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Question About Water Retention In My Legs???

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Good Morning my Spark friends,
I have been on a 4 day run of feeling pretty good. This has truly been a blessing for me, and I have been able to get a lot done in my home.

Today is my 5th day, and my energy is slowing down a BIT. I know that I have been over-doing it just a little, but I am excited. I haven't felt like this long time.

I have already done a few things this morning, but I will probably take the rest of the day off (no, really - I will).

I have tried to do some research on water retention, but, not much luck with that. Anyway, all of that said, here is my question. My legs have a LOT of water retention in them. What can I do to fix this?

I am guessing that my newly acquired walking around skills have mainly contributed to this?? I do have water pills from my Doctor. I have taken one Sunday and one today. I cannot take too many of these, as they seem to make my blood pressure drop a lot.

I don't want to sit around with my legs propped up all of the time either. I am thinking that I need to watch my salt, of course. But, why is it that my legs don't do that when I am not as active?

Any simple solutions that anyone knows about?

I know that life is not simple, but usually Spark people will have an answer.

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated,

Blessings.
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Member Comments About This Blog Post
  • KAYYVAUGHN
    Don't overdo. It may cause problems. When you feel good, limit your activities. I know it's not fun to prop up your feet, but it may take more of that.
    You may need to see the doctor again.
    Kay
    3325 days ago
  • TRY2KEEPGOING
    1. Why did you get water pills prescribed? Could that condition be worse?
    2. Have you increased or started any other meds? Anti-inflammatories are know for affecting the kidneys. I only took one Aleve every other day and my kidneys rebelled violently. Edema up to my knees!
    3. Are you short of breath? Any heart condition?

    If so, go to your physician. Compression stockings may help along with watching sodium intake. Good luck!
    3330 days ago
  • no profile photo CD2332407
    I don't have any advice but I do hope you find a solution sweetie. I've never had that problem yet. emoticon
    3330 days ago
  • RGEETING
    In addition to all the great comments already on here, other things that have been suggested by my doctor (and an edema physical therapist), has been to do water walking (at a pool). Also, a PT said to use something like a paint roller and lightly roll it up from the ankle to the knee, moving the fluid up. My dr also says when I am sitting, my feet should be above the hips, because that's where the major "pump" is to pump the blood back up to the heart.

    And to say again what others or you have already stated... limit the salt, drink the water, and check out with your dr about your water pill... apple juice is a natural diuretic. . .

    OH - and a great way to help it is to use the elastic stockings! If you can't buy them or make them work right, I've used the elastic wraps (like athletes use). The pressure helps the circulation, too!

    oh - and I definitely agree with Jeanne229 that gravity is why you notice more swelling when you're up and going!
    3330 days ago
  • LUCYJOY
    It can also be related to your kidneys. Many of the water pills are blood pressure meds so I'd consult your doctor if the pills he perscribed are causing the blood pressure drop.

    Are you drinking enough water with your exercise?

    I also find if I've been on my feet, I need to sit for 30 minutes with my legs even with my body. It seems to help.
    3330 days ago
  • JEANNE229
    Probably the retention "drops to the lowest level" and since you are on your feet, that's where it heads.
    3331 days ago
  • TAMIPCHICAGO
    I think it has a lot to do with circulation. As you get more active, and exercise more it may help a lot with the water retention in the legs. I haven't looked at your main page yet, so don't know where you are weight wise, or what kinds of exercises you do, but if you aren't up to standing cardio, have you tried some of the GREAT chair cardio options? There's a fantastic one by Coach Nicole here on spark, and there's also some great ones on YouTube (just look up chair cardio in the YouTube search). If you are really limited, there's a senior chair cardio that is good but not over taxing, and it will help get your legs moving without putting too much stress on you. If you need the url to that one, let me know and I'll get it for you.
    3331 days ago

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