Water weight question

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

Some of you might know that I had my all-blowed-up appendix out last week. I am heaing, thanks for asking. The trouble is that since it is quite painful, still, for me to get around, and because of the 400 gallons of saline I had pumped into me and because of the meds, and because I still have a largely open abdominal wound, and because any time they crack the abdomen, there is issues with mobility and because I live on a third floor walkup, I am getting swelling in my feet and lower legs. I do get out for short walks when I can, when the weather allows and my stamina(which has never been a problem before) holds up. All part of the healing process I guess, and I was warned, by both professionals and by people who have been through surgery before me.

Are there some nutritional tricks I can ise to help flush myself out? I know exercise is #1 in this and I shall get it when I can, but I would like to do what I can do right now.

Note: I eat very little salt, very little, very few processed and pre-made foods. I avoid high-fructose corn syrup products like the plague, get plenty of water and unsweetened fruit juices. I eat little sugar. All in all, my diet is generally simple and healthy. I know coffee is a good diuretic, but right now, it is a bit rough on me. I had a cup of it this AM, but after that, I think I will wait a while. Which kills me, because I do love a good, strong cuppa joe.

[auntAgonist]

1. Glad you're feeling better! As to the swelling

are you sure you're getting enough protein in your diet? Swollen ankles aren't always water retention but could be a sign of low albumin. Just a thought. I have issues due to weight loss surgery if I don't get enough protein. One of the first signs is swollen ankles and lower legs.

Sit with your legs raised, not bent at the knee. A recliner or chaise lounger is great.
Sip Sip Sip lots of water. If you feel your output is a lot less than your intake, contact your Dr.

good luck and good wishes for a healthy future!!

aA
kesha

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Ok. Feet are up a lot.

Sometimes I do have to let them down, just for the positional change. Water and healthy fluid intake is good and near-constant, output easily tracks input. I guess I will just have to relax, be patient and let things return to "normal", whatever that is.

I will start getting some more of these farm-fresh, free range eggs that my friends with chickens give me down my neck, just to be prudent. Without overdoing things.

I guess I really wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was missing.

[auntAgonist]

3. Sounds like you're doing the right things. I'm not a Dr or a nurse

Having said that, if the swelling is painful or anything ... call your Dr. Edema can be serious if there are underlying health problems.

:hug:

aA

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Well...

This was not an issue before surgery and with the meds I must take, I would expect my system to be more than a bit "off". I live a very clean, spartan and sober life, normally(no drinking, no street drugs, no soft drinks, few snack foods save the occasional popcorn or potato chips(my downfall)). I am not gravely concerned. Blood pressure is good and my blood tests were nice and clean. Even normal cholesterol.

[auntAgonist]

5. Most likely then a result of the surgery and the inactivity that it

brings with it. For me, the edema was much more serious in that I was severely malnourished and hence the reason I mentioned protein.

You'll be fine in no time at all!

Gotta tell ya, I love your screen name and must confess for a long time thought you were female. Don't know why .. heh, but I did.

aA
kesha

[The empressof all]

6. Increase your veggies

Celery and Beets are good for flushing out fluids. Cook celery to mush in broth or just even water and puree it with some onion. You can eat a lot more mush than raw veggies IMO. Celery Soup can be very tasty.

Beets are great roasted and are also great for flushing you out although they are higher on the glycemic scale and if you have issues with sugar you might want to hold back on these.

Luke warm Tea is also a good option for pushing through the fluids and don't forget to drink lots of water. The more you keep hydrated the more you'll push out.

And of course as others have suggested talk to your health care provider as they will be able to best assess if you need medical help with this.