15 replies to this topic

[maria2B]

It is the hardest thing to treat. When I first got it last year they told me I need to lose weight and to start moving.. So I am but it is still there and realy got bad this week.

My primary put me on very strong water pills. and my Surgeon office says now I have to drink even more water or I will dehydrate. I have drank over 64 oz of water and still trying to get another 16 oz down. This is primarily why I haven't been losing lately. I am holding water.

Doesn't make sense to Drink more water when my body wants to retain it. LOL

[Cyndee]

I know, it seems odd doesn't it? But in order for that water to release, you actually need to drink more water for it to be drawn into your veins and be excreted.

[Laureate]

Maria, drinking more water will help flush the salts that help your body retain water. It's one of the best things you can do for your condition, seriously!

Good luck!

[Cynthia]

Swollen Legs and Ankles are the worst. I get it really bad sometimes too. Make sure if your Dr has you on a strong water pill that you watch your potassium. I used to get bad leg cramps and had to be switched to a water pill that did not depleat my potassium. What works for me is to elevate my legs with some pillows under them and I know it sounds crazy but the more water I can drink the less the swelling is...Who would figure :)lol

[shiver]

Yes, these things will help.

A cal-mag supplement will help with leg craps.

Water water and more water!!!!

Elevating your legs above your heart as often as possible.

And limit your salt intake.

And light massage that is gently dragged towards your heart and not towards your feet.

[CyndiLouWho]

shiver said:

Yes, these things will help.

A cal-mag supplement will help with leg craps.

Water water and more water!!!!

Elevating your legs above your heart as often as possible.

And limit your salt intake.

And light massage that is gently dragged towards your heart and not towards your feet.

Question on the massage - dragged from bottom of leg to top - or just in general massage towards the heart?

I have this problem as well...seems like I drink water constantly now that I have given up diet pepsi. I thought it would magically go away - but no. I am on HBP meds as well. My lower legs hurt so much when touched. Is this part of the adema I wonder?

[coolady2007]

Mary i have that problem also.They put me on water pills also so all i do is pee all the time.:)

[LyndasRoom]

oH MAN, I suffered with this before surgery,and still feel like my ankles are more swollen than the rest of me at 3.5 years out! Just keep moving, and pushihng the fluids...

[CyndiLouWho]

coolady2007 said:

Mary i have that problem also.They put me on water pills also so all i do is pee all the time.:)

Lol - me too - I feel like everyone looks at me at work everytime I have to make one of my dozen trips to the bathroom. I won't miss this.

[shiver]

CyndiLouWho said:

Question on the massage - dragged from bottom of leg to top - or just in general massage towards the heart?

I have this problem as well...seems like I drink water constantly now that I have given up diet pepsi. I thought it would magically go away - but no. I am on HBP meds as well. My lower legs hurt so much when touched. Is this part of the adema I wonder?

The pain could be from the edema. When your skin is stretched like that it can cause quite a bit of pain.

Only us gentle massage.. especially if you have verocose (?) veins. Start at your ankle and gently massage up your leg towards your heart. No need for a heavy hand.

Really the BIG question is. When you wake up in the morning is the edema gone or lessened? If so that is really good. And means that elevation your legs, exercise, avoiding lots of salty foods, and massage should help.

[Laureate]

CyndiLou, are you sure it is edema and not lymphedema? There's a difference. And if it is lymphedema, it can set up the potential for some mighty nasty infections, which is why I got worried when you talked about pain in you legs.
Cellulitis is sometimes associated with lymphedema, and it can be painful.
Many docs confuse edema and lymphedema.
I had a nasty case of lymphedema after my thyroid cancer two years ago.
I had to have extensive physical therapy, including compression bandages and manual drainage (that's a kind of stroking massage that moves the fluids along to the heart). It should only be undertaken by specialists, however.
Mine is under control and the weight loss definitely helps!
Also, if it is edema, some kinds of blood pressure meds bring it on. You doc or pharmacist may be able to advise if yours is one of them.

https://health.googl...tic obstruction

https://health.googl.../ref/Cellulitis

[maria2B]

Cynthia said:

Swollen Legs and Ankles are the worst. I get it really bad sometimes too. Make sure if your Dr has you on a strong water pill that you watch your potassium. I used to get bad leg cramps and had to be switched to a water pill that did not depleat my potassium. What works for me is to elevate my legs with some pillows under them and I know it sounds crazy but the more water I can drink the less the swelling is...Who would figure :)lol

Oh I did not think of the postassium effects. Better get some bannanas. I wil watch for this.

The swelling was way down this morning . Thursday afternoon at the doctors I was at 274 lbs and this morning I weighed 267. I lost a lot of water yesterday- - about 7 lbs worth. The doctor told me I was probably holding about 8lbs of water- but didn't think I would lose that much in 1 day.

[Highlandlass]

One thing to really watch is the amount of Sodium you are ingesting - not just with added salt, but also the salts present in foods and condiments. Salt really holds water in your system. When I had the edema and was on water pills, I could not have ANY salt at all. All that extra water in your system puts your system at risk - especially your heart. Be sure to read all the labels on your foods and hide your salt shaker. Drinking plenty of water and some cranberry juice will help to flush all that extra out of your system.
:)

[maria2B]

Highlandlass said:

One thing to really watch is the amount of Sodium you are ingesting - not just with added salt, but also the salts present in foods and condiments. Salt really holds water in your system. When I had the edema and was on water pills, I could not have ANY salt at all. All that extra water in your system puts your system at risk - especially your heart. Be sure to read all the labels on your foods and hide your salt shaker. Drinking plenty of water and some cranberry juice will help to flush all that extra out of your system.
:)

Thanks Rhonda: I got some Morton salt substitute today. And I never realize how much sodium is in food. I have to go out to the store later and will pick up cranberry juice. My mom use to tell me to drink that when I had a unrinary infection. Never thought of it for this. Thanks,

[GloryRN]

I think you should consult your nutritionist, most of them discourage the salt substitute. mainly because of the nitrates. edema of the lower extremities is tough to treat.

[Highlandlass]

I don't know about salt substitutes at all, I had to go cold turkey - no salt at all. I began using a little lemon or lime juice on certain things for flavour. I'm noticing that now, as I've lost quite a bit, the edema in my lower legs, ankles and hands has diminished. I still have to be careful about sodium, but use salt sparingly. Have a look at the Morton salt substitute and see the amount of nitrates - as Karen (Glory RN) mentioned and talk to your NUT about it. Good luck!!!! :)