Edema

I am new to these boards and to dependant edema.  I have gained 7-9 pounds in the last 2 weeks from what I think is fluid alone.  I have pitting edema in my feet, ankles, hands and wrists.
I am uncomfortable about the extra weight, but more so about the discomfort.  I am more swollen in my ankles than when I was 9 months pregnant.

I am looking of rinformation about what you guys do for edema.  I have been avoiding salt, drinking tons of water, getting good exercise, and sleeping with my feet elevated.   None of which seem to be helping.

I guess I will need to make an appointment with a doctor.  Now, I just need to pick who I will go to as soon as possible.

Any thoughts?   

Well, I went to my OB/Gyn today and she said that my PCOS could be contributing to the edema.  I have been off BCP for the last few months so I guess it is time to get back on them.

Thanks.

I was going to ask how you had the determination of LE made, as that would be very unusual to have it in the areas you describe, all at once ..  (e.g. hands & feet) ..  In fact, I don't think I've known anyone who had LE in their hands ...  It sounded more like you are having edema of another sort ..

  Hopefully the docs have figured out what is going on and you are now doing better ..  

I have not had the diagnosis of LE made.  I have edema and thought I might be able to find out some info from this board. 

I still have edema.  OK some days, worse others.   Hopefully, dropping #'s with surgeyr will help all diseases present and also help the swelling.

I am going to an endocrinologist at the end of this month for evaluation.  She might be able to help me clear up the problem with the swelling.

Hello, I definitely recommend you go see a doctor about your LE, it is something that can get worse very quickly if not treated properly. I was setup to use what is called a compression pump to treat mine, and I highly recommend it. My insurance covered the entire cost and due to the lady I worked with I didnt have to pay a dime out of pocket. I'd be happy to line you up with her if your interested in more details. I know she travels all over to work with Patients with Lymphedema to set them up on these pumps. I had to have a doctors prescription in order to do it, so go that route first. 

Anyways, good luck and feel free to contact me if you would like this ladies information. 

Justin

Good morning!  I too have horrible swelling in my feet and lower legs, especially, and sometimes in my hands and lower arms.  I do have a dx of pitting edema, but not lymphedema.  I have tried massage, which worked for about an hour and then as soon as gravity set in and I was up and walking around all the fluid settled back into my legs/feet. 

Currently I take Maxide (diuretic), and am horrible at remembering to take it, but it does help slightly, but not as much as I would like it to.  Also, I sleep with a pillow folded in half under my side of the bed mattress (between the mattress and box spring) to help elevate and redirect fluids through the night. 

I would suggest asking someone to massage your legs and ankles upward to help redistribute water and see if you can get on a low dose diuretic, just be careful if you already have low BP, as this can lower it even more.  I am hoping with surgery this will lessen a huge amount....  Right now it's the only comorbidity I have, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  Let me know if you find something that works for you and good luck!

Well, I found the solution to my problem - VSG!  

Seriously, unless I am on my feet for a LONG time now or sit with my legs cramped, I have not had edema since surgery!

GO TEAM VSG!

WOW!  Thats great....I'm jealous. 

Keep up the good work and keep me updated!

my friend had a gastric bypass.she followed all advice and was healthy and suddenly couldn't get food to stay down.scans,proctology visits,gastroscopy and everything available.
5 years have passed since her op.tonight she is in hospital with a drip.
her weight is 6 and a half stone and her legs are unbelievably swollen due to malnutrition.
my gastric band probs have meant my surgeon has passed me for the bypass.
i have severe swelling in my legs and feet,but diaretics do work.i spend all of 5 hours in the loo.
i feel caught between a rock and a hard place.my friend is begging me not to have the bypass as its not reversable.
how long is it since your surgery.
i'm desperate and confused.
please reply if you feel you can help.
update 15th january 2011. nobody replied. my friend has died and her funeral was last week. i am broken and confused. i am not having the gastric bypass but the sleave. i thought id get support on here. what can i say
shrinkpachyderm