Any advice on oedema of the feet in the heat?

[Julesboz]

Hi all, I have mild CKD with very few symptoms (stage 3). This current heatwave in the U.K. is playing merry hell with my feet though. My husband says I look like a hobbit my feet are fine when I wake up but by the time I go to bed they are huge and very painful (and in bad days my ankles too). I'm assuming this is my kidneys struggling in the heat. I'm trying to keep well hydrated and rest with my feet up but it's not always possible. Has anyone any sage advice to help relieve or prevent this?

Thanks!!

[orangecity41]

I live in Florida and is hot and humid here. I am at stage 3 and age 77. My ankles/feet sometimes swell, and do wear light compression socks, which seems to help. Best to ask your Doctor if connected to CKD and what is best treatment option.

[Julesboz in reply to orangecity41]

Ok thanks for the advice. I'll see if I can get an apt with my doc.

[newbie1956]

I use this...hope it helps

youtube.com/watch?v=5LtSFqp...(Not working as expected?)

[Julesboz in reply to newbie1956]

Oh that's really useful, I'll definitely try that! Thanks!

[Celtic]

Jules, I have always experienced ankle swelling in very hot weather....until now and this present heatwave! I have just a sole kidney and CKD3b and avoid salt in my diet. On a recent holiday, my ankles swelled and the only thing I could put it down to was salt in the food. Some years ago whilst in hospital, my ankles swelled with that horrible tight feeling. When I pointed out the swelling to a Dr, he immediately ordered a salt- free diet.

Now the only reason I can find for the absence of swelling over the last few weeks of scorching temperatures is that I have lost over half a stone recently. So for anyone having a similar problem, I am naturally wondering if a little weight loss might help.

[Julesboz in reply to Celtic]

Thanks Celtic, I don't think I can blame weight for the swelling as my BMI is at the lower end of acceptable. I also have very little salt in my diet, although I don't strictly monitor it. Thanks for the replying anyway, it's always tough to get to the bottom of these things.

[Celtic in reply to Julesboz]

Another possible remedy might perhaps be to try increasing your intake of diuretic-type foods such as asparagus, celery, watermelon etc.

[Julesboz in reply to Celtic]

That's a very good suggestion, I've just had a look at listings of natural diuretic foods and, although I already eat quite a few, I will certainly look at adding some more into my diet. Pineapple features quite high in the lists so that sounds appealing.

[Celtic in reply to Julesboz]

Good luck, Jules, and, if all else fails, there’s always winter to look forward to!!!

[lowraind]

My best answer is to not assume anything and to get an appointment with your doctor. It my be something else and you can't do anything about it until you know what it is.

[Julesboz in reply to lowraind]

Yes someone else suggested that so I have an apt booked in a couple of weeks. Thanks!

[WYOAnne]

I have had a transplant and have problems with edema in my ankles. If you plan to do a lot of walking, my doctor suggested compression socks. You do need to ask your nephrologist what his suggestions are. My doctor also gave me lasix (water pill) to take when I have a problem. This helps me a lot. But remember everyone is different.....what works for me may not work for you. That's why it's important for you to ask your doctor.

Good luck, retaining fluid is always a challenge.

[Julesboz in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks, yes I do walk quite a lot (with my dogs). I don't have a nephrologist, just my GP. The NHS in the U.K. Doesn't refer to a nephrologist until you are at stage 4. I have made an apt with my doctor thought to discuss.

[Sdtagoo]

Hello. I have CKD 3b and even before diagnosed, I had swelling in my feet and ankles, in the summer heat it is especially bad. My GP put me on Triamterene 75/50 HCTZ, 1 a day & it works wonderfully for me. When I saw my nephrologist however, he cut the dose in half. It still works great. Without it, my feet, ankles, and legs swell & hurt, & my blood pressure increases dramatically. You should always check with your doctor (preferably a nephrologist) about taking anything.

[Julesboz in reply to Sdtagoo]

Yes, I've booked an apt with my doctor as I'm not under a nephrologist. I'm loath to take any drugs as I'm highly chemically sensitive and I react to taking anything, so I'm hoping for natural solution or relief.

[melissa68]

Hi Julesboz - I really feel for you. I have CKD stage3b and live in London. I've found that 3 litres of water per day, 30 minutes exercise on the cross-trainer 3 times a week (to help my lymphatic system) and my diuretic tablets (Furomiside) is the only thing keeping my fluid retention in check. So sorry I don't have anything new to suggest. Hang in there