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Permalink Reply by Kathy on February 22, 2011 at 9:51pm

I don't know in what situations swollen feet would be normal. Seems like it needs to be investigated to rule out heart or kidney problems.

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Permalink Reply by Kathyann on February 22, 2011 at 10:01pm

Amber, you have to lay down on your bed with your feet elevated above heart level. Do this several times a day for at least 30-60 minutes if you can. Just propping your feet up won't return the fluid back into circulation. As for why, only your doctor can answer that. Are you on your feet all day? Pregnant? Poor circulation?

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Permalink Reply by Teena on February 22, 2011 at 10:05pm

Im not sure what your family doctor meant by..."normal". Edema of the feet may be caused by numerous reason: Water retention, PMS, sodium retention, injury/trauma, laxative abuse, some drug reaction, birth control pills, varicose veins, etc. ... It is best to see a doctor to have it checked so that you will know the underlying medical reason first. Until such time, keeping feet elevated and avoiding salt may help...so as drinking plenty of water and wearing of support stockings/socks.

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Permalink Reply by Kari on February 23, 2011 at 4:21am

I don't mean to alarm you but when this happened to me several years ago I was told to come to the ER immediately. They needed to rule out that I might be going into kidney failure.....

I don't think that this is 'normal' under any circumstances except maybe 3rd trimester of pregnancy.......

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Permalink Reply by A aka Amber on February 23, 2011 at 4:37am

I cannot say *THANK YOU* enough for everyone's advice and help!!! I have a doctor appointment today and I'm going to get to the bottom of this! When my doctor said it was "normal" I thought to myself ..."seriously?!?!" I am glad to know that there's reasons for this to happen and we just need to figure out what that is. I am definitely not pregnant (hopefully in the next 2-3 years :D lol), I'm not on any new medications but, the water retention issue could very well be it. I tend to puff up like a blow fish if I eat too much salt. I have never had my feet get this way though. Hopefully my blood work will give us an insight on what's happening with me. I will definitely keep you all posted and again, thank you!!!! I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day :D
your friend,
- A

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Permalink Reply by catlover on February 24, 2011 at 2:01pm

Hi A- I think you need a new family doc. Swollen feet is NOT normal. I hope your doc appt. gives you some answers.

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Permalink Reply by A aka Amber on February 24, 2011 at 7:20pm

Hey Everyone! Sorry that it took me so long to write back, my doctor apt went SO well!!!! My family care doctor is getting me into an Endocrinologist that is highly recommended but is very hard to get into. I haven't had an endocrinologist in a while and I am VERY excited to have an actual diabetic doctor who is up to date with the latest technology and news about diabetes as well as working with me closely. As far as my feet, I got a pair of compression socks and Holy Hannah are those things are hard to get on and off!!!! LOL My doctor checked my feet and all is good except we have to get the swelling down. We are trying a few different things to deal with that. The doctor ordered blood work and it came back good. My kidneys are doing great but my protein and vitamin D levels are not so good. That is a possibility for the swelling in my feet. Since I have been wearing the compression socks during the day, my feet have not been getting as swollen ... YEAH :D I appreciate everyone taking the time to write to me, I feel good about my feet and the fact that they will get better! Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Your friend,
- A

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Permalink Reply by BBach on February 27, 2011 at 1:57pm

to help putting on the stockings; I use what looks like a wire rack. Its called a stocking donner. It's not expensive either.

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Permalink Reply by A aka Amber on February 27, 2011 at 3:35pm

Oh wow what a neat idea ... thanks BBach! I will check that out b/c those socks are a bear to get on AND off!!!

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Permalink Reply by Baby Tee on February 24, 2011 at 8:04pm

I didn't respond to this because I didn't want to freak you out. I am glad your results are normal.

I was sent to the nephrologist in 2003 because I cried. I was 220 lbs, eating 400 cal/day, because that was all I could eat, and gaining weight. I cried because my dr wasn't goign to send me to a specialist b/c my test results were normal. He thought I was a big fat liar, I guess.

So I went to the nephrologist, and I was 225lbs. Some water pills and 10 weeks later, I was 80 lbs lighter (25 lbs the first week and another 25 lbs the next three weeks.). I am 5'2" and went from 225 to 145 in 10 weeks. My kidney function tests were totaly normal. The nephrologist said that there are people with less swelling whose kidney function was worse, as well as people worse off than me who have better kidney function. The test results are average and what is normal for one is not normal for another.

This is probably not your problem, just make sure you don't let a problem go untreated or unrealized by your doctor. One thing that helps me with swelling is eating natural diuretics like cucumbers, celery and watermelon. Don't overeat those, like probably no more than half a cucumber at a sitting, but they are all pretty low in carbs, too. Also, don't be too far from a bathroom until you find how you respond. = )

Oh yeah, walking also helps with improving ciruclation and get rid of extra water.

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Permalink Reply by A aka Amber on February 24, 2011 at 8:16pm

WOW Baby Tee, I cannot believe you have to go through that :( I can only imagine how uncomfortable you must have been. I am uncomfortable now and it's only my feet. THANK YOU for the sharing. Your advice and information is helpful and good to know. Did you ever take any natural vitamins to help with circulation? I was wondering if that would be a good idea but I forgot to ask my doctor. I'm glad that you are better now. I wish you all the best :) Keep in touch and again, thanks for writing me :D Have a great night!
- A

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Permalink Reply by catlover on February 25, 2011 at 12:07pm

I am glad your results went so well. It is not unusual for diabetics to be low in Vitamin D. My doc has me on 3,000 units a day. He said that it isn't toxic below 10,000 units. Many docs just recommend 800 units/day, but it isn't enough for a diabetic. Make sure it is Vitamin D-3.
Good luck with the endo !!!

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