Treatment of Lower Limb Edema, November 26, 1999

Treatment of Lower Limb Edema, November 26, 1999

The patient had been experiencing lower limb swelling for over two months and was initially diagnosed with lower limb phlebitis at the Provincial People’s Hospital. However, CT, ECT, and Doppler examinations revealed no venous thrombosis or inflammation, prompting the patient to seek my consultation. My diagnosis of lower limb phlebitis led me to prescribe Chuanliu Ling Heji and Si Shui Heji, but these were ineffective. Further examination showed the patient’s blood pressure was low, and even treatment with Buzhong Yiqi Tang proved ineffective. Subsequently, the patient developed lower abdominal distension and lower limb edema, and Prabos was also ineffective. Later, ultrasound examination revealed multiple uterine fibroids and a small amount of fluid in the lower abdomen, leading Western doctors to diagnose tuberculous peritonitis, though the tuberculin skin test was negative. I initially suspected pelvic congestion syndrome, which impeded the return flow of blood in the lower limbs, and thus formulated the following prescription: Guizhi, Bai Shao, Dan Pi, Tao Ren, Wu Yao, Chuan Lian Zi, Yu Jin, Fu Ling, Yan Hu Suo, Da Fu Pi, Jiang Huang, Mu Xiang, Tan Xiang, Chen Xiang, Da Huang, Chen Pi, Dang Gui, Rou Cong Rong, Han San Qi 3 g (administered in divided doses), Shui Zhi 10 g (administered in divided doses), Chuan Shan Jia 6 g, and Wang Bu Liu Xing 10 g. All ingredients were decocted and taken orally. Simultaneously, the patient took Xiehuo Chongji and Gusheng II, which began to show effects.