over the hill and feelin' fine, except..

[Billbmike]

My AVR took place last Thursday and I seem to be getting better every day. I've learned not to get behind on the pain meds and I'm sleeping in my own bed now.
One thing I'm curious about and hope that my VR posse can help me with is...swollen ankles and feet. In the hospital they kept checking my feet for swelling, but I never had any. Now that I'm home, if I walk around the house a bit, it seems to pump out the swelling but after I sleep or nap or just sit around...all of which I do plenty of, I get puffy and it initially hurts when I start to walk again. Any thoughts VR?
Better on this side Bill...

 

[Lisa in Katy]

Are you sleeping in a recliner? If so, try raising your feet level with your heart. Also try drinking more water - a natural diuretic.

 

[ponygirlmom]

One thing I'm curious about and hope that my VR posse can help me with is...swollen ankles and feet. In the hospital they kept checking my feet for swelling, but I never had any. Now that I'm home, if I walk around the house a bit, it seems to pump out the swelling but after I sleep or nap or just sit around...all of which I do plenty of, I get puffy and it initially hurts when I start to walk again.

Yes! Was just great reading an article in the American Journal of Nursing about edema rebound. This happens when patients restrict fluids while on diuretics (whether they do this themselves, or are told to by doctors.) When fluids are restricted, the body retains fluids, thinking there is some sort of drought. When the diruetics stop, there is nothing to stimulate the kidneys to pee for no reason.

Of course, you didn't say if you were taking diuretics -- and restricting fluids -- in the hospital. So check to see if fluid retention is a side-effect of any of your medications, and make sure you are drinking enough water (and I do mean water.)

 

[netmiff]

welcome home, wishes for an uneventful recovery coming your way

 

[njean]

I hope you are feeling better & your fluid retention issues get resolved soon. Please make sure to let your cardio know if your edema continues & if it gets worse. Perhaps if you're not on diuretics he may have to prescribe a low dose to see if this helps your situation any.

Good luck to you & I wish you a speedy recovery!

 

[Bina]

My second week I also had puffy feet and ankles...I was prescribed diuretics for a couple of days. Then I needed extra potassium.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome home and to this side of the mountain. Best wishes for a smooth and speedy recovery. I hope the swelling resolves itself soon.