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Suggest Treatment For Hives On The Body In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Wed, 24 Aug 2016
Question: I am asking for a friend. She is 60 years old and has had both knees replaced in the past two years. The second was replaced 3 months (!) after arthroscopic removal of the medial meniscus at which time she was told the cartilage looked fine. 3 months later, the cartilage was allegedly trashed, and the joint needed to be replaced. In my veterinary medicine world, simple osteoarthritis doesn't work that way.
She is overweight, however, the fat is disproportionately distributed in her legs. It does not seem to be pitting edema. She has described "hives" on her hands and some other areas in the last couple of years for which she says she takes benedryl. Lately, she is having nausea with vomiting, primarily in the mornings.
There is more to her medical history but I'm not sure it's relevant at this time.
Looking for suggestions.
Thank you very much.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
she needs thorough check-up and a few investigations to clarify further..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,

I've gone through your query and appreciate your concern for your friend..

First of all, let me inform you that even in our modern surgical and medical world, this type of incident (the cartilage was allegedly trashed, and the joint needed to be replaced) doesn't happen just like that, so please try to find out the cause, as it's indeed a strange incident and i think there's more details to it..

Only with proper hospital treatment course sheet or with a direct conversation with her operating Orthopedician, things can get clarified further in this regard..
You can let me know about them next time so that I can guide you a bit more specific way..

Being overweight and inappropriate distribution of fats can definitely be a contributory factor in this regard..

Please find out some vital information like since when she's taking Benadryl , as these are potentially addictive and if it's hives, then the first factor to look for- is the etiology as it's primarily an allergic response of the body, which if narrowed down, can be kept under control by simple antihistamines and avoidance of allergens..

I'm more concerned about the swelling over the legs, if it's non pitting, then please let me know - is it all over the legs ?

Both legs are affected or any one of them ?

Which part of the legs specifically ?
Any red discoloration of the area ?
Any fluid discharge ?

Several possibilities are there i.e. lymphedema / depending edema / underlying cellulitis and / even some chronic venous insufficiency..

I'd suggest you to let her get examined by a Physician or her orthpedician as each of this entity is different, requires specific management for betterment..

The early morning nausea vomiting can be due to gastritis induced by prolonged pain killer and/ analgesic ingestion , a PPI like Cap PANTOPRAZOLE 40 mg with a novel prokinetic like Domperidone 10 mg once daily before breakfast will help for the time being..

Please let me know if you have any further information regarding these, i'll be glad to clarify..

Take Care
Kind Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Arnab

Critical Care Specialist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1479 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Hives On The Body In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: she needs thorough check-up and a few investigations to clarify further.. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM, I've gone through your query and appreciate your concern for your friend.. First of all, let me inform you that even in our modern surgical and medical world, this type of incident (the cartilage was allegedly trashed, and the joint needed to be replaced) doesn't happen just like that, so please try to find out the cause, as it's indeed a strange incident and i think there's more details to it.. Only with proper hospital treatment course sheet or with a direct conversation with her operating Orthopedician, things can get clarified further in this regard.. You can let me know about them next time so that I can guide you a bit more specific way.. Being overweight and inappropriate distribution of fats can definitely be a contributory factor in this regard.. Please find out some vital information like since when she's taking Benadryl , as these are potentially addictive and if it's hives, then the first factor to look for- is the etiology as it's primarily an allergic response of the body, which if narrowed down, can be kept under control by simple antihistamines and avoidance of allergens.. I'm more concerned about the swelling over the legs, if it's non pitting, then please let me know - is it all over the legs ? Both legs are affected or any one of them ? Which part of the legs specifically ? Any red discoloration of the area ? Any fluid discharge ? Several possibilities are there i.e. lymphedema / depending edema / underlying cellulitis and / even some chronic venous insufficiency.. I'd suggest you to let her get examined by a Physician or her orthpedician as each of this entity is different, requires specific management for betterment.. The early morning nausea vomiting can be due to gastritis induced by prolonged pain killer and/ analgesic ingestion , a PPI like Cap PANTOPRAZOLE 40 mg with a novel prokinetic like Domperidone 10 mg once daily before breakfast will help for the time being.. Please let me know if you have any further information regarding these, i'll be glad to clarify.. Take Care Kind Regards