Swollen legs?

Hi all first I want to thank all of you for answering the 50million questions I have.  I have posted on a few other web site with little to no response.  So the fact that you gals actually answer mine make me feel more sane Anyway my question is I am having RNY on june 23 and to tell you the truth I am scared to death.  For the last 3 days my feet have been swellen horribly with no pain this has happened before but it never really never thought of it before.   Now I think that I am just thinking the worst of everything.  I talked to my MOther in law shes a nurse in a PSYCH ward and she said that my heart probably is failing.  Needless to say I am scared to death now.  My question is have any off you had swellen in the ankles and feet with no real problems.  In other words SHOULD I THINK THAT I AM DIEING  Thanks in advance  Kelly

No, you should not think you are dying.  Your cardiologist would be the one to determine that.  Have you been eating more salt?  Are you drinking enough water?  Have you been exercising or stationary?  Have you been sitting with your feet down for long periods, or standing for long periods?  All of these things can cause your legs to swell.  There is also a condition called lymphedema that you might want to read about and see if your symptoms match.  If you are truly concerned that its your heart, see a doctor to alleviate the worry.  You don't need to get stressed like that so soon to surgery. In the meantime, drink a lot of fluid, cut your salt, try massage on your feet and lower legs, elevate them, and look for some lotion that contains cooling mint.  Move the muscles of your legs - walk as much as you can.  The contracting muscles help to move fluid back up from your legs.  If its severe your doc may want to put you on a diuretic also.  Good luck!

Hi Kelly,  Don't fret too much.  I doubt your heart is failing.  I agree with everything Jen says.  I battle swelling in feet and lower legs everday.  They really swell with anything salty or when I sit all day long.   Have you been taking a lot of ibuprofen perhaps? There is a lot of sodium in it and it really makes my feet swell.   Increase the water and elevate your legs and cut out all sodium for a few days and see if it gets better.  But if you really are worried something serious, then by all means see your doctor.    Linda

As a matter of fact I had to take Ibuprofen this morning 2 times to and 3 times yesterday for a headache and I also had mexican last night for dinner.  So thank you both for the info It really really helped and put my mind at ease. PS I think my MIL is just trying to scare me to death she has never really liked me 

Yep.  If I had taken that much ibuprofen and combined it with a mexican meal (which has happened many times, lol)  I would be totally swelled up.   That's probably it.   Maybe try Tylenol instead and increase your water intake and get your feet up.  Do you have any diuretics?  I have a Lasix Rx that I take that helps tremendously.    Linda

Too bad the MIL doesn't employ any of her psych background before telling you your heart is failing.  Maybe it's a bit of projection on her part, because that seems awfully mean.

I was just wondering I have severe arthrtis and was told NOT  to ever take ibuprohen after surgery ???????????

Ya, you can't after you have the RNY.  But we are still preop though.  Linda

I also take Lasix for foot and ankle swelling. Helps tons. How hot and humid has it been there in WI? When I lived back in central Pa, I had much more swelling if it was hot and humid. As others said, it is also bad if my feet are down a lot. I sit on my butt at my PC all day and have foot stools both at home and at work to put my legs up on, elevating to knee level. At home it is just the foot-rest part of a plastic adarondack (sp) chair and at work, a full printer box with a floor pillow on top of it. Also everyone who mentioned salt is right on as well. Don't be scared. Your day is nearly here. Be happy!

Its only normal to be scared.(i was) Dont listen to the ones who are so negative. My feet still swell when i am on them alot or ride a long ways. I take lasix rx when needed. You are on the right track  dont let your mind play tricks on you.