Reason for edema in lower extremities?

Question

My doctor just put me on 40 mg of Lasix a day. I feel much better. I am diabetic. However, it seems my edema problems started after the Rita evacuation. I was behind the wheel for 14 hours and then I had to spend 30 days in Houston working out of St. Joseph's Hospital downtown. I had to fight bumper to bumper traffic going into downtown and out of downtown. Could all this have added to the fluid buildup in my lower extremities?

Answer 1

try compression stockings and move around (Kinney Drugs has the best deal I've found. Put your seat back and kick your feet around when you are sitting still. Pull over and take a walk. Sitting still will cause edema to increase. Also elevate your legs when you can.

Answer 2

I think so. My mother had the same problem when we would take long car trips every summer. Her feet and ankles would swell up. Were you on any other medication such as Glitazone? This medication, among others, can cause swelling of the lower extremities. As a diabetic, you must already realize that diabetes causes blood vessels in the foot and leg to narrow, resulting in poor circulation and this can be a serious threat. So from no on, try to alleviate any repeat circumstance like that described above.

Answer 3

Absolutely!
You need to change positions every hour at least, for your health and safety.
Elevate your legs on occasion as well.