Help for mother with severe edema?

Has anyone found anything for the relief of edema/ascites related to advanced ovarian cancer? My mother is really suffering and it's breaking my heart. None of the doctors seem to have anything to relieve the edema in her legs. We get her abdomen drained once a week, but her lower legs and feet are incredibly painful. I want to help her but don't know what to do. Has anyone experienced this or have any ideas?

To:

[Kimchi]

Have had very little edema in fingers and feets with my chemo...Is the fluid in her abdomen from water retention?? Is Mom on chemo? I think edema in the legs and ascites in stomach are 2 different things  Did dr gave her diuretics for the legs?

[EchoUK]

I expect your mother already tries to keep her feet elevated which is recommended.

You could ask the doctors about a low salt or restricted salt diet which may help.
There is a lot of information on the internet - most refer to patients with liver disease
which are prone to ascites - but the same information applies to any ascites.

It is important to reduce salt intake slowly so best to speak to the doctors however
if you don't already use Low Sodium salt, changing to that would be a start.

Hope this helps to make your mother more comfortable,

Best wishes from Ruth in the UK

[freshair]

I have a friend that has that. It may be because of the lymph nodes involved with the cancer. It's good that she is drained once a week. Maybe someone will post something that helps but Ruth is right to keep the legs elevated.

I am on Taxotere and it is supposed to cause some kinds of swelling. I found out that asparagus and watermelon are diuretic foods. So I've been eating a lot of watermelon. And the watermelon seems to help me after chemo when my stomach is so sour and I have a hard time eating.

Here is a website that explains it. Just as it is important to keep the legs elevated, we have to keep exercising. But I don't know your Mom's exact situation so the nurses and doctor should help.

http://www.answers.com/topic/edema?cat=health

I wish I could help more--all my best,
Helen

[SimplyStar]

has no one ordered a diuretic?  Edema causes strain on the heart a ECG  might give you a picture of that, elevate the legs, no salt, no tight socks, watch for red pressure  spots, watermelon is a very good diuretic, you also have to be alert for clots.  Have a pro time run to check for this,  if she is over weight maybe a blood sugar level. These are just suggestions.

[kiwiscat]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions. We have tried just about all of them except the watermelon. Of course, that would have to be the one fruit she hates.
She is on diuretics, has her tummy tapped once a week, keeps her legs up and eats right. I am truly at a loss of how to help her.
Thanks, though, it's nice to have others reaching out to you. :)

[rmarie]

How is her protein level?  Protein in the blood holds fluid in the blood vessels.  Is she eating much protein?  Ask the Dr. what her albumin level is, it is worth a shot.

[kiwiscat]

Her protein level is actually very low. She's leaking lymph fluid into her abdomen, so when that is drained she loses a lot of protein. Her dr. has recommended drinking a protein shake every morning to up her protein.

[rmarie]

If she is losing protein in the ascites, then she can leak it out the the feet and legs also.  I would definitely give her protein supplements.  You can do a protein powder and add to milk, or purchase the supplements that are sold to increase protein.  I used one after my first surgery because my protein was low, I like the chocolate and got one that was on sale.  Cold they are not bad.  She could probably have more than one a day.  all my best
marie