posted
Hello! I am new here although my hubby, Chip, has been a member for quite some time. He has talked highly of all of you and has said that anytime he has had a post, especially an urgent one, you have replied quickly and always seem to care. We both appreciate that! My question is this: Chip and I were watching TV earlier tonight and he layed his head on my arm for 15 minutes or so. When he lifted his head up there was an indention from his chin! I have noticed that the past few days my jeans have become pretty tight around my waist - they had previously become lose, about an inch, just a couple of weeks ago. I also have edema in my legs but I thought that was due to being on my feet all day long and not taking any naps this week. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone who has experienced this "weird" symptom could please let me know what to do? I appreciate your response! Kirstin
-------------------- As I look at my husband, who saved my life by believing me-even when doctors didn't-, I think of the saying "If I could sit across the porch from God, I'd thank Him for lending me you." Every moment is a GIFT...DON'T GIVE UP!!! Posts: 2 | From South Carolina | Registered: Dec 2005
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henson2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 463
posted
Hi, Kirstin Welcome!
I got edema this past summer. Isn't it icky when it is "pitting edema" -- that is when it gets indented.
I went to my PCP and LLMD. My PCP tested me for thyroid, all sorts of other blood tests. My LLMD thought it was the Lyme (and he was right).
There are many possible reasons for edema. Check out all of them, don't automatically see Lyme as the "default" reason.
In my case I had been off treatment for a while. (But now, back on abx, I still have it). It seems to increase when I Herx, too.
The solution was a diuretic (and cont'd abx of course). I lost 10 lbs of fluid on the first days of the diuretic.
This could be quite harmless, but I would have the Dr. check it soon. Get the metabolic type blood tests as well as talk w. your LLMD.
The diuretic helps me a lot with the tightness I felt in my legs from it. It felt so tight to walk!!
Also, be careful with acid reflux -- things can get swollen inside, too. I started getting awful GERD for the first time ever, and both the diuretic and eating smaller meals more often and not lying down after eating helped. (Also there is medication for GERD).
Don't worry, but do get it checked. If you are on the diuretic you just have to drink OJ and eat bananas, to keep up potassium.
I think many of us have had this -- you may find more posts, too, if you do a search.
I knew that joints got swollen from Lyme (as mine do) but it came as a surprise to me that the rest of my legs and feet and whole body could retain fluid, too. Sometime I'd like to really understand why.
All good wishes. Posts: 1067 | From East Coast | Registered: Dec 2000
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Hi, kGooge. Yes, we remember cGooge fondly! He DID have much faith in you, and it turned out he was RIGHT! So glad you're in treatment.
Edema can come from SO many things that I daren't chance any kinda answer here. Except to say, of course, to get checked out. I've had it, mildly, in my right ankle and leg, oddly enough, before diagnosis. My duck tried to tell me it must be an old injury. (No injury.) Blood tests can probably rule out any ominous causes (i.e., congestive heart failure, etc.) A PCP oughta be able to fill the bill.
Anyhow, welcome. You're lucky to have a supportive and caring "other half" who wouldn't give up on you till he figgered it out! But, a'couse, you're worth it!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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