Question:
Ankles. Help! I'm nearly two weeks postop, no weight loss and severely swollen

ankles and lower legs. I had to spend the last six days in a motel room, waiting for my drainage tubes to do their thing, and I didn't get very much exercise. Now, today, March 28, I'm finally home. It was a 9-hour drive, I wore Ted-hose all the way and my limbs are still really swollen. Anyone else have this? No weight loss, either. I'm not really discouraged; but frustrated, after going through so much pain, etc., and find that when I get home, I have these swollen legs and ankles and weigh no less than I did two weeks ago. I guess I do need some answers and some encouragement. Ava Lee, where are you when I need you? Sandy Combs    — Sandy C. (posted on March 28, 2000)

March 28, 2000
Sandy, I feel for you! I had very swollen ankles when I got home too, but I didn't have to stay sitting as long as you with your long drive and hotel stay! I would suggest you drink as much water or other fluids as you can and walk, walk, walk! That water weight will run right out of you and your swollen ankles will shrink! Good Luck!
   — M B.

March 28, 2000
Sandy, I feel for you. When I left the hospital on day 6, I had gained 14 lbs. My feet and legs were so swollen I couldn't get my shoes on and they were sooo uncomfortable. I had to wait 2 days, but my PCP had me start taking my High Blood Pressure meds for a few days. I was feeling better in about a week. My suggestion is to call your PCP or your surgeon ASAP. Ask if you can take a diuretic for a few days if possible. Do this only with the approval of you doc. They will know the best way to treat this problem. Good Luck.
   — Anne L.

March 28, 2000
I too was swollen everywhere -- I'm positive its from the IV's -- they want to make sure you're not dehydrated -- thats why you don't show a weight loss yet. Make sure you are drinking enough water/fluids and try to walk, move, stand or shake your legs -- you've got to move that fluid out of your body!!! Don't mean to sound bossy, but I know how uncomfortable all that swelling feels. Please email me if I can help in any way -- I'm 3 weeks post op!
   — Toni B.

March 28, 2000
I agree with Toni, it's water retention from IV's... I gained 15 lbs while in the hospital..... Also when I traveled back home from Tenn to Okla. I gained water weight again..My legs, ankles, hands and face swelled. But as soon as I got home and walked walked walked. It dropped off really quick.
   — Victoria B.

March 28, 2000
When I saw the Doctor on my 2 eek check up i had gained 14 pounds and my feet were so swollen i could not see my ankles. He gave me a shot of lasix and i lost the excess weight within 3 days. i am now 9 weeks post op and have lost 50 pounds. hang in there. it gets better.....
   — Judy C.

March 29, 2000
You are holding water, go to Walmart and get some water pills. They are wonderful. In a day or two you will be ok. As long as you are holding water you will not have loss weight. More than likely you have loss some you just dont know it yet cuz of the water you are holding. I wish you lots of luck....
   — Lee Ann B.

March 29, 2000
call your Dr today! you should not be swollen like that. Did you drain any thing? Keep in touch Dawn
   — dawn D.

March 29, 2000
DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT TAKE ANY OVER-THE-COUNTER "WATER PILLS" WITHOUT YOUR PHYSICIANS APPROVAL. PEOPLE ON THE BOARD HAVE NOT HAD THE BENEFIT OF SEEING YOUR LAB STUDIES. THE SYMPTOMS YOU ARE DESCRIBING COULD BE SIMPLE WATER RETENTION OR A SIGN OF KIDNEY FAILURE. LET YOUR DOCTOR DECIDE, NOT THE PEOPLE OF THIS BOARD. (I AM TYPING IN CAPS TO SIMULATE SHOUTING!!!!!!) Fondly,
   — merri B.