Re: To Fliss : quick answer

[Guest guest]

> Hello Heidi,

> Hope you are feeling well.

> This week I am having a glucose tolerance test. I wonder if i could

> just ask you if any swelling of the feet was ever a symptom of your

> developing diabetes? I ask because i have just begun, this last

> week, to have some swelling in my left foot. I have not experienced

> this before and i just wondered if it was ever linked with diabetes.

> Obviously I'll have to go to my GP to have it checked out. I haven't

> seen it mentioned as a possible symptom on the diabetes sites I've

> visited.

> Take care.

> With good wishes,

> Fliss

Fliss,

Very strange that you should ask that. I'm presently sitting with my feet

elevated on pillows, and will soon get to a rocker and start my edema

exercises. Yes, the swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs is a diabetic

symptom and it's called edema. I had it really bad last year when I was

discharged from the hospital after my DKA, and have had occasional

problems with it ever since. It's quite common with diabetics.

I don't know why it appears out of the blue some days, but mine started up a

couple of days ago, and I noticed yesterday while I was at the fun park with

the kids that my left ankle was especially swollen. Now they both are! I

learned an exercise that seems to help it, because I don't have any

medication for it. I believe they give a person diuretics to help with it, but

mine hasn't ever really been that much of a problem that I've asked the

doctor for help. This time I think I shall.

The exercise I do it to sit in a rocker with my feet positioned on a stepping

stool. I rock back and forth, flexing my ankles back and forth as far as they

can go for about 50 counts. If I do this each morning, or bike for about 30

minutes, it seems to help reduce the swelling. Walking is always good, too.

Dear, sweet Fliss, this is just another sign that you are approaching what the

doctor's have warned you about. Are there any other unusual things

happening?

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should not be

substituted for proffessional medical consultation.