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Why am I swelling up like a balloon?

The last week, I have noticed my hands and feet swelling real bad. This morning I got up, my head is pounding and my face, eyes, are so puffed up I have huge bags around them. My hands are gigantic, with the rings indentations on them. I drink a ton of water everyday, I really dont ingest alot of salt. I dont get it, I am concerned about all this water bloating, if it was just a little I wouldnt say anything, but I feel like I would pop if I came near a sharp object.
Does anybody know what I can do? Is this a normal sx? I dont recall ever reading about it.I dont want to "diet" not on tx, but this is NOT weight-gain I am sure, it is strictly water retention in mass amounts. Any ideas, it feels horrible.
lilmoma
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Avatar universal
Not only do the cells swell when too much water enter they have been known to actually blow up and die.
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Avatar universal
"The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition."

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.htm

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Avatar universal
SAID: A wig huh? do they cost alot? I would love to know how that goes for ya

I know that the insurance companies WILL pay for part of it - at a real good wig store where they MAKE IT FOR YOU specifically and use real hair if you want and everything.  I was told that they will pay up to $500 and that the really, really good wigs are $650 - I figure that is a good deal.

They won't fall off and stuff because they are specifically made for your head.

I have to admit though a few years back I went crazy at Christmas and bought a couple wigs (long dark brown, long blonde and long auburn) on ebay. They were not real hair they only cost $29.99 but people in stores gave me so many compliments on my hair LOL!

My hair is about (well WAS) about 18" long and these wigs were way longer than that - and I went downstairs one night and my father said (now I had on the auburn wig and I have BLONDE hair in reality) wow you got a lovely hair cut.

LOL MY hair was half way down my back and a completely different color - but for a man...I guess he knew SOMETHING was different hahahaha.

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Avatar universal
That story about you dad is just toooo funy.
I can qualify through my insurance for this, do I just get a referral from pcp, and who does he refer me to? I would love to gather all that info from you, sounds like you have been doing your homework girl, that is something I would like to have as "my ace in the hole" when I need it.
You have a great week, be good to yourself.
lilmoma
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Avatar universal
Hate to start out disagreeing, but I think advising too much water is bad is counter productive.  I should drink 90 oz of water a day, or over 10 glasses.  I try to drink more.  comparing us to the level of hydration in combat soldiers is just apples and pineapples.  My literature says to act like a Yuppy, "water is so important that you should get in the habit of taking a filled water bottle with you wherever you go".  As a biologist, unless there are specific kidney issues, I think drinking too much water is a really hard thing to do.  And then, I suspect if you have kidney issues, the answer is drink more.  OH, I do have an msds for water, its an inhalation hazard.
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Avatar universal
I believe I was the one with the thread about allergic reactions. I also starting swelling . I have been off tx since March 10th and the swelling continues. Though not as bad. Definately check with your doctor, you never know.
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Avatar universal
Its sunday morning and I feel like I may blow into a thousand pieces,..........................all swollen up.
Ohhhh I feel like a whiney little baby,...............and I dont want to go to work tomorrow either, Im scared "he will come back"
I need to not think about tomorrow though, surely I have enough problems "in the now"
Sorry guys,.not a good day
lilmoma
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry to hear about your bloating.  It does sound like too much bloating if your fingers are swelling around your rings, at least to me.

A lot of people think you should stay away from salt but we need a certain amount of salt, especially when drinking lots of water.  I know it sounds contraindictive but it really makes sense.

The book "Your Bodies Many Cries for Water" has an excellant explanation of why we need the salt.  Of course, too much salt is never good.  Balance is key.

I am not suggesting you lick a salt lick right now since you are already retaining water.  See what the doctor says.

Too much water can confuse the body too.  Especially with all this stuff we are putting in it.  

Just my thoughts and I highly recommend the book.

miss
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Avatar universal
Thanks, I thought he was one that lived in Tenn., and I know there are others here who live in the area/s of these tornados.  I am sure more people will get and give info.  My sides are not too bad; just enough to make you feel like c*ap.  And, no energy today; but I am sure it will pass by tomorrow; usually does.  I am just thankful my vision is back to normal. Woo Hoo.  That sx was frustrating.


            DALE_RAY   CALLING    DALE_RAY  !!!!!

If you have a chance to post today; please let us know how things are your way.  I know alot of devastation has happened.  Hope you and your loved ones are okay.  Will be waiting to hear from you.  Good Luck!!

cajun

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Avatar universal
A wig huh? do they cost alot? I would love to know how that goes for ya. I always think of a wig falling off, or flipping around on the head, (pony-tail hanging over the nose) you know.
Let me know how the day to day stuff works out, I would like to know. Maybe you will start a new fad for all of us.
lilmoma
Helpful - 0
108191 tn?1199599905
Sounds like you are retaining a lot of water.  I agree that you should try less water and see what happens, at least, until you talk with your doctor about this.  Also, your potassium versus sodium could be off.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry to hear of the swelling.  Has to be uncomfortable.  I think nygirl, has the right idea.  You should check with your doctor; could be an allergic reaction or just excess water retension.  Hope things get better.  Who needs a jerk at the end of the day. Geez some people, you know.

***********************************************************
              IMPORTANT BULLENTIN


I am not feeling well today; little chill and fever. I will be going back to bed and rest and check in later today.  I did want to come in and post, to find out how many people on this forum live in Tenn., many tornados went on there and alot of devestation.  If, anyone in that area, has any info on what kind of help is needed and what is needed and where can things be sent to the survivors there.  I know many churches get involved; I would like to help contribute in anyway I can.

So, if anyone has any knowledge of this diaster; and or friends effected; please post some info.  I am sure that there are many others besides myself, would like to do the same. I will pray that none of our friends here  sustained any damage.

cajun  

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Avatar universal
Sorry to hear your sx's are rough today! Delray lives in tennesee and he hasn't posted today. I believe he is in the memphis area.

Dyce
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Avatar universal
Well between you and me...you have expanded and I have shrunk into a mummy. Isn't this stuff great fun?  :(  ;-)

I haven't had that particular problem but it sounds like it's common enough.  Maybe when you talk to the doctor you can ask him why you are having this problem - maybe it's just retention and he can give you a diruretic to help flush the water out?  I mean drinking water all day and night is the idea but if for some reason your body is holding it maybe he can prescribe a light weight water pill of some kind?

I had to use them at one point because every "month" I gainned 7 pounds of sheer water - it was HORRIBLE LOL.

Appearance? I can relate no matter how hard I try I look so bad. My mother went away for two weeks and when she came home cried downstairs for a half an hour. I guess she forgot what I looked like now - she kept asking my dad what was wrong with me when in reality I looked like I do every day now. She had just forgotten.

I didn't realize how bad I really looked until then.  It's no fun. This is the week I am going to find out about a wig. She came to me the other night and said look honey I know you really don't want to but it's TIME. At least I can chop off all my hair underneath it and have a gorgeous hairstyle again you know?

You aren't alone.
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Avatar universal
LilMomma, I think you are drinking too much water.  See if reducing that will help the water retention.  Too much is as bad as not enough.  You had a really STRESSFUL day yesterday, why don't you try and take it easy today if you can?  

Rocker, got the "greens in a can" but got the GNC brand called "Garden Greens Essential Greens" and have taken in 3 days.  Still doing the apple cider vinegar every day.  Still think it's uck but I like the effects.  I appreciate your advice!
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Avatar universal
Is it close to your time of the month , i know i used to before tx and now i really notice it now that im treating woke up with the same bags under my eye and swelling and bloating been doing that for the last 2months just did shot17/48
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Avatar universal
cajun: Im sorry your feeling so bad today, your smart to go back to bed and just rest. Im glad your able to do that. Rest up, and then let us know how your doing, okay?

everybody; gosh I didnt think you could drink too much water, I must say that when I go too long without any (2hours) I feel my tongue getting a burning sensation, it is like I could dehydrate "on the spot" feeling, so I try to drink alot to make up for the hours I have to go without. I will slow down though, I really dont want to do anything to mess up my SVR
Thanks for caring, I luv ya
lilmoma
Helpful - 0
108191 tn?1199599905
My NP says a simple test to look at the sodium will let you know if you are drinking too much water.  See if your doctor can help you.
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Avatar universal
One formula is half your weight in ounces although some people report feeling better drinking more.  You can experiment and see how you feel.

It's important to note that drinking a lot of water and water retention/bloating are often two different things. You might check your salt intake, as well as speak to your doctor, as bloating can be caused by many things including medications, abnormalities of the heart, kidney, and yes, our friend the liver. I've never heard drinking too much water can interfere with the meds or SVR, so take that worry off your plate -- or out of your glass in this case:)

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
Thanks for tge info. I just took my lunesta, so the bed is getting close. I want to go to the site you mentioned. Thanks for providing it. I am feeling a little more concerned, as my extremeties only seem to be twice their size, hands arms, gosh my feet actually have a new blister (on the top part of the foot) from the swelling and then the constant rubbing from my shoes. My hands feel like they are gonna blow, and I had to ask my daughter to open a bottle for me, I have no strength, they just are too pudged out. I have not stopped thinking about this all day. Yes, I will obsess.
lilmoma
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Good day, sorry to hear you had the encounter with the psycho at work. Lilmoma that sounds like yur drinkin too much water. For your weight try drinkin 3 24 ounce bottles of water. I'm 190# and I drink 95 ounces a day and I'm staying well hydrated.

Try this link - http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.html
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Avatar universal
Another thought:
My job is VERY physical, yesterday I prolly spent 5 straight hours of just slinging heavy boxes in the cooler, my grocery order came in, I was moving fast all day, fighting the backaches that come with such work. Then, my day ended with a pyscho in my face.
Stress? Can stress alone cause these things.
I have noticed I get cuts on my skin real easy too, like my skin is more fragile. I looked down at my hands yesterday to see blood around my fingers, from ripped hang-nails and such, really stings.
lilmoma
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Avatar universal
I drink about4-5 bottle of water a day, 24 oz bottles that is.
I was told to drink about half my weight in water, I weigh 117, so I am drinking more than 1/2 but shouldnt that be good for me?
lilmoma
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Avatar universal
Well what from what Ive read so far, it sound like this may be common. Maybe I am just over-reacting. I have always been very concienscience (sp?) about my appearance. I do find this difficult, and more than anything it is uncomfortable. I dont think Im allergic, I have never had sensitivities to really anything. Maybe it is just one of those things I have to learn to live with while on tx. Okay, I will drink even more water (arghhhh) and see if that helps.
Thanks you guys for being so quick to answer.
I feel like I have giant Man-Hands   eeeewwwwwww! I hate it!
With swinty little puffed up eyes,...........hate it.
lilmoma
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