Question:
Fluid retention in lower legs
I retain a lot of fluid in my lower legs. I take a daily fluid pill but doesn't help much now. My right leg is much larger and looks like something out of a freak show..UGH!! I will be having RNY soon and the condition of my legs going into surgery concerns me. Anyone else have this problem and has had WLS..any complications etc??? — Kathleen F. (posted on March 31, 2009)
March 31, 2009
You should probably get that checked ASAP. Could be lymphedema or
cellulitis, both potentially serious conditions. Please do get checked,
then let us know what you find out! I'll say a prayer for you.
— Marcie F.
March 31, 2009
I'd assume you are under a doctor's care for you fluid retention, as you
note a daily fluid pill. My RNY surgeon had me stop a fluid pill I was
taking as part of my high bp meds, to avoid dehydration after surgery. I
experienced foot and ankle swelling for years prior to my surgery. After 2
weeks post op from RNY, no more swelling issues at all. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
March 31, 2009
Definitely call your doctor and have it checked out asap. One leg being
larger than the other is very disconcerting to me and could be many things
such as the previous author stated as well as blood clots. All are
serious. Might not be anything that serious- let's hope so- but let the
doc make that determination ok? Best of luck. You want to go into surgery
in the best shape so get it taken care of now.
Dawn Vickers
— DawnVic
March 31, 2009
I had fluid retention in my lower legs/ankles area but both legs were the
same. Since WLS (2 years)fluid retention is way down. It only happens if I
don't get up and move around. Don't assume yours is the same. Like the
previous writers I'd advise you to call your doctor.
— Muggs
April 1, 2009
My legs were chronically swollen for years...You need to get yours checked
out though as everyone suggested...but I did want to say that after surgery
my chronic swelling stopped after a few weeks and several pounds lost. They
rarely swell anymore...I have noticed that when I am travelling in the car
on long trips or eat salty foods (canned soups, chinese, restaurant foods,
gravies....etc) I will sometimes get a little swelling in my hands, feet
and ankles...It's so rare now and when I do eat something that might be
high sodium I power-drink water that day or the next (if it's late) on
purpose to dilute and wash out that salt! It helps! The water pills didn't
help me either and are really bad for your kidneys so I hear...Hopefully
surgery will resolve this problem for you as well...but do see a doc in the
meantime and get that looked at! OH...and swimming pool exercise helps
SOOOO much especially being in deep water helps put pressure on the legs
and helps with circulation! I did a lot of "treading water" in
the deep end and I finally noticed I do have ankles and not just
"cankles" (calf-ankles) Water was and is still my favorite place
to work out and is so theraputic in so many ways as well as helps people
who have back and joint pain/problems like I did back then! Good luck and
please do see a doc now!
— .Anita R.
April 1, 2009
I also suffer from this in one leg only and it drives me crazy. I've had it
exrayed and examined on many occasions and they keep telling me there is
nothing to worry about. I also have severe pain running down it and been
told three different stories as to what is causing the pain. I'm also on a
water pill that doesn't seem to be doing anything and I'm six days out from
have the lap-band procedure done. But I do agree with the others you should
have a specialist make sure that this isn't a blood clot or something else
serious. Good Luck to You! Clarice L. Shaw
— Clarice Shaw
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