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Reducing your salt intake is generally the most effective thing to do but you need to know the reason for the edema. If something you eat has a label, or if you eat out, it most likely has too much sodium in it.
I know exactly why i have edema, my heart is failing it cant pump the water laden blood out of my legs anymore, Doc says lose 80lbs and many of your health problems will be over, aint so easy, he also doesnt want to prescribe a diuretic as he says those types of medications are very hard on the liver..
I know exactly why i have edema, my heart is failing it cant pump the water laden blood out of my legs anymore, Doc says lose 80lbs and many of your health problems will be over, aint so easy, he also doesnt want to prescribe a diuretic as he says those types of medications are very hard on the liver..
Sorry Jambo, but you absolutely should lose the weight if it's extra since it , too is putting extra stress on your heart. I'm guessing, but I it sounds like CHF?
But, believe me, weight alone doesn't account for the edema. My husband ( with CHF among other things )is down to 130 and having more and more of a problem with it.
I might want a second opinion unless you're pretty confident that this doctor is basing his decision on being very familiar with your condition(s) and other meds you are taking and how mild the swelling is.
Oh...and limit your fluid intake from other stuff but do drink an adequate amount of water, even though it sounds contradictary
My feet and ankles were swollen before I was diagnosed with diabetes. (not suggesting that's your issue too, just that other problems can cause edema) I was sleeping with my feet elevated every night and that helped a lot, but getting diagnosed, getting the diabetes under control and losing some weight got rid of the problem. If you do want to elevate your feet, a foam bed wedge is the best way to go because it won't slip out from under your legs in the night.
As far as natural diuretics, tea and green tea have that effect but I'm not sure adding caffeine to your diet would be that good.
I know exactly why i have edema, my heart is failing it cant pump the water laden blood out of my legs anymore, Doc says lose 80lbs and many of your health problems will be over, aint so easy, he also doesnt want to prescribe a diuretic as he says those types of medications are very hard on the liver..
My hubby has CHF. His condition did improve a lot after losing over 100 pounds !
His legs swell up & he has a doctor prescribed compression pump that he uses every day. It's amazing to see how much slimmer his ankles & legs are after using the pump.
You might want to get a second opinion, doesn't sound like your doc is doing much for you. If he's just saying "lose weight" without doing specific things with you to help you lose the weight, than see a better doc.
Have you seen a podiatrist for your edema?
Last edited by daliowa; 04-21-2014 at 05:43 PM..
Reason: edit
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