Swelling in leg(s)

[Hellonwheels]

I'm curious---is swelling, especially in the right leg and only sometimes (airplane, long car ride, unreasonable amounts of time in a chair) in the left a normal problem for hypo patients? I have had this problem when traveling since I was a teenager, but in the last 10 years, it is constant. I'm on the right amount of meds for me, as I feel GREAT! I just wish the water problem would go away!

[Benos123]

Hi,

I have had the same problem for the past 4 or 5 years and whilst my GP identifies it as water retention he was afraid to prescribe any diuretics.

Then about 3 weeks ago my Cardiologist bumped up my meds for an elevated BP and he prescribed Valsartan +HTC which has a built in diuretic component, and lo and behold my right leg is now very much better!

[AngieAsh]

I have oedema in both legs. I was on diuretics for a while but the GP stopped them. I don't think they like to leave you on them too long.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to AngieAsh]

I was in diuretics years ago and I went to a different doctor who said he didn’t like me taking them but he carried on prescribing them and I continued to take them.

Then about ten years or so ago I went to a different doctor and when he questioned them I said flippantly ‘Oh Dr X said that too, he really didn’t like me taking them’ and this doctor said ‘Well I don’t either and I want you to stop!. I said I was convinced my body would swell up etc and he said that it wouldn’t and he was right. I haven’t taken them since.

I’d agree with G2G2 that you need to be well hydrated. I think sometimes people make the mistake of reducing their water intake in the mistaken belief that it will cut fluid retention when in fact it does the opposite.

[G2G2]

Are you well hydrated? Interestingly, when dehydrated the body can hold onto water resulting in edema.

[Hellonwheels in reply to G2G2]

Oh goodness, yes. I drink at least a gallon+ of water (4 litres +) every day. Dehydration will never be a problem for me

[G2G2 in reply to Hellonwheels]

You're definitely hydrated

[McMurtagh]

I’ve suffered from swelling in both legs a few times - the first time was after a very long coach trip followed by a flight. The second time, years later, was after a long coach trip and the last time, about 3/4years ago was after I’d sat at a computer for over 12 hours.

[Clarrisa]

Hi, Have you tried breaking up long car trips with a walk or two? Wear compression stockings or compression socks on long trips such as a plane trip & walk if you can too. Do you elevate your leg(s) on a elevated foot rest at your desk? My guess is a Physical Therapist could show you some simple foot/leg exercises to do that might also help given you have had this condition since young. Do you wear loose, nonconstricting clothing on long trips? Maybe reduce the salt content in your food before these trips to decrease fluid retention. No pretzels! Traditional home & folk remedies say to eat fresh apples & celery to reduce swelling. Please don't mind me I am just throwing out ideas.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Clarrisa]

And very good ideas too Clarissa 😊

[Hellonwheels in reply to Clarrisa]

Thanks Clarissa. Great ideas, and I mostly do all of them, though I've never heard about apples and celery. I'll have to try that. I'm sure I could cut more salt out of diet, but don't use much now...

[Clarrisa]

If you have some money to throw around a Alexander instructor could show you how to optimally sit best in a car, desk, etc. As they set up shop in England they ought to be around.

I was born with what was thought to be slightly dislocated hip(s) & I am wondering if you might have been slightly out of place too (I was treated with wearing tight diapers so don't notice swelling, but I have had some right foot pain starting last year when driving distances repeatedly (I was given a foot conduction test). Have you tried sitting on different surfaces in the car such as a firm straw pillow? Or used a back support?

In the states they have these "Life Scan" outfits that set up in community buildings & screen people with Electrocardiograms, ultrasound, etc. for a assortment of problems.

[silverfox7]

You may be undermedicated or the vitamins etc aren't high enough to help you thyroid to work properly. I had a similar experience a few weeks ago. I've had a lot of problems recently after a bad fall resulting in an operation to put a plate in my wrist so was ha I g to take strong pain killers at one point so loads of things to set me thyroid back. After about three weeks I got to the end of my current supplements and so not feeling safe going out on ice and snow, unable to fill my pill box up one hand and in so much pain I knew I was feeling worse. Then I started back on my supplements. On day three a few dashes to the bathroom which continued as I got rid of a lot of fluid and quite quickly I bounced back. Still not 100 % but at first things moved quickly so taking supplements does work but remember they are to be continued. Also whilst I was admiring my slimmer carves I also noticed the skin peeling off on my feet as it had flaked off as the swelling went.

[Heloise]

Hellonwheels, I sent you a private message but you may not see it. I was just going to suggest potassium for the swelling in your leg. Something to try.