edema/swelling

Well, I don't know what to do. I have had a small amount of edema in my legs/ankles for about a year. I am on 2 diretics and follow a low sodium diet. Over the last month the edema has been worse. I've been doing 30 minutes a day on the treadmill and still gained 10lb.s. I eat a liver friendly diet with alot of fruits and vegtables and should not have gained weight. Over the weekend I really swelled up. My legs/ankles, hands, abdomin (abdomen), and even my face! I had a ultrasound 2 weeks ago so I asked the coordinator if it showed any fluid in my abdomin (abdomen)(acites (ascites)) and he said no. He didn't know what was causing the swelling and didn't seem too concerned about it. So, I call my primary care Dr. today and she has the nurse call and tell me to add 2 prescriptions that I am already on! (for diretics)  I don't know if this is really nothing or if no one is paying attention. I know I don't feel right....whatever. Why do you always have to talk to the Dr.s nurse and the Dr. can't be bothered.    What do you think? Is this no big deal?    Thanks, -Libby

[fretboard]

Yeah I swell too.  It's one of those things that I fight off regularly, I even took a lasix today.  I do have a prescription for lasix and Chor-Con, that's a potassium supplement.  Make sure you're getting a potassium supplement, it helps you to drink more water, throw it and drink more.lol  My hands pork up like big hams, it's gross, but what am I gonna do, I can't hide my hands.lol  Elininate all salt and fast food, it's fairly easy to do, just remind yourself.  Also, if your ankles and feet blow up, you may want to stop using the treadmill when you're swollen.  Some of us swell and some don't, I guess were the ones that have to deal with it.  Have you had a biopsy yet, results?  I am a stage zero and grade 2.  good luck

[goldyn]

Make sure you check your blood pressure at different times of the day to see how it is....sometimes a little elevated pressure may cause this....

[fretboard]

Oh, I didn't mean to make light of our situation.  I’ve read your profile that you have tx'ed and relapsed.  Ouch!!  Sorry to hear that.  You really need to contact your doctor and have a talk about your options.  I hope you're seeing a heptologist and getting the best possible care.  I have heard some talk about alternating diuretics, but I don’t know if that works.  As long as you drink water, they should work.  This could be serious and you should see your doctor and stay on top of your blood work.  Good luck

[ejoli]

Thanks for commenting. Yea, that is what is frustrating. I'm already doing the tx for edema.(diaretics and low sodium) I can't relate it something I ate since I really don't eat salt. I took an extra diaretic on Sun. and it really has helped. I'm down about 4 lbs. But I still have about 5 extra lbs.  I guess since my Dr. isn't too concerned I shouldn't worry. I'm glad to know that it isn't acites (ascites)!     Thanks,   -Libby