I just had a baby..home from the hospital & STILL really swollen legs!?

Question

I just delivered my second baby boy Sunday. I had an emergency c-section due to preeclampsia. I am now home from the hospital & my legs are several times more swollen than they were when I wen to the hospital! It is painful, I can barely bend my legs or walk. Doctor says this is normal & discharged me. He tells me to "walk" & it will get better. Ironically, I was on bedrest before giving birth & was told to keep my feet up because of the swelling. I don't get it. I have done both, nether of which has helped. They didn't give me any water pills in the hospital because my potassium was very low. They gave me a ton of fluids including potassium & magnesium sulfate. I'm now apparently retaining more because of this. I don't know how to get rid of it! Please, I can't stand it anymore..

Answer 1

Find another doctor! Ask about a prescription for potassium
as well as watter pills. I had a doctor that was very good with
me but darn near killed my wife. When we changed doctors
it was almost too late. Walking is good - unless your legs
swell more because of it. To reduce swelling by elevating
your feet and legs, keep in mind that they need to be higher
than your hart. Gently rubbing your legs is OK. But do not
massage them as that could release a possible blood clot.
People can take potassium and water pills at the same time.
My wife dose. she's doing good now. Let some friends
recommend a good Doctor. Our Doctor has a reputation for
having very poor bedside manner's and sometimes even
rood. We think he's the best Doctor in 7 county's.
Congratulations and best of luck to all of you.

Answer 2

First of all, congratulations for the new arrival!
You had preeclampsia, so still you may be having swelling over feet. I am concerned 'coz you said it is more than before, while it should be reducing now. You may be given potassium retaining fluid-pills but if you are feeding your child, you need to be careful what medicines you take. Second concern is pain. Normally the swelling should not be accompanied with pain. Hence I suspect LEG VEIN THROMBOSIS and it could be serious. You may need anticoagulant therapy & a lot of precautions. I suggest you go for a second opinion. All this may be nothing, but better on safe side.
Good luck!
PS. PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE SERIOUSLY.

Answer 3

I had the same thing happen with my first child. My legs never swelled during the pregnancy, or in the hospital after his birth. It wasn't until my first day home they ballooned like crazy. I couldn't walk down stairs because I couldn't bend my ankles at all! I was told to stay off my feet as much as possible and keep them elevated. I "sort of" did this, but it's busy with a new baby and had to cheat a lot. It only got worse and it wasn't until I kept my feet elevated for a good portion of the day that the swelling began going down. I would only move out of that position to go to the washroom or to shower really...my husband would bring the baby to me when he wanted to eat, would bring me food, answer the door etc so I could stay with my legs elevated. Within a few days the swelling went down. (But I took full advantage of being waited on haha). Of course we were lucky that my husband was home for the first few weeks after the delivery, but if you don't have that luxury perhaps a friend or family member can come in to help for a few days? I kept in constant contact with my obgyn and family doctor during this time, so I would definitely suggest calling them and touching base. They may also have some other suggestions

Good luck and congratulations on the new baby :)

Answer 4

Put ice on it to take the swelling down but make sure you take her to the GP tomorrow. If it's her knee she could have broken something and still be able to walk. If not it's probably just a bad bruise or sprain. Either way put an ice pack on it to take the swelling down.

Answer 5

Please get in touch with your doctor first thing in the morning to let him know that you are still having symptoms and that everything you have tried so far since coming home hasn't been much help.

Answer 6

I see, hire some egyption carry men