Does anyone have ANY idea why I would suddenly be swelling up, my legs mostly, massive amounts of water...I can press my thumb into my shin and it sinks in like 1/4 inch, and the dent stays for like a good 20 minutes after.... I know, I should see a doctor, BUT, that's not something I can just DO...If it could be something really bad, I'll have to put the squeeze on something to get some money... I feel fine, pretty much, it's just pretty uncomfortable... right now, I'm flooding myself with water, to try and push some of it out, and I'm back on the exercise today... I've been tempted to try some aqua ban or midol or something to get rid of it....

Here's a few medical tips on "Edema"

Peripheral edema is an abnormal build-up of fluids in ankle and leg tissues.
Edema may be pitting (when pressing a finger against a swollen area for 10 seconds and then quickly removing it, an indentation is left that fills slowly) or nonpitting (when pressing a finger against a swollen area for 10 seconds and then quickly removing it, no indentation is left in the skin).

Common causes:
Long airplane flights or automobile rides
Menstrual periods (for some women)
Sunburn
Generalized allergy
Prolonged standing
Injury or trauma to the ankle or foot
Venous insufficiency (varicose veins)
Pregnancy (mild to severe swelling)
Environmental
Burns
Insect bite or sting
Starvation or malnutrition
Medical treatments
Body fluid overload
Infiltration of an IV site
Extremity surgery
Medications
Estrogens and progestin oral contraceptives
Blood pressure-lowering drugs
Certain antidepressants (such as Nardil)
Estrogen - oral
Long-term corticosteroid therapy
Nifedipine
Testosterone
Diagnostic tests
Venogram
Congestive heart failure
Glomerulonephritis or other kinds of kidney disorders


Home Care:
Elevate the legs above the heart while lying down. Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. Avoid putting anything directly under the knees when lying down and don't wear constricting clothing or garters on the upper legs.

Exercising the legs causes the fluid to work back into the veins and lymphatic channels so that the swelling goes down. The pressure applied by elastic bandages or support stockings can help reduce ankle swelling.

A low-salt diet may help reduce fluid retention and decrease the ankle swelling.

wow, thanks... so back to exercise it is, maybe drop some of the salt too, if that doesn't help, then I'll see a doc... I did just get over TOM, but I've been swelling off and on for close to 3 weeks now... so if it's from that, maybe I need to see the OB (who I can see really cheap, thank goodness...)

Another thing...if you drink a lot of diet soda, check out the sodium levels. It's amazing how much salt actually is in some of the diet drinks.

I don't drink diet anything, but I have had some soda in the past few days, and I don't usually drink soda at all, and eating things like salad dressing and stuff like that, so maybe that's the key... here's hoping, lol, I'm gaining and losiing like 10 pounds at a time, from this... and even though it's water, it's hard to work so hard, and then see that you've gained...

I guess Amy pretty much too care of all the answers!! Good Job!!

Could you be...uh...pregnant?

If I am, I know a doctor that's getting his arse kicked....lol, I have a 2 inch scar under my navel that says I shouldn't be getting preg... cut, tied, AND fried, I didn't want ANY slips...lol

PNG: I find that the heat of summer makes me retain water, however, I've never had it like you are.

Soooo, I'm guessing we can cross off the testosterone from the list.

You are an inspiration.

annie

PNG - I know dr's visits can be pricey but I think I would err on the side of caution. I am an RN and usually pitting edema is associated with something serious. If you can check your blood pressure at one of those machines they have at the pharmacy. When you don't have to be on your feet keep your legs raised and don't cross your legs at all, it decreases circulation. You may need to go the other way and take a diuretic to get rid of all the water. Maybe try some lemon in your water, it is a natural diuretic. there could be some reason that your body is having trouble flushing the water out. I hope I am not being too personal but how are your bathroom habits? That may be a clue if your kidneys are out of whack. Just some things to think about. Keep us posted.

I have to say that I had been very concerned with myself at times as i have had pitting edema for no apearent reason. as a RN too i know all the reasons. but in my case it usually is because of too much sodium. cutting it back and drinking tons ofwater it would be gone within a few days. but I knew what the cause was. Grapefruit seeds extract is a natural diuretic try some of that.

png.. let me chime in with those who think this might be something more serious than TOM or sodium-related water retention.

if it doesn't go away in a day or so, with you controlling your salt intake, and an extra potassium or something. go to the doc.

the weight loss surgeons urge us to eat lots of protein because it helps prevent fluid retention and helps get it out of the tissues. i know you're a veg, and veg-hood is very healthy for many people, but are you getting enough protein, especially from low-carb sources???

just something to consider.

I do have to agree with Jiff. I had forgot that you were a vegitarian. make sure you are getting enough protein. there are many sources to get it from. I just had been given a lint that tells your min req of protein and that is from a non low carb person. check it out.

http://www.drkoop.com/tools/calculator/protein.asp

I have a high protein need for my workouts and thinking about it when i eat salty i usually have a decreased protein intake as well.

PNG I think everyone above has already said it all.. I just hope you are soon better. I know your concerns of money vs doctor or dentist very well.. I've had that same fight many times myself... just be sure to take care of yourself ok.. because money will come and go.. but you only get one shot at it
Traci

I get plenty of protien, and have recently been eating MORE protien. Quick random fact...lol... as a nation, we mostly get TOO much protien, at the expense of other building blocks, such as carbs... and all that... I think my problem is I haven't been drinking enough water to flush out all the nasties, coupled with some salty foods, and the change in eating patterns... It hasn't been too long since I was given a clean bill of health from my doctor, remember, I just had a major operation 6 months ago, and had my last follow up and physical about 3 months ago... I am making an appt. with the local clinic, at least I can probably get off cheap there... and if the nurse there sees anything odd, she'll refer me to the clinic in Carlin, where I can also get off pretty cheap...hopefully...

PNG, if I read this right you have been having this on and off for 3 weeks, that is why I said that it might be something more serious and you should see a dr. I'm glad that you are going to the clinic. I think you are right about us eating too much protein. I think I read somewhere that we eat enough protein daily to support a family of 4 for a week.

Sue - how long did your sodium related edema last? the pitting edema that I have seen in the course of my hospital work was usually related to congestive heart failure or kidney problems that is why I suggested PNG go see a dr as it has been a problem on and off for 3 weeks.

Friends, I know that we hate to run to the dr every 5 minutes for the least little thing, especially in the US where your health care system cost so much, but self diagnosis can be a dangerous thing. It is better for a dr to look at whatever the problem is just so you are establishing a history then if it crops up again later there is documentation that this had occurred.