Attack of the Edema

To all those that have written me in the last few days -- thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words. Knowing that you have friends in your corner while going through something like this means a lot and gives me strength. I hope to get back to each of you individually, but please forgive me if I don't, as I am up to my eyeballs in phone calls, doctors appointments and paperwork.

Until now, my edema (swelling) has been nothing more than a nuisance. Ever since my feet bloated in April it has steadily getting worse, moving up my ankles and legs.

The hot summer heat has accelerated the swelling and forced me to stay off of my feet when possible. It's a simple concept -- edema is fluid building up under your skin. It travels wherever gravity takes it. So when you are on your feet all day, your ankles and feet swell up like balloons. If you prop your feet up for a long period, it will run up your legs and into your midsection.

Because the edema in my feet and legs were getting severe, I decided to prop my legs up all weekend. Good news: This was successful in relieving my legs. Bad news: the fluid was into my groin and stomach area, causing stomach pains as the fluid was pressing on my intestines. :(

I will be contacting my nephrologist for another increase in my Lasix prescription.