From: DiDi (gw5a60-1-d256.wind.it)
Subject: Dr. Pickney! Help! Edema ! (post is a bit long)
Date: August 28, 2000 at 4:52 pm PST

Dr. Pickney,
I feel relieved to have found this message board...
Unfortunately my Mom died last February of serious
heart-related complications... She had "CHF" and my family
discovered this illness pretty late in the game, thanks to her incompetent 'cardiologist'...

Her heart was barely pumping during her last days,
her lungs (and other organs) were backed up w/fluids
and she had developed extremely swollen legs because
of this extremely poor circulation. (I'm sure you know
these symptoms & complications to the tee Dr. Pickney so I won't go on...)

Guess what...? My feet and legs have begun to swell! I'm
almost 30 (this coming Sept.), and was ONCE an active teen
and adolescent, and 'young' adult. I've slowed way way down
thanks to lack of desire and a sedentary job. I have had a few 'spurts' of constant exercise, only to slack off again
after 2 or 3 weeks (which is terrible, I know.)

I haven't had any desire 'to move' lately, since this has been one of the most sweltering month of August around these parts in a long time!

Anyway, should I panic regarding the 'sudden' swelling in my feet and legs?? Or could this also be attributed to the summer heat, and alot of salt consumption??

I've never had this happen before, and I'm not sure what to do.
As soon as it cools down in September I want to get in a gym...
(Would you recommend that?) I do believe that being somewhat sedentary
obviously has NOT helped one bit...

In the meantime, should I be taking a herbal diuretic or something and exercising anyway? (I did try that tonight. It's all natural made by ABS Nutrition) Or should I RUSH & see a specialist?

Lastly:
do you recommend my doing a blood lab analysis? I had one done 3 months ago, and my standard cholestrol levels and the whole 9 yards
read a.o.k.

If you think I should go for another blood analysis, Dr. Pickney, what should I be tested for-- OTHER than the standard cholesterol levels,etc.

PLEASE give me a big hint or suggestion. I would be grateful.
This is literally my second day of the Edema Experience, and I don't want this to continue...

I'm scared! Especially after seeing the swelling and Mom's legs and all of the other problems and suffering it all led to...

I don't want to be "next". I've got a husband to live and watch out for!!

(Sorry about such a long post!)

Thanks so much for reading,
DiDi