Suggestions for natural edema remedies please.

[resistancewasfutile]

Hello 👋

I've recently been seen by a cardiologist and had an echocardiogram assessment. Under my current treatment plan, my cardiomyopathy has been turned around and according to blood work, I'm avoiding heart failure but I still have mild edema in my lower legs.

I'm not taking any heart meds anymore, having been on Sotalol, Atrovastatin and Dabigatin for about two years, and stopped all these meds six months ago. Working full-time, I'm on my feet all day, only resting them during my breaks, and an average of 10,000 steps a day.

Is my body just taking it's sweet time to adjust to my new normal?

I suppose I was naive to think the extra weight would be shed rapidly. (*rolls eyes at self) I'm managing the edema by wearing sports compression calf sleeves and lace up shoes during the day. After a night's sleep, the swelling is almost gone.

Perhaps swimming will help.

I'd probably benefit from Cardio rehab, though I've only just discovered it's existence today. I had heart attack in 2023 but no one from the hospital, or my GP, suggested anything like it. I'll be making enquires on Monday.

The edema not bad enough to warrant prescribed diuretics and my risk of heart failure has been averted...so I'm seeking a natural remedy. I really want to wear my jandles again without fear of ballooning feet. 😏

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

🖖

[Happyrosie]

as far as I know, Oedema in the legs (where no cause is found) is simply to elevate the legs where possible and exercise. A physiotherapist might suggest exercises to help. Of the cause is a cardiovascular issue then I’d have thought diuretics would be the answer.

You are seeking natural remedies, which I am reading to mean some over-the-counter stuff that you could get from a pharmacy. Your pharmacy might be able to suggest something.

[devonian186]

Weight can be a big factor in exacerbating things especially if the extra weight (and fat round the waist) is noticeable.

Are you just a few pounds overweight or is it a bit more than that which might have a wider health impact?

[resistancewasfutile in reply to devonian186]

Alas, I am a bit more chunky than I would like. .. so, yes, overweight by 35kg.

[devonian186 in reply to resistancewasfutile]

Its no business of mine, but that is a lot. I am 10kg overweight (The Govt needs to ban Easter Eggs immediately or I can' be held responsible for my eating!)

I have always been pleased to get into 36inch waist trousers-(men's medium) However the picture is VERY different when taking a proper waist measurement. It is fat lying around the stomach and organs that is considered to be harmful so I suspect that losing weight, especially round the stomach, might be very helpful and it may well be that a little more exercise might come in useful.

I suspect that if you get down to around the "correct" weight you would find your circumstances better.

As for swimming, could be useful, but requires a lot of dedication, time and money. Walking with hiking poles (Nordic walking) is likely to be a quick and easy way to up exercise, if you need to.

[resistancewasfutile in reply to devonian186]

Yeah. I've managed to shed about 10 kgs since this time last year. Getting moving has been hard because them hospital doctors had my pacemaker set to a base rate of 50 bpm and prescribed me drugs that zeroed out my sinus ability.

I've recently discovered this thing called cardio rehab, so I might give that a go, to get me started. After being on my feet all day for work, the last thing I want to do is go for a walk.

[devonian186 in reply to resistancewasfutile]

Well done for losing that weight. I only have to look at a picture of a bar of chocolate and I put on a kilo.

[Qualipop in reply to resistancewasfutile]

Cardio rehab is usually only offered after a Heart attack or surgical procedure, I too have swelling of ankles and feet, one much worse than the other. Last year gP sent me for ultra sound scans to check my circulation was ok. I'd been on a diuretic for years which never helped. My problem is lack of exercise in a wheelchair. If you want to try alternatives to drugs, talk to a good herbalist. I know dandelion extracts are mild diuretics.

[resistancewasfutile in reply to Qualipop]

I had a heart attack in 2023. NSTEMI and with severe tricuspid regurgistation.

[Qualipop in reply to resistancewasfutile]

I doubt they'd do rehab after 2 years

[resistancewasfutile in reply to Qualipop]

Yeah

Turns out there is only private rehab available in my area or at public health if you're over 65yrs and a stroke patient.

[Qualipop in reply to resistancewasfutile]

Yes, you should have been offered rehab around 3 to 5 weeks after a heart attack but nothing after that unless you decide on a private course when the NHS one finishes. Some areas don't do rehab at all. It seems here more about giving people confidence and showing them what they can safely do.

[resistancewasfutile in reply to Qualipop]

I could do with some of that confidence.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to resistancewasfutile]

It also helped me get on to a schedule that I’ve more or less kept up afterwards.

There was one guy in my class that had had his heart attack over a year ago.

[Carriefarm]

I think walking is the best exercise you can do. You can build it up slowly and do it at any time of the day. Just keep doing it and I’m sure it will improve your symptoms and overall health. Best wishes.

[Deerhoundlover]

You could try Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy to reduce the oedema, just make sure the therapist is qualified. You can find a list of practitioners on the MLD website.

[readyabout]

You could try a Naturopath, make sure they are qualified, and have skills in Iridology, Herbal Medicine, and others. We have used a Naturopath in Dorchester, she is very good, and sorted us out, tho' our health issues are different from yours.

[Will_2]

Dandelion tea is said to be good for kidneys and to act as a diuretic. You might ask a herbalist about that.