Pitted Edema

[sofarsogood]

I woke up this morning with pitted edema in my ankles. I know what this is because when I had my first pregnancy I developed toxemia and this was one of the symptoms. When I press my finger into my ankle it makes a hole that just stays there for a couple of minuites.

When I had this during pregnancy they admitted me to the hospital because they said it could damage my kidneys (but I also had high blood pressure, which I don't now).

Did anyone else experience this when they started Atkins? Do you think it may be from all the water I'm drinking? Thanks.

[Brook]

Re: Pitted Edema

Egads. How much water ARE you drinking?

[Moochiecat]

Re: Pitted Edema

I had a blood clot in my left leg in '98 and pitting edema is a constant issue mainly on that leg. What helps me is to make sure I'm drinking as much water as I should be drinking, to watch my salt intake, to keep moving (it appears mainly when I'm doing a lot of standing in one spot or sitting for a long time) and to wear either very loose socks to avoid impeding circulation, or a good snug pair of knee-highs to keep the circulation going.

In my experience, drinking water helps flush out excess water, but if you have other medical issues, the very best thing for you to be doing is visiting your doctor and talking to him/her about it all.

When in doubt, check it out!!

[sofarsogood]

Re: Pitted Edema

I am drinking ALOT of water. At least 6 litres/day because I fill up three 2 litre pop bottles at night and put it in the fridge to drink the next day. Maybe I'm drinking too much.

I had blood work done a couple of months before I started Atkins and everything was good (except good cholestrol was in the low end of normal). The only health issue that I'm aware of is migraines and chronic tension headaches. I do have to take tylenol quite a bit (but always under the recommended daily dosage). Maybe the tylenol and Atkins together is too much for my kidneys?

I have a doc appointment on Thursday. I wonder if everything will be okay if I continue on with Atkins the way I have been until Thursday - or should I stop?

Moochiecat - Last week I was getting cramps in my calves, but I thought that was due to lack of potassium. I just kept taking my multi-vitamin and now no cramps. What does a blot clot feel like?

[Moochiecat]

Re: Pitted Edema

Here's a link to a recent thread about that:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ad.php?t=21494
A blood clot will feel like nothing you've ever felt before. When I went to see the doctor my leg was like a swollen block of wood and I could barely walk....and looking back, the symptoms weren't like cramps or pulled muscles at all, although that was my first impression.

What you probably have is the lack of potassium going on and that is easily remedied either with a supplement, or including more potassium rich foods in your diet.

With water intake, the general rule of thumb is 64 ounces plus an extra 8 ounces per 25 pounds you are wanting to lose.

When you talk to your doctor, discuss your water intake with him as well. You are certainly exceeding your requirements, but whether that can be causing the edema or not, only your doctor can really say for sure.

If it makes you feel better, you could up yourself to maintenance levels of Atkins until you see your doctor, but there's no reason to completely stop doing Atkins ( as in, go back to pre-Atkins eating habits) until you see your doctor.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Pitted Edema

call your doc since you have a previous history now and follow their advice.