[GeishaGirl]

My legs -- specifically my calves and ankles -- always seem swollen or bloated. At the end of the day, if I've worn socks, the socks are imprinted into my calves for HOURS, and it physically hurts to take them off because they've almost grown into my legs. I'm not sure if this is a complication of D or something else. For instance: I'm usually on my feet for up to 10-12 hours per day due to my job. I'm also getting the feeling that I'm going around dehydrated all the time (can't drink too much water at work because I can't take a pee break whenever I want -- I have to wait until I'm not actively teaching or on duty, and when I'm doing theatre, I'm "not allowed" to have water in the auditorium -- a rule I'll easily break if I have to, on medical grounds).

Is more water the first step? Or am I RETAINING water, which means pills? I don't know.

[Josselyn]

First thing: you need to buy socks that are more loose on top. Your blood flow is being restricted by the tightness of the socks' elastic, and this is especially bad for diabetic individuals who might not feel as much discomfort as they should, when they should. They actually sell "diabetic" socks, but they are pricey at about $7.00/pair. Men's low rise athletic socks might make a good substitute...unless you wear skirts.

Also, I find that if I don't drink enough, my lower legs and feet will often swell up to retain what fluid I do have, I guess. You may need to relax the "no water" rule for yourself...and make certain you drink plenty in the evenings, too.

I'm a teacher, too, but have been known to call for the hall monitor or a neighboring teacher to cover my kids for a bit whilst I run to the Ladies' room...but after the first couple of days with the extra water, I no longer have the p-roblem.

I've also found that as I lose weight, there is less fluid rentention in general. For many years I've had one foot that's puffier (a full half size larger!) than the other, and I've noticed that even it is looking more like its mate these days. A year ago, they were trying to outfit me with an orthopedic knee-high to reduce the swelling...this was before my dx! Now I don't need them.

I hope some of this helps, GeishaGirl.

[Moonglo]

I agree with Josselyn. You definitely have to put yourself first, and if that means drinking more water at the risk of having to leave your classroom for one minute, then so be it. I know legally we are not supposed to leave our classrooms, but your students are older, and I'm sure you know them by now well enough to know which classes you could sneak out of long enough to pee and which ones you cannot. Also, do the other teachers around you have the same planning you do? If not, I'm sure one of them would be willing to watch your class for one minute here or there if you are willing to do the same for them.

PS- I have a pair of diabetic socks, and to me, they are worth the extra money. They are so comfortable!

[dbaratta]

Originally Posted by GeishaGirl

Is more water the first step? Or am I RETAINING water, which means pills? I don't know.

I am not doc, but retaining water could mean you are not getting enough, so if you don't drink enough water you can try getting your 8 glasses in for a start, after that maybe see the doc for some water pills. My dad does not have D but did have water retention, those pills helped him big time.

[Penny]

Amanda, I have the same problem with socks, and if I don't wear them my feet are always cold. The Diabetic socks did not help me much, they still have too small cuffs. Remember the "slouch socks"? I often think they would work good for us, but I never find them anymore. The best I have found are Nononsense extra large womens ankle socks.....the cuff is soft and does not cut in as much. The foot is kind of big, but they just are more comfortable to me. I take the water pills twice a day, but they were given to me because of my heart. I am with the others, drink the water, take the pill whatever it is that you need and insist on taking breaks when you need them.

[GeishaGirl]

Thanks all I really do need to look for bigger socks, but my feet are HUGE for a woman! My husband calls me Bigfoot :P I wear a size 10.5-11 womens so all womens socks are too small. I started wearing mens socks, but they wound up really baggy on my foot and still left those indents on my leg. I guess maybe I'll get some more of those "no-show" socks and leave the tubes to my husband.

I guess Step 1 is less diet soda and more water. My next endo appointment is in January, so I have plenty of time to see if this helps anything. And I've been trying to fix my diet (and lose weight) with very limited success (in other words, NONE) for most of my life.

[Bountyman]

I had the same thing, swollen feet and calves to just below my knees. At one point I had to go buy a shoehorn in order to get into my shoes. Had this for 2 years before I finally went to the ER with chronic diabetes symptoms. I thought it was just because I spent too much time sitting at the computer. The tops of my feet were always bright red. I could reach down and push on the skin and it would turn white...then go right back to red.

After I left the hospital and was put on insulin, Lipitor, and Lisinopril it went away. Now I just slip right into my shoes. I also had a skin condition on my lower legs that would often crack and I'd have to bandage it for days...that went away also. I'd talk to a professional about the swelling...it could be tied to your diabetes.

[ramon]

Same here, ran production so it was difficult to pee when needed all the time. Took Furosemide on weekends. You also need to take Potassium because you lose it when taking diuretics. NOW DONT FREAK OUT, but water retention could also mean a beginning stage of heart failure. Go to the doctor please.

[GeishaGirl]

Originally Posted by ramon

Same here, ran production so it was difficult to pee when needed all the time. Took Furosemide on weekends. You also need to take Potassium because you lose it when taking diuretics. NOW DONT FREAK OUT, but water retention could also mean a beginning stage of heart failure. Go to the doctor please.

Well, I've had water retention for years, and it tends to fade in the spring and come back in the fall, so I doubt I've got heart failure But if more water doesn't help, I WILL bring it up to my doc more urgently. Or make a Saturday appointment with my GP (my weekdays run 12-14 hour days, so no ability to go to the doctor there!)

[Bountyman]

Originally Posted by GeishaGirl

Other Meds:
Yaz

As an aside here...are you aware of all the lawsuits popping up in regards to Yaz/Yasmin?

[ramon]

Originally Posted by Bountyman

As an aside here...are you aware of all the lawsuits popping up in regards to Yaz/Yasmin?

Dang it, I didn't notice that. My daughter was on that **** and it took months of specialists to find out why she was getting blisters on her skin. That is definitely some bad stuff.

[Bountyman]

Originally Posted by ramon

Dang it, I didn't notice that. My daughter was on that **** and it took months of specialists to find out why she was getting blisters on her skin. That is definitely some bad stuff.

Bad stuff probably isn't the word for it. The lawyers are on every channel on the television with phone numbers to call if you've been on this stuff. You know, with their usual come-on, "If you or someone in your family has been hospitalized, or died, from Yaz or Yazmin, call the law firm of Liebowitz, Goldman, Eisenberg, Weizenbaum, Sokoloff & Dingleberry as you may be eligible for a large cash settlement."

[barbarac]

Don't know what the one med is. If I take calcium channel blockers like Norvasc (and another that I can't remember the name), my ankles and feet swelled up badly. Lisinopril (ace inhibitor) I have been told will also do that--not sure about it though as the cough got too bad to stay on.

Originally Posted by GeishaGirl

My legs -- specifically my calves and ankles -- always seem swollen or bloated. At the end of the day, if I've worn socks, the socks are imprinted into my calves for HOURS, and it physically hurts to take them off because they've almost grown into my legs. I'm not sure if this is a complication of D or something else. For instance: I'm usually on my feet for up to 10-12 hours per day due to my job. I'm also getting the feeling that I'm going around dehydrated all the time (can't drink too much water at work because I can't take a pee break whenever I want -- I have to wait until I'm not actively teaching or on duty, and when I'm doing theatre, I'm "not allowed" to have water in the auditorium -- a rule I'll easily break if I have to, on medical grounds).

Is more water the first step? Or am I RETAINING water, which means pills? I don't know.

[GeishaGirl]

Originally Posted by Bountyman

Bad stuff probably isn't the word for it. The lawyers are on every channel on the television with phone numbers to call if you've been on this stuff. You know, with their usual come-on, "If you or someone in your family has been hospitalized, or died, from Yaz or Yazmin, call the law firm of Liebowitz, Goldman, Eisenberg, Weizenbaum, Sokoloff & Dingleberry as you may be eligible for a large cash settlement."

Huh. I was considering going off it anyway and just using condoms for b/c, especially since I need to be tested for premature menopause anyway :P I guess I'll be having THAT discussion with hubby tonight.