Swelling

N., It's only in your legs? Well, I am 28 and got very swollen at the end of my pregnancy with my first child (ankles were so swollen I could only wear thong flip-flops), but after I had him it all slowly went away. So I would definately say, if it's swelling only in your legs you need to go see a good doctor. How old is your last baby? I would be concerned that you're not getting proper circulation to your legs which, studies have shown, affects not only your legs but your heart also. And if it is swelling, I don't think dieting is the answer. If you have not already gone to see a doctor about this, I would do that very soon, and if you're not satisfied with his answers then get a second opinion. I don't know what insurance problems you're having, but if they are trying not to cover you seeing/being treated by a doctor for this then maybe you need to get a lawyer. My very good friend's mother had to threaten hers with that just recently (to Blue Cross Blue Shield), and then they said they'd cover the diagnostic test. And her issue is serious also, she's losing her eye sight and noone can figure out why. She was told she needed a final petscan, to scan her whole body for cancer. Insurance companies are all evil, in my opinion. They are all out to save themselves money, at any cost. I hope you have luck figuring this all out.

N.~

I am not a Dr. or nurse, but I do know about this condition, and my husband is a Respitory Therapist and knows a bit about it as well. It is called "pitting edema". Edema is fluid in the interstitial spaces, which means fluid outside of the cells, where it shouldn't be. It is common in women after a baby, especially if they've had a C-section, but it shouldn't last more than a week or 2. It could mean a lot of things, kidney problems, circulation problems, etc. I know you are having some insurance problems, but you really do need to see a Dr. ASAP. Even if you go and find out there is nothing wrong, it is better to know that it isn't one of the other detrimental conditions. You can call the SWTx Methodist Hosp. ER (on Medical and Floyd Curl), and ask to speak with someone who will know more, a Dr., nurse, etc. ###-###-#### ext. 1), I am sure they will tell you to come in though. Methodist is a community hospital, they have to take you regardless of your financial/insurance situation (I don't know where you are located, there is another Meth. downtown, but this is the one where my husband works, so I know the #s). Please go to the Dr.!!

M.

GO TO THE DOCTOR...a Cardiologist. Swelling in the legs is serious. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure 4 days after giving birth. The most prominent symptom...swelling in my extremities. Don't delay.

Hi N.,

A very good way to decrease or get rid of swelling all over your body is water. Yes, water, as in a swimming pool. You don't have to swim but movement is better than just sitting there. So, if you have access to a pool, (and a heated pool is better, 83-85 degress), get in or chest deep water and do some basic water walking and moving arms. Do this for about 15-20 minutes and this should help considerably. If you can't find a pool, use your bath tub. Also, keep from using table salt. Salt retains water/fluids.

Contact me if you have any questions N..

Sincerely,

D. P., LMT, CPT
Massage Therapist
Personal Trainer
Birth Doula

hi i am J.

i read your problem, sorry this is julias mom and i had the same situation happen to me. it happened to me after my 4rth baby and it is not good i was told it could turn into toxic shock syndrom its where water builds up in your system. i know that insurance is a prob. with u and if it gets any worse go to the emergency room they cannot turn u away. i promise u that. be careful, because no type of dietary products will help with the problem u have. only prescriptions will. let me know what they say. just a concerned friend Angie.
im not trying to be nosy,but do u wear tampons if so be careful it is known to cause that also. try propping your legs up on the wall while laying down on the bed that will eleviate some of the swelling.

Hi N.,
I am concerned about your health. I noticed that you had posted about falling asleep if you sit still. I think it is time to see a doctor.
I personally would find a good acupuncturist by referal.
Something is possibly going on with your lymphatic system or your heart but either way it is time to seek medical assistance.
I wish you the best.
Take care and keep me posted.
R.

Hi N., I am an LVN and by what you are describing I think that you are experiencing what is called pitting edema. This is a condition in which the body tissues contain an excessive amount of tissue fluid. Look there are many causes of edema such as venous obstruction or heart failure, lyphatic obstruction, disturbances in renal function, inflammatory conditions, fluid and electrolyte disturbances etc. I do not want to scare you and I am not saying that this is what you have at all. I would just advise you to see doctor. Things that you can do at home is to elevate lower extremities, regulate sodium consumption to 2g/day and restrict fluids to 1500 ml/day. I strongly urge you to see a doctor though, it may be nothing but it is not worth the risk. My e-mail address is ____@____.com if you have any questions.

How much water do you consume in a day? If you are getting plenty of water yet still have increased swelling, you need to see a doctor so he can give you a diuretic or check your lymphatic system. Any swelling that is out of the ordinary can signify serious medical problems.

Hi N.,
The same thing was happening to my sister and the doctor told her she was not getting enough oxygen to her heart...she now takes pills for her heart...you might want to see your doctor

Don't be offended or take this the wrong way but you said it yourself...it's not healthy. I would see a doc ASAP especially if it's been happening so long. There is a possibiliy there might be something else wrong.

Hi N.! Swelling may be inflammation due from stress and toxins in the body. There is a great way to get toxins out of the body (releasing sodium ect), by a colon cleansing. I've tried expensive ones and lately an inexpensive one you can obtain from H.E.B. called WHOLE BODY CLEANSE. It has a lot of fiber. Also, take tons of vitamins or just one good one. They are not FDA regulated so you have to look on the bottle for USP passed. Any store can sell harmful vitamines(careful of ginseng-pestisides) and proven to work.That means it has been tested extensively and that it is worth taking. It is easy and safe for $20.00. That's a start. Drink tons of water (pure) to get out toxins. You want pure in case mercury and other impurities are in the tap water where you live.
Another way is to reduce stress. 85% of our physical problems and ailments come from stress. With three kids it easier said than done, but make a commitment to yourself to get well and be well.
I've lost tons of weight on imperfect diets just by drinking water. I've read that by the time you feel dehydrated, you've been dehydrated for at least several hours so that is a must. Hope I've helped!