What to do about swollen legs?

My uncle is 90, has COPD but lives independently, is very independent, makes all his own appointments, gets to them by bus, and gets all his prescriptions. But he says the prescriptions don't do anything and I think he doesn't take most of them. I haven't been very involved in his health care because he is so independent, but now his lower legs are very swollen and pink. He has an appointment with a urologist in about a week, but I am wondering if I need to get him somewhere sooner.

Last time he was in the emergency room due to shortness of breath the doctor told him the swollen legs were because he needs to take his heart medicine, but he insists it does nothing. Is the urologist next Thursday an OK plan, or does he need to get to a cardiologist sooner? Or is there something else we should do about his legs?