Sudden, extreme bloating, water retention?!? WTH?

I woke up this morning with a very bloated feeling belly and VERY swollen up... Not just the knee that I had replaced in March and not just my left leg which has circulatory issues, but my whole body! My feet, legs (from ankles to thighs), hands, breasts,and face... only my arms and shoulders seem to be exempt!  I called my PCPs office, but he was only in a half day and had nothing open until tomorrow.  It is just as bad now as it was this morning even though I took an OTC diuretic mid morning.

Anybody have any ideas what this might be (and whether it is ok for me to wait until tomorrow afternoon to see the doctor)?  I didn't eat anything I don't usually eat, didn't ingest any significant sodium, and didn't take any pills that I don't take every day.

Lora

Lora, if it's as extreme as it sounds like it is, I don't know what it might be but I would not wait until tomorrow afternoon.  I'd go to an urgent care thing now.  I'd be concerned about your blood pressure and your heart.

I borrowed my mom's wrist blood pressure machine and my BP is only slightly elevated (122/70 instead of my typical 104/60-something), and I feel ok (legs muscles and knees ache, but that"s understandable with the swelling), but I have never had anything like this except in my one leg, and it happened overnight, so it does have me a little worried...

Lora

No idea really. Might it be kidney related or somehow related to the kidney stones. Just guessing. Let us know what happens. I am wishing you the best and an easy to correct diagnosis.

Hi Lora,

Since this is such a drastic change from your normal, and since extreme fluid retention can be related to several serious issues, I really would at a minimum go to Urgent care as Kelly suggested. The ER would be a good option if your local UC is closed. I also say this because I' ve seen you put up with some rough issues, so when you say it's not normal, I tend to think of you as downplaying the serious rather than overreacting.

Kat

Yeah, I'm not one to rush to the UC or ER just because something odd is happening or because I have an odd, obnoxious pain... and, if anything, I sometimes have waited too long to go (like when I had the spontaneous bruising and internal bleeding)... so I think maybe you and Kelly are right and I should see someone tonight.  I think the UC is open until 9.  Guess I better put my shoes on (the one pair that fits, anyway)...

Thanks

Lora

I think that's a good decision.  Let us know what happens.

I really, really hope you went in. That much edema is your body saying something is wrong and needs treatment!

Looking for an update from you tomorrow!

I agree with the urgent care recommendation. At minimum I'd want kidney function tests and cardiac testing, including a BNP.

OK you said you were leaving to go to UC/ER  my hubby had a spider bite that was nasty and he swell up. Just had to put my 2 cents in. I hope you get a good report and check back in here with us.  Speedy recovery!!  hugs