Help! gained 13lbs in 12 days!!!

Okay, I’m back looking for some input. I’ll try to keep it as short as possible.

I am 6 weeks post-op and I have gained 13 pounds in as many days.  I’m sure it’s all fluid, as my legs, feet and ankles are painfully swollen, but I’m frustrated!

I’m not sure what’s causing the water retention, could be any number of things, so I’ll ask for some input here. Maybe some one here has gone through it too.

 

* My menstrual cycle is all messed up (came early right out of hospital [4/9], now it’s late)

* I went off my BP meds (which also included a water med [HCTZ]) because my BP is normal again.

* I’ve had two courses of Antibiotics for incision infections. Which also caused a yeast  infection (last dose yesterday) 

* Called surgeon Thursday (they said they’d call back)

* Called my PCP Friday can’t see him until 6/4.

* Decided to go to urgent care after work told him all I told you. He prescribed Just the HCTZ. Haven’t noticed a difference yet.

Yes, I'm drinking at least 64oz everyday. Consuming between 70-100g protein each day, and trying to stay below 50 carbs a day.
 
Any advice or suggestions?

 

Thank you,

Ginger

Hi Ginger,
You mentioned that you're drinking at least 64 oz of water a day - you should be averaging around 100; did you know that?   Maybe bumping up your water will help.  In the mean time, what about a water pill?

 Hi Janine,
Thank you, I thought that 64oz was the suggested minimum. Some days it's difficult to get it in but I force myself.  Once it gets hotter I drink way more than that.

Well, the Urgent care Dr. did give me HCTZ (a water pill) I'm just not sure it's strong enough. It used to be that green tea helped me when I swell at "that time of the month". So I tried that on Tuesday.  I'm just hoping this is will clear up SOON. Watching the scale go up instead of down is very frustrating! 

It is frustrating, I promise I know.  Especially 13 pounds.  I'm sure your body will regulate itself soon enough.  Be patient with yourself.  You deserve the patience.

 Thanks Janine!  I have just had all these little complications, I keep waiting for things to get "normal".   I know in my head they will, I just have to wait. 

Hang in there !! 
ALL of the above can make you retain fluids. Plus being still early out, and with the infections, that is the bodies way to stay hydrated and try to heal...I did not start loosing fluid till 8 to 10 weeks out ..

The water pill may help jump start, but up the fluids so you don't run the risk of dehydration..
Even with bp normal, also does not mean ALL side effects of hbp are gone,,,give it a little more time, and check with the surgeon....

Good luck !

Get to your doctor asap - you need to find out the cause of the edema.    Why can't you see your PCP until June 4?  Did you say it was urgent???

 I did tell them I needed to be seen right away, that's why they sent me to urgent care.   I am calling the surgeon again on Monday. Hopefully by then the HCTZ will have helped.

Thank you to all for your concern and encouragement. 
I'm glad you're here.

Hope you get it fixed soon. I know first hand how awful swelling can be.

I agree with everyone else. Hang in there sweets!