very thin legs have swollen unrecognisable. The oncall doctor says its a side effect but we have to speak to GP to get water tablets.  We have only just been told he has bone cancer in his hips a week ago and are still waiting for the hospital to contact us. He was struggling to walk with a frame prior to this but now he is in agony. I tried to get him to bed last night to elevate his legs but there was no way he could do it. He struggled to sit on the bed. I manged to get him back in his chair which now  has been his bed the past 5 nights but he still can't elevate his legs. 

Im asking what can we do? Is there an alternative to morphine that won't swell his legs? He's been in pain like this for 4 months and now this swelling. I done know how hes able to face all this.

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am very sorry to hear about your dad and hope the following information can help.

    While your dad is waiting for his hospital appointment I wonder if his GP can do a home visit to see how he is and to help him feel better.  It sounds like your dad needs help with getting from the bed to chair and moving around, so I wonder if he could also be referred to the district nurse team with a view to get a hospital bed in his house.  These beds can be adjusted so that his legs are higher than his hips, and this might help. They are also easier to get in and out off and maybe more comfortable than his own bed.

    Do let his GP know about his current situation and ask what help he could get. For example if your dad is given water tablets he will pass more urine more frequently. Therefore he may need a comode to be close to him if he cannot get to the toilet, and perhaps a water bottle to wee in. 

    The GP can also refer your dad to the community palliative care team (sometimes known as Macmillan) and they can help with any symptoms he has and provide support to your dad and his family.  They will look to see how he could be made more comfortable. 

    Hopefully he will get his hospital appointment soon where you will all know more about what has happened to your dad and what can be done to help him. 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline