I have a really big problem with water retention especially in my ankles and feet. It's lasted for several years but I had a period of time when it disappeared. But now it's back again and it makes my ankles and feet so ugly that I can never wear skirts and dresses. Sometimes it even hurts. I've been to my doctor but she didn't know what to do except to give my diuretics and they don't really make a difference. I am being treated for low metabolism, can that have something to do with it? I drink lots of water and my diet is lowsodium. I appreciate your answer!
2007-07-07 19:07:02 · 5 answers · asked by Lotte T 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Have your doctor refer you to a vascular surgeon . ask to be tested for lymphedema . lymphedema is a disease of retaining lymphatic fluid . if it's LE you have the fluid isn't water so diuretics won't work .they will only make the disease worse .
2007-07-12 17:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by Annette M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, there's the one clear problem, you said it, "I drink lots of water"...so it collects in your body because you drink lots of it. Your doctor has you on diaretics to get rid of the water so why not just slow down on the drinking of the water?
And your diet may be low sodium but are you eating foods from cans and tv dinners and soft drinks? All those have lots of sodium in them. Maybe you also need to change your diet.
Sure it hurts, that stands to reason, you're bloated and water is heavy and it's pressing against nerves.
If the diauretics aren't working and it's not sending you to the potty all night then the water is collecting in your body...usually it's salts that hold the water. So then you need to exercise to make those diauretics work. So do walking, riding an exercise bicycle, exercise in bed so you won't put pressure on those legs while you exercise...and, lift your legs up when you sit so all that water in your legs will drain toward your but and make the diauretics work.
2007-07-15 00:47:04 · answer #2 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many females have lax subcutaneous tissues and varicose veins which easily accumulates fluid. Usually it will come after prolonged dependency of legs ie more in evening than morning. Your doc must hasve ruled out liver/kidney/thyroid or heart disease. Personally I dislike diuretics for these. Try being more active and loose weight. Compression stockings help.
2007-07-08 15:42:38 · answer #3 · answered by gagan k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about soda? Do you drink soda? How about tea? Tea is good, soda is not.
Keeping your feet raised above your hips is good, as well as wrapping them in an ace bandage (not too tight).
If your dr. doesn't know what to do, ask for a referral to a specialist. Don't put up with this just because your dr. isn't trained in this area of medicine.
2007-07-14 22:39:04 · answer #4 · answered by TX Mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you had your urine tested at the doctor's office? The water retention (edema) could be caused by a problem with your kidneys.
2007-07-08 18:17:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋