Severe swelling in legs and ankles. Now have an area on leg that is draining clear fluid. What is this?

I was diagnosed with RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) after a major back surgery. Now I have severe swelling in my legs, feet and ankles. I am talking very severe - legs are 5 times their normal size! I have to use a walker to get around. Anyway, a couple of days ago, one of my legs got a tiny, tiny scratch on it and ever since then, my leg has been leaking a clear fluid out of that scratch. It is a constant drainage, that after a couple of hours, will completely soak my entire foot with what is draining out. I know this is gross, but it is very scary to me. I don't know what is happening and why this is leaking like it is. I have tried wrapping it real good with gauze and bandages and even ace bandages, but it soaks through them. Is there someone out there who can give me some advice or tell me what is going on? I am really worried! I don't want to go to the ER, because I am not hurting from the drainage. It is just bothersome.

If I would have a clot in my leg, would both of my legs still swell the same? They are BOTH swollen the same amount. Only one of them is draining though. I thought it might just be a fluid build up of some kind and since the scratch is a little deep, the fluid build up has to drain some how, so it is coming out through the scratch. Could one of the symptoms of all of this be a migraine. I have had one all day today. Also, for about the last 6 hours, I have been a little dizzy. I don't want to make this seem worse than it is. Like I said, the part that is draining is not painful at all. My legs are very painful all of the time due to the swelling - that's why I have to use a walker to get around. I just don't understand this draining part. Somebody - please help me! I really don't want to go to the ER. I think it is unnecessary!

wow i wish i knew what to tell you how horrible for you!! please have it checked out by at least your doctor if you don't want to go to ER. i don't know anything about this but i just wanted you to know i will pray for you. keep up your faith that this can be resolved!!

go see a doctor immediately. There sound like several thing are going on with you at the same time, fluid building up in the legs should not be taken lightly. The most serious situation is a deep vein thrombosis aka "a clot" develop in you legs and can go to your heart or lung seek medical help as soon as possible

I think you have Chronic veinous insufficiency. You need a good vascular surgeon, to perform an operation on your clogged vein. One of your veins is clogged, that causes bad circulation of blood and LYMPH. So the cumulated lymph will continually leak if you don't improve the blood circulation by opening that clogged vein or artery.

I would definitely see a Dr, severe swelling like you mentioned and leaking is not really good. You could have a clot that would affect both legs, you could also have an infection or kidney problem. Many things can develope without pain until it's a severe problem, especially if your not very active right now ... you didn't mention any therapy to keep your legs and back conditioned. So seek help asap.