swollen feet

[Colourpink66]

hi all I’ve had fm for about 8 years, probably longer but wasn’t aware of fm before that, but recently my feet have been very swollen, I’m taking steroids at the moment because I have COPD , the swelling has started to go down, but I wondered if any one has suffered with this because of fm

[Blearyeyed]

Sorry about the increase in your COPD .The combination of COPD, the steroids for it, and lower activity which can be normal with these conditions can cause a reduction in how well are blood circulates in extremities like hands and feet , and can reduce how well we move lymph and water from them causing the swelling and discomfort.

It's worth asking the GP to check your kidney function , particularly your kidney salts levels , Liver function , Vitamin B 12 , Folates , Vitamin D and Magnesium. This gives you a baseline to work from now you are on steroids as well as showing if there is a problem that can be simply solved adding to the swelling. Request a copy of your results as often they will say they are normal but actually quite low or borderline and you can make your own adjustment in diet , water intake or take supplements to help reduce the side effects of steroids before it becomes a bigger issue. Prevention is better than cure as they say.

Have they given you Adcal to take alongside your steroids?

This is a vitamin D and Calcium supplement that's usually beneficial to take with steroids to protect your bones.

Many people on long term steroids also take an extra combined vitamin and mineral supplement, extra vitamin D and K2 , and Magnesium.

These are even more helpful if you also have Fibro as your body is using up lots of nutrients to try and process your medications and cope with two illnesses at once.

Keeping your feet raised when you sit down on a chair or high stool helps any water retention to drain from your feet and improves your circulation. Magnesium spray or cream massaged into feet at night and raising the feet on pillows or the base of the bed also helps the swelling and reduces nerve pain and restless legs.

Trying to do some ankle and foot rotation exercises and a few minutes stroll about the home each hour improves circulation and muscle strength . It can help your COPD and Fibro symptoms too and reduce other steroid side effects.

Drinking more water each day helps improve circulation and breathing and reduces chest pain , GERD . The swelling and general weight gain on steroids can be improved by reducing processed sugar in your diet to rare treats. Having smaller portions of brown , skin on , or wholegrain carbs rather than white carbohydrates. Getting rid of artificial sweeteners altogether . Increasing the variety of proteins and vegetables that you eat.

Even if you only take steroids for a few months it can take up to six months for your body to adjust back to normal again afterwards , although the benefits of taking steroids with certain conditions outweigh the risks or need to make adaptions while you need to take them. And it's worth making the changes in general as part of self care anyway.

Take care , Bee

[Colourpink66]

thanks for the great advice