horrible foot swelling - please help!

I'm so depressed. I've had some mild swelling for the past two weeks, but yesterday really took the cake. My feet, ankles, and even calves were so swollen that when I saw them I started crying. I just had a doctor's appointment yesterday and my bp was fine, so this is not pre-eclampsia. I also told him about the swelling and he wasn't concerned. I have some ideas of what I can do to prevent this from happening again (no more sitting at my computer all day, keeping my feel elevated while watching tv or in bed, using a footstool during meals), but now that they are already so swollen, I'm not sure if any of this will help them go back to normal. The swelling definitely went down over night, but it's still there. Any advice would be much appriciated. If you are using compression hose, any advice on what one to buy would be great too. Thanks!

 

I have had lymphedema (unknown cause) for almost 15 years - so I knew that if I ever got pregnant, it would get worse. I use compression stockings every day and use a very high strength kind (40 mm Hg) and full length which I don't think that you will need. You may just need some knee highs that are 8-15 mm Hg. You can order them through many places - I order mine through http://www.brightlifedirect.com/ - the staff are quite helpful and can talk you through it. Or you can see if a drug store near you has some.

 

I would just continue to keep your feet up and don't sit for long periods of time. I have been so careful with this pregnancy on not sitting and cutting off my circulation in my legs. All three of my prior pregnancies I was so swollen. I haven't really noticed it this one except a little in my hands. I am now 1 day away from 35 weeks. I understand that if you are working at a desk you have to sit, but at least pull up another chair and put your feet on it. That's what I did and remember to get up and walk around every half hour or so. Good Luck and I hope the swelling goes down. If it doesn't, call your doctor because Pre-E can come on quickly.

 

You can also try to look for some support stockings at your local nursing scrub shop, that is where I get all of mine.

 

I couldn't have survived without compression socks. Gets some fast!!!

I got mine off the internet and waited with baited breath for them. I called them either my old lady socks or my jet fighter socks. They worked wonders.

 

I would also make anyone near me rub my feet, (not the ankles) and legs. In Aug/Sept, it only worked until I got up again, but it does go away after they are born. I'm sorry you are so uncomfortable.

 

My foot/ankle/calf swelling has been bad also. Doc says as long as my BP is fine and one leg doesn't swell more than the other (possible blood clotting) it should be no worries. However, it is uncomfortable (along with everything else on my body, lol). Follow all the advice, sit, stand, prop your feet up, try support hose, etc.............. You will make it through this! :youcandoit:

 

Keep your chin up, girl! You're almost there! I have no advice, just a lot of empathy. I was extremely swollen my last trimester with my boys and remember the misery very well. I never found anything that made it all better, but would put my feet up as often as possible and any family member was fair game as far as giving my a foot massage! Drink lots of water and stay away from food/drinks that make you retain water. My swelling went down within 24 hours of having my boys. Towards the end I know I wore my adjustable sandles and slippers every day. None of my other shoes fit!