I am retaining a LOT of fluid in my lower legs. I can actually press on my shins and it leaves a big indentation. Dr told me to take water pills. These don't do much good. What kind of specialist should I seek? What are your thoughts on this condition?
by 
Sweet Baby Jane
ANSWERS: 8
-
Edema may be a symptom of a more serious underlying disease such as heart disease. Please seek competent medical attention. http://mayoclinic.com/health/edema/DS01035 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edema
-
Pitting Edema. See someone who specializes in the cardiovascular system. It's a sign of congestive heart disease or other systemic disease involving the liver or kidneys. Can be caused by varicose veins or thrombophebitis (inflamed veins). Elevate your legs as much as possible. *Decrease your sodium/salt intake. Sodium makes you retain water. There's lots of kinds of diuretics and they don't all work the same way. Lasix, Demadex, and Bumex are the best for pitting edema.
-
I have water retention in my lower legs now dont panic and think you have heart problems,mine is down to the Lympatic system not draining properly and its not life threatening just go to your doctor and ask he will know who to sent you to:-)
-
You are doing the right thing in seeing another doctor. Have your thyroid checked and your blood pressure too.
-
Did this doctor take your blood pressure as well and was it high? Has she or he checked your heart? Edema in the lower extremities is a common issue with high blood pressure. It can also be an indicator of congestive heart disease. Treating the problem with diuretics without addressing the underlying cause is not good, in my opinion. You really shouldn't need a specialist at this point. A competent general practitioner would be able to check blood pressure and/or order an EKG if she or he thought that it was a heart-related issue. In any case. Get it checked out asap. For me the issue was (and still is if I don't take my meds properly) high blood pressure. I have take 2 diuretics daily for years now, and that keeps the edema at bay.
-
Great to to hear that someone has a similar problem to my husband. He has had a problem with the muscle in the right leg and now has fluid retention in both shins which also leaves a big indentation. Have you had any other problems with your legs? jojoalex
-
Do you take Psychiatric Meds because I do and thats exactly what they're side effects are!
-
I am not an expert on this, but the most common beliefs are that plenty of cucumber and zucchini helps you to lose the weight caused by water retention. So perhaps you could try incorporating them into your daily diet? It's good for you to be hydrated, anyway. I recommend exercise for practically everything. But anyway, don't worry about it, you'll find a cure soon enough! We all have these annoying issues, really.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC