Any tips for water retention?

snake_lady

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Yup, I swell.... substantially... especially when it gets warm out.

I actually get pitting edema in my lower legs.... my hands swell but not as bad as my legs.

So I'm looking for tips on how to get the water out LOL.

(my health in regards to this is fine...we can't find a reason for the swelling.... started a couple yrs back)

I do drink alot of water, I have a 32oz bottle and drink anywhere between 4-8 of them per day. (just water) I also drink coffee.... I don't eat much salt as of late (4wks, when I started my weight loss plan)... my food choices are not high in sodium, and I don't add salt to what I eat for the most part.

Aside from drinking more water, and elevating my legs, does anyone else have any suggestions to rid the swelling?
 

arlyn

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I take diuretics


Unless you want to have your Dr prescribe a diuretic, I can suggest dandelion herbal tea.
Dandelion is a great natural diuretic.
 

pat

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I soooooo empathize. But have to ask, are they sure you don't have lymphodema? It was missed for some time by my (usually) great family practice doctor.

I've had the pitting, tried water intake increase, almost no salt, but since my diagnosis and tx, and now the compression "garments" I wear up to my knees, it's soooooo different. I don't get the swelling, I have much more energy, my legs feel great.

I do have massage I have to do daily, have to get them elevated at some point during the day, do ankle/foot exercises when sitting at my desk for a long time...anyhoo...please consider specifically asking them if this might, afterall, be one possible cause.
 
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snake_lady

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Originally Posted by Pat

I soooooo empathize. But have to ask, are they sure you don't have lymphodema? It was missed for some time by my (usually) great family practice doctor.
Could you give me more info? (how they diagnosed you)

I did some reading and one thing that sticks out in my head is (from
Lymphoedema is a retention of
these excess fluids, that causes
swelling. There are two types:
1. Primary, caused by the underdevelopment
of the Lymphatic
System, and
2. Secondary, the result of surgery
or major trauma.
In May of 2007, I got my first leg tattoo (covers the back of my calf) and a few days later I had my tubes tied. Both of my legs swelled, pitting, so we went to ER for fear of something to do with my surgery. They ruled out blood clots and the like, and thought it was due to the "trauma" of the tattoo.

That is when the swelling started. It is much more prominent in my tattooed leg, but both have it.... prior to the above incident, I had no real issues with swelling, except for "puffy" ankles from time to time.

I wonder if the tattoo(s) could be considered "2. Secondary, the result of surgery or major trauma." as it did take about 3hrs straight for the first one.

The swelling is much worse in the warmer months....and people can actually see it. (I've had strangers comment on it) My Dr. did some bloodwork, but that was the extent of it.

I will definately take him in a sheet about lymphodema when I go for my appt. on the 30th.

Thank you so much for mentioning it.
 

pat

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I was diagnosed when sent to see the hospital's infection control doc (my family practice doctor is part of a family medical group located in a hospital) because my doctor felt I had cellulitis that was not responding to medications.

They not only said it wasn't cellulitis, but diagnosed me with lymphodema (and said I simply had some superficial phlebitis) - and actually, this was the infection control doc's nurse practioner...***super*** nurse
I was having tenderness on the skin and ankles of both outer calves...I could scream if you pressed hard on a sore spot. This apparently, can go along with what happens from the swelling that goes along with lymphodema.

I was referred to a lymphodema clinic and treated for 6 weeks with bandaging, and followed for leg size etc. twice a week.

In my case, additional issues -overweight too long, some circulation issues discovered several years ago in my legs..this is what contributed to it for me.
 

natalie_ca

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If it is fluid retention:

Cut back on the salt. In fact, cut out the salt period. Make sure you keep hydrated, especially in hot weather. Unless you have kidney issues or heart disease, there is no need to cut back on your fluids if you aren't adding additional salt.

It's the added salt in foods (processed foods, processed meats, canned food, canned fish, junk food, breads! Fast food! They all contain horrendous amounts of salt) that make you retain excess fluids.

You can also take over the counter herbal diuretics. For me ordinary tea has a diuretic affect on me and will keep me running to the bathroom!

Also, not all edema is fluid retention related. For the longest time my doctor had me on Lasix to make me pee more in order to reduce the excess fluid. Normally you start peeing within 1/2 hour and keep right on peeing for about 6 hours of taking the medication. There were times I would take the medication and not have peed for 4 hours!

Turns out my problem at that time was the fact that my vascular system was "collapsing". My pain doctor explained that the blood in my legs was pooling and that my lack of activity was preventing the blood from adequately being moved up back towards my heart, leading to swelling in my legs and feet to the point I couldn't even buy boots because I couldn't get my foot into one!

Once I started to walk around more and became more active, I noticed that the swelling in my legs and feet went down. Since then the only time I begin to feel swollen, not only in my legs and feet, but also my hands, is if I eat fast food, junk food, processed food, condiments...anything with extra salt in it. If I stay away from high sodium foods, I don't swell up.

Also, when you are laying down, make sure that your legs are elevated above your heart level. That will help the blood flow to the kidneys.
 

sharky

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Lemon juice water ... worked like a charm for mom and decently for me .. I also second the dandelion tea
 
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snake_lady

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Thanks for all the tips and suggestions.

I will look for dandelion tea next time I'm out.

I have drank water with a slice of lemon in it, I actually did not like it.

Eating: I really don't eat alot of processed foods now, and I have been staying away from breads lately. I really don't think it is diet related... if you asked me when it first started, I would probally say yes. 2yrs ago I added salt to everything, ate a LOT of processed foods, snacked on chips n' such. But now, for the past 4wks, I eat very little salt... I do have processed foods (microwavable portion size pasta meals, etc. Lean Cuisine... ) that I will have to take a look at. But I really highly doubt its excess sodium causing it.

I can't seem to pinpoint a diet correlation.

Perhaps I need to get out walking, and try to get the blood flowing better... but I will definately try the tea suggestion, and mentioning to my dr. about lymphodema and see what he says.

I do have a diuretic which the dose is 2 capsles, up to 3x a day. I have only ever taken 2/day.... I will try tomorrow to take the full dose and see if that helps at all, as I am very swollen today. Between the heat and being on my feet most of the day... it is quite visible that my legs, to just above the knee, are swollen.
 
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snake_lady

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I'm ressurecting this thread, in hopes people may have some more tips?

Exercises to increase blood flow? Anything?


My swelling has gotten substantially worse, to the point that I am swelling into my upper thighs (pitting above my knees) and possibly even my tummy. The only other time I had this problem was when I was heavily pregnant with my second daughter, in the warm weather.

I went for some bloodwork on Friday....not sure what all he tested but I know he was trying to rule out a prob with my kidneys, heart and thyroid.

I'm becoming very very concerned as it is starting to impede onto my life.... My legs ache when grocery shopping (walking around for 45mins or so) and it is stopping me from doing things (I've had to come home and elevate them to relieve the throbbing).

I have tried herbal diuretics, non-herbal non-caffeine over the counter diuretics, monitoring sodium intake, wild cherry juice and exercising my calves.

I'm open to more suggestions as to what this may be, or what I could do.... (and yes, I should see a doc....which I have seen, hence the bloodwork, but I'll stand with my standard in in that my doc is a moron...unfortunately I don't have the luxury of switching docs)
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

I
Exercises to increase blood flow? Anything?
Walking and leg strengthening exercises. I should be doing them myself to get the muscles stronger so they'll pump the blood back up to my heart.

Did you ask the doctor whether he thought compression hose would be safe for you to use? They're a little uncomfortable at first, but at least with it being winter again they shouldn't feel too hot to you. If you can use them they will help with that fatigued achy feeling in your legs.

I hope the blood work provides some answers. If not, kick the doc's butt until he helps figure out what is going on!
 
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snake_lady

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

Walking and leg strengthening exercises. I should be doing them myself to get the muscles stronger so they'll pump the blood back up to my heart.

Did you ask the doctor whether he thought compression hose would be safe for you to use? They're a little uncomfortable at first, but at least with it being winter again they shouldn't feel too hot to you. If you can use them they will help with that fatigued achy feeling in your legs.

I hope the blood work provides some answers. If not, kick the doc's butt until he helps figure out what is going on!
Forgot to mention that I do wear compression stockings that go to my knee. I got them in the summer. The minimize some swelling but not alot (I still pit about 1/2" or more, lasting longer than 2mins) and give me about an hour befor I need to elevate


Walking is great, but there lay the problem.... it hurts. (Yesterday I managed an hour grocery shopping with the compression hose)

SW: I am not exagerrating when I say he is a moron. The only reason I stay with him is because I NEED monthly prescriptions, and have ongoing health concerns. (shortest story example: my panic disorder..... It took over 6mos of me being unable to leave my house, and hubbys brother getting a friend of his who was a doc to refer me to an internal medicine specialist who was the one that diagnosed my PD...I went back to reg. doc, and said "this doc said PD"...my doc "oh yes, i agree...PD.... here try these meds" when I had been seeing my doc for 6mos trying to figure it out... NOT FUN)

( I'm
that we can kiss butt enough to get in with DH's doc who is a great doc but not taking new patients.... we're still going to try )

I know you know a lot medically, do you have any ideas what can cause this? (I already know that heart/liver/kidney problems can cause swelling, and my bloodwork was fine 2yrs ago when I first started having these probs) My doc will respond to suggestion.... as in I will ask him " Could this be lymphodema?" and he'd try to treat me for it. I need to arm myself with any ideas of what is causing this.

( not sure if its related but, I've gained 20lbs in less than 2wks and there's no way its diet related..... so right now with the swelling + weight gain, I'm concerned ) (I know weight gain screams thyroid, and it is being tested as well)
 

strange_wings

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Everything mentioned so far, your weight itself could be a contributing factor. Meds you're on could contribute.
Have you had thorough heart tests to check your ejection fraction? While you're a bit young, you did smoke.
Damage to the veins.
There are some other things that can cause damage to collagen, including that in the vascular system, like homocysteine if it gets too high. It's not something commonly checked for, though. I think I might have mentioned it too you a while back since you seem to have a lot of injuries in such a short time for your age. Other amino acids issues and vitamins less checked for.

You may want to have other hormones checked later on besides just thyroid hormones. Adrenal issues can cause some pretty crazy symptoms.

Parasites..Though that would cause more dramatic swelling.


Have you recently had CRP tested to check for inflammation anywhere?

Ironically, diuretics themselves can even cause edema - body flips out a bit and thinks it needs to hold onto fluids.

It's early, yet. My brain may remember something later this afternoon.


Maybe try a pair of compression hose that go up to the thighs or hips before dismissing them?


Also, a medical condition similar to what I have (NCS and POTS) can have PD like symptoms and edema. Usually it's found in the hyperadrenic form of POTS - which also closely resembles chronic fatigue syndrome (usually a big overlap on those two). It's something that is not easy to diagnose, especially if one has a dumb doctor. Pheochromocytoma can look similar, too. Again, back to adrenal issues with those.
 
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snake_lady

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Thanks


Basically the standpoint with doc is that if the bloodtests he ordered (just normal CBC, thyroid and whatever else to check heart/liver/kidney function) are fine, he says "well some people just have swelling because of poor blood flow.... nothing I can do".

Which is not sitting well with me because frankly I have enough issues with my back and arms, I don't need issues with my legs as well....

My opinion would be different if I had had swelling all my life, but I can pinpoint EXACTLY when it started (because I went to emerg due to the swelling, which happened after my first large leg tattoo as well as having my tubal surgery, so we were concerned about blood clot..... the doc then did bloodtests, said it was fine and blamed it on the tattoo. Ummmm, the tattoo was on one leg, not both).


ETA: No I don't think I've had the heart tests you mentioned, and yes I smoked for ummm 17yrs. No family history of heart probs.... only history is of diabetes.
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

"well some people just have swelling because of poor blood flow.... nothing I can do".
If he's stumped he could refer you to a specialist. You need to know that this isn't going to cause any serious problems, plus it hurts. You shouldn't have to live with it. I bet if it were his legs he'd be singing a different tune.

A family history of diabetes is bad enough. I'm sure you've kept an eye on that knowing you're at risk for it.

Take some of the suggestions I've given and have fun researching. Amino acid stuff gets confusing, but that's how your body handles everything. If there's an odd metabolizing problem somewhere weird things can happen.

As for the tattoo, I sort of doubt it caused it unless the place had major sanitation issues and infected you with something. You hear of a lot more complications to surgeries - they're far more traumatic.
 
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snake_lady

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

If he's stumped he could refer you to a specialist. You need to know that this isn't going to cause any serious problems, plus it hurts. You shouldn't have to live with it. I bet if it were his legs he'd be singing a different tune.
muwhahaha. I'm still waiting on that referral to a pain specialist. Really the best medical care I've gotten has come from the fact that my back was a work related strain, my hands/arms were also work related, so on WSIB and seeing their docs. If it weren't for them, I'd be seriously up the creek.

A family history of diabetes is bad enough. I'm sure you've kept an eye on that knowing you're at risk for it.
yeppers.

Take some of the suggestions I've given and have fun researching. Amino acid stuff gets confusing, but that's how your body handles everything. If there's an odd metabolizing problem somewhere weird things can happen.
Will do, appreciate the suggestions to get started with.

As for the tattoo, I sort of doubt it caused it unless the place had major sanitation issues and infected you with something. You hear of a lot more complications to surgeries - they're far more traumatic.
No issues with my tattooist, been with him for years, health board approved, etc. etc.

That said, well I get tattoos I do swell ( sitting for 3-5hrs, getting tattooed does traumatize the skin which leads to inflammation ) but NOT to the point of pitting.

anyways, thanks for the suggestions....



ETA: I've had PD substantially longer than I've had edema issues.
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

ETA: I've had PD substantially longer than I've had edema issues.
A lot of illnesses have a slower onset. Just saying don't rule it out as a possible symptom of the whole picture. It could be your body has been telling you something is very wrong for years - it can't exactly leave you a nice note saying what's going on.

Just patterns I've noticed. Lots of things are interlinked and have that lovely domino effect.
 

natalie_ca

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Strange to see this thread resurrected today. I've been gradually starting to retain water again this past week. Marathon shopping last weekend along with salty Chinese and other fast foods didn't help. All week long it's been getting worse. On Thursday and Friday I had Chinese food again and my feet/ankles blew up like balloons. On Friday I couldn't wear my ring anymore and I was short of breath on exertion. Worse yesterday. So I went to an Urgent Care Centre and got a refill of my Lasix diuretic. The swelling is down a little, but I still have a ways to go.

So far as your problem goes, have you had a Gynecological check up? PAP, Pelvic Ultrasound. What about a CT or MRI of your body? You may also require some cardiac testing such as a MUGA Scan or even an Angiogram.

I think it's time that you had more than blood tests done. If it's only to your lower body it's obvious that it's not simply excess water retention. There is something way more serious wrong.
 
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