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Re: Why check for edema? -- Thanks Dr. McIntosh
From: AMD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 27 Apr 1999 16:23:23 -0500 (CDT)
Just wanted to say thanks for your clear,concise response to my
questions. It sounds like swelling is usually normal unless there is
elevated BP or protein in the urine.
I had noticed that soaking my feet in the pool seemed to improve the
swelling, and now I know that was not my imagination. Hopefully, it
will be warm enough in the next couple of weeks to put all of me in the
pool!
Andrea
At Tue, 27 Apr 1999, William D. McIntosh, MD wrote:
>
>At Mon, 26 Apr 1999, AMD wrote:
>>
>>My OB checks my legs for edema at every visit now. Last time he said
>>there was "half a dent". Is edema in the legs significant somehow, even
>>if BP is normal? Why check for edema if the BP is normal?
>>
>>I've noticed my leg and ankle swelling is worse the last couple of
>>weeks, and by Friday afternoon, my legs definitely have that "doughy"
>>thing where pushing with a finger leaves a dent for a minute or so.
>>
>>Why does the swelling get worse when I sit at my desk at work, but I
>>have almost no swelling on the weekend when I'm running errands? I
>>thought the swelling came from being on your feet too much.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Andrea
>>EDD 7/7
>
>Edema, protein in the urine and elevated blood pressure are the 3 signs
>of pregnancy induced hypertension (aka, toxemia), but you only need 2 of
>the 3 to make the diagnosis. I have seen more than one patient have
>eclamptic seizures without any trace of elevated blood pressures.
>Symptoms like PIH headaches and visual disturbances are usually late
>findings. Hopefully, we already have an idea that something is going on
>prior to the appearance of those things.
>
>Having said that, your swelling sounds fairly typical. Anytime you are
>immobile, with your legs lower than your heart, your swelling will
>increase. Muscle movements of the legs act to "pump" the fluid back to
>the torso, and gravity is a big help if you can get your legs up.
>Immersion in water exerts hydrostatic pressure in a uniform fashion, and
>is an excellent way to combat edema of the extremities.
>
>--
>William D. McIntosh, MD
>Clarksville, TN
>
>This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended
> to replace consultation and examination by your physician
> or other health care provider.
>
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