[at-l] Puffiness and swelling

[spiriteagle99 at hotmail.com (Jim and/or Ginny Owen)]

SLIM wrote:
>Thanks for all the responses on puffiness and swelling,
>I hesitate to visit my doctor since he gives me the quick once over and a
>bunch of drugs. To see a sports specialist would take a referral from him
>which he is unlikely to give. I do not like to take pills and would like to
>know the cause instead of the treatment. That is why I asked you all.  My
>hubby has had this type of swelling in the past. For me, it goes away in 
>3-4
>days. My eyes are swollen, hands, feet, ankles. It is not uncomfortable but
>I look like I've been beaten up. I think I do not drink enough fluids when 
>I
>hike (probably only 2 liters a day) at the most). I cannot drink large
>quantities of water.


Slim -
What you're talking about sounds like water retention rather than too little 
water - especially in combination with lack of urination.  So I'm gonna 
agree with some of the other answers and tell you to get thy tail to a 
doctor.  The reasons for that kind of water retention are many and varied - 
some are benign - many not.  Personally, I find the 3-4 days worrisome.  It 
shouldn't take that long to go away.

As for your doctor - talk to him.  Scream at him if necessary.  But get his 
attention - or get a new doctor.  Life is too short to trust it to someone 
who doesn't care.

If you insist on hiking again before you get checked out, then try using a 
diuretic while you're out there.  A cup or two of tea in the morning does 
wonderful job.  Not herbal tea - but the real thing.  For me, 8 oz of tea 
means my body dumps several pounds of water when I'm on the trail.  It might 
work for you. I suspect that Bogey would really appreciate not having to 
explain that he didn't beat you up.  <G>

Walk softly,
Jim

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