Fluid Fallback (Redux)

Now into my second week of full-time work, and I'm still struggling to find a solution to the increased edema in my upper legs from constantly sitting. While I was successful in removing the fluid I had gained over the weekend, the increased dose of water pills really wiped me out. It's apparent that my current strategy is not a long-term fix, and that I need to find a Plan B.

However, I am making progress. I think I now understand what is happening, and why I am feeling so miserable. The edema is collecting in my legs is narrowing my blood vessels, thereby lowering my blood pressure. When you are dehydrated and have low blood pressure, it actually affects your mood. You become tired, irritable and moody. I can take water pills to remove the blockage, but the medicine itself will lower my blood pressure. What a nasty catch-22.

Unfortunately, since I think I know what is going on, I know that there really is nothing I can really do about this situation. To lessen the side effects, I have been trying to keep myself hydrated. I also have gotten back on the midodrine (10mg, three times a day) to deal with the blood pressure.

This disease has forced me to cope with some really bad situations, and I while I am not a happy camper, I'm now a little more confident that I will find a solution.