Edema, water retention, swelling, varicose veins??? HELP xpost

I've gained ten pounds.  My ankles change from fat to knankles but never normal anymore.  This has been going on for  a month now.  I'm waking up with swelling which is totally new.

My doc says its vascular damage from years of obesity causing a backup of blood and fluids because the valves don't operate properly.  I need compression stockings daily to combat this.  What I don't get is why now?

Right after surgery it improved, even went away completely.  Then last month it became worse than ever.    I'm on diuretics also but still my body water is up 10% over last month.  No sign of kidney trouble yet I drink water but don't potty much.

Anyone else experience this?  How do you treat the swelling?  Do compression garments help?  Any supplements work for this?

Sweetie two things, have you checked your blood pressure meds (you said you were at the doctor's so, I assume you did) also how much salt or sodium are you intaking?  I switched to sea salt.  It doesn't raise the blood pressure.  I would be sure to keep moving.  Don't sit too long or stand too long.  Keep changing your body position.  Hope that helps.

Thanks for the input.  BP meds are good and bp on point.  The cardiologist actually reduced the meds, now down to just one plus the diuretic. 

I cook almost salt free and have used sea salt exclusively for the last year.  I can't figure why now after loosing some of this weight does it suddenly worsen? 

I am so frustrated.  I do not want these old lady elphant legs taking over.  I will try changing positions often and see what happens.  Keeping the legs elevated today when I can.  Perhaps it is that simple.  Thanks. 

Hi!

Yes, I feel your frustration  I too suffer with water retention on a daily basis.  I take a diuretic twice a day.  I don't wear my hose everyday as the swelling has gotten better since surgery but it's still here.  As you do, I suffer mostly with swelling in my ankles & legs but my entire body swells on some days.  I've been told by my doctor the same as you, results of being overweight for so long. 

So to answer your questions, yes the compression garments do help, watching your salt intake, drinking enough fluids and watching your sodium intake.  Also as the other poster stated, your blood pressure can be affected by this or can be part of the reason you're experiencing this. 

I take it day by day and just follow my doc's recommendations.

Deb

Thanks, good to know the compression garments do some good.  Since my bp now hovers in low normal I thought this swelling **** would go away too. 

I don't have high bp problems but low bp problems . I did have a lot of edema before surgery but none after surgery. I was watching Dr. Oz the other day and he mentioned Himilayian salt for reflux and other issues and I think this is something worth researching. Hope this helps.

Never heard of Himilayian salt.  Will have to look into that one. 

My edema went from mild pre op to none.  Then at seven months out its back.  I wonder if I just didn't see it pre because my legs were so big.  It used to be just the ankles but now it goes up my calves. 

I'll be looking for that salt. 

I have these problems with swelling however for now my water pill helps.  I had stopped taken them for one week and whoop they had swollen again.  So went back on.  Just wanted to send ya some love and a hugpray it gets better soon

Thanks for the support.  In addition to looking at my bloated feet this is really messing with my head.  The scale getting to me big time.