J.B. asks from Atlanta, GA on February 12, 2009
Swelling After Epidural
After both my deliveries that I had with an epidural, my feet, ankles & lower legs swelled hugely. The doctors said that 25% of women have this and that nothing would help it.. & in deed, nothing did help.. salt foot baths, drinking lots reflexology etc.. it lasts for 10-14 days. It's painful and feels like my skin is going to split. Is anyone out there an anesthesioligist (sp?) or married to one that might know how I can prevent this next time..
Many thanks
1 mom found this helpful
So What Happened?™
Okay.. I've read all the responses & I think I finally know why.. I have very low blood pressure (normally it's 82/62 - my Mum's the same) and my pressure tends to plummet after any operation... and unfortunately I've had about 10. The only diference is the epidural is the only one I swell with.... I tried to get to get an duretic before but they wouldn't give them to me and said I basically just have to ride it out. Next time I'm going to mention it and hopefully I might get a little less fluids. I mentioned it to an acupunturist who said that if I come from the hosital and get a treatment on my kidneys it'll help..
Anyway, thank you all. I have alittle more understanding now. :-) always a good thing
More Answers
A.S. answers from Dallas on February 13, 2009
I never had an epidural? backbone fused, but I swelled up like a balloon after each of my 6 kids delivery. I couldn't even find shoes to fit my feet! It lasted about a month after I gave birth and was painful.
Some thingsI did was to watch my sodium and carbonation intake. Eat celery, its a natural diuretic and won't hurt nursing....and prop those legs up above your bladder and have your gusband rub your legs up towards your torso/ bladder to help get the fluid up and out.
1 mom found this helpful
C.B. answers from Dallas on February 13, 2009
Not have an epidural? Sorry but that made me laugh. If you have an allergic reaction to the epidural I doubt there is anything you can do. I had awful itching to the point that I tore my skin trying to scratch and didnt realize it until the next morning when I showered. I guess you should weigh the pain, would labor be worst than the swelling pain? Good luck.
M.H. answers from Dallas on February 13, 2009
I think the swelling is from the IV fluids, not the epi. I have heard about drinking parsley tea (but be carefull and talk to your Dr to make sure its ok for Bfing)
I had it too, it was absolutely horrible! I lost 5 Lbs immediately after giving birth to my dd (after gaining 50!) and then after all of my swelling and water retention went away i lost another 10lbs! Hope you feel better soon!
D.P. answers from Dallas on February 13, 2009
Hi J.
I had the same problem after my second (16 years ago). Was told by my doctor it was because I was on my feet too much after having my son. He put me on bedrest for a week. That did help. Plenty of fluids and maybe a diuretic might help. Good luck.
S.S. answers from Wichita Falls on February 12, 2009
If you're not nursing you might ask your doctor about prescribing lasix right after delivery - get ready to sweat and pee triple time, but it should help with the extra fluid.
Also eat protein like a sonofagun - low protein (and albumin) levels in the blood cause extra fluid to pool every where you don't want it.
C.G. answers from Dallas on February 13, 2009
I swelled a lot also, w/ my 2nd. I was told it was the liquid in the IV that caused it. I didn't have it w/ my first. They were both c-sections. Maybe you can ask for not a lot of liquid.
R.H. answers from Dallas on February 13, 2009
how about skipping the epidural?
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