Blowing up due to insulin

[tilly-roo]

Hi,

As some of you may know I am in recovery from an eating disorder. I recently went back to full insulin doses after an episode of DKA (a week ago) and as expected I have gained about 7lbs, and am retaining EVERYTHING I drink, everything I eat, etc etc. What can I do to speed the process of this draining away up? I really can't stand it, it's so uncomfortable as I have fluid retention in my legs and belly and I'm so swollen and stiff. Has anybody else experienced this and if so how did you get past it?

[drummingfool]

I experienced this as well.

I went off my insulin for about 7 months and had a run in with DKA. I started taking my insulin (lantus and novolog) and within 24 hours I was swollen like CRAZY. I thought it was something with my kidneys and started drinking a couple gallons of water a day and taking cranberry pills... about 5 or 6 times the daily dose if youre just taking it as a supplement.

When I went to the endo for it he basically said that when your numbers are crazy your cells hold in moisture because you get so dehydrated, and then when you start getting back in control your body releases them all again, but they have nowhere to go.

My suggestion is water, cranberry to keep your kidneys healthy during the whole thing and maybe some of those anti water weight pills. (Diurex?)

I will tell you it will be awhile, maybe 5-7 days until it goes down. Dont fret about it, its worth being healthy. I know it sucks and its painful. Just make sure you keep your legs elevated when you can, it really helps.

[jenb]

Drink loads of water, as counterintuitve as that seems. Staying hydrated is very important and will allow your body to stop hoarding fluid. Also, have you tried just walking or a little exercise bike? That will help move fluid around. If you're like me, the DKA really knocked you out. I was weak as a kitten for a couple of weeks post-hospital stay. Start the exercise slowly - no need to over do it!

Hope you feel better.

Jen

[yannah]

hi there!

hon, yuo have an eating disorder. your perception of whats happening is not excactly right on the moeny. it is far worse to you than what it really is. I hope that you are working closely with a doctor and therapist as you work on getting healthy. i really hope you are consulting because you really need to do this for yourself. your circulation - your eyes, your kidneys, your legs and feet. please make sure you are working closely with doctors. it is okay to gain a little weight and be bloated. you need to keep moving forward.

I really worry about you.

[lorilei]

as above....insulin does make us use our carbs more effectviely...i am not sure how your eating disorder presented itself, but if did more than just restrict, you may also have some bloating as your body grabs the fluid...keeping busy and moving is helpful, especially after a meal