Kidney Failure - Methods I have used for fluid retention.

Author

Methods I have used for fluid retention.

Daniel Granot

2004-10-03, 10:22 pm

I have had considerable experience with fluid retention / edema due to a
variety of reasons.

I'll run through my methods of reducing the effects and some of the pros and
cos of those I have used.

1) While lying down or sleeping, I have left a brick under either side of
the end of the bed.
This tilts the end of the bed up.
The purpose is to assist the fluids in moving from the ankles and lower
extremities and through the kidneys and back to the upper body.
By having the fluid travel back up past the kidney, a greater amount of
the fluid is likely to be processed and you may have to get up more
frequently to go to the toilet.
Sleep is more difficult but for me was still manageable.
My face was puffier in the morning.

2) Using tight socks (that went up to the knees) fluid was prevented from
falling to the ankles.
The socks are uncomfortable.
The socks are theoretically supposed to be beneficial in blood
circulation as they force blood back up the legs faster and are apparently
thought to be useful in reducing the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis.
This means, if you are more likely to suffer this on a plane, you may want
to consider the socks.
The socks can be expensive but the right ones will last a long time and
you get used to them.
Because the fluid still must fall it will rest around your knees, which
will impede your ability to use them to some extent.
Nonetheless, because the fluids rest higher in the body, they are more
likely to be processed by the kidney/s.

3) Soap crystals absorb fluid very well.
Using a thin (second-hand) stocking that you do not need any longer.
Cut one side of the stockings.
Fill the stocking with the soap crystals.
Evenly lay out the stocking with the soap crystal.
Before you go to bed, surround / bandage the affected around with the
soap crystal filled stocking.
Then tie or bandage a kitchen towel around that area.
Ensure the area is a tight fit.
When you wake up in the morning, the packed area should be packed solid
having absorbed fluid through your skin and into the crystals.
You will have to use a bit of effort to hack the pack off.
This is the most effective treatment I have used other than relevant
drugs and the change is overnight.
The effect I have experience through this is not painful but the change
is dramatic.
Others I have advised to use it have gone from having a severe limp to
no limp at all simply because all the fluid has been absorbed into the soap
crystals.
The stocking will have to be thrown out afterwards though.
I live in Melbourne, Australia and find the soap crystals in bags in the
detergents section at the supermarket.
I'm not sure if the same product is available overseas.
I think the soap crystals are usually used for washing dishes.

I hope some of this information is useful to you. At least you know there
are alternatives to drugs.

Good luck.

Daniel.

"PV" <philipsv@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:cZzOc.1341842$Ar.776021@twister01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...
> I'd like to know if anyone in the group has experienced any ankle swelling
> and what methods can be taken
> to help alleviate the discomfort. The swelling is not due to my kidney
> function but could be a result of Norvasc.
>
> Thank you,
> Philip
>
>
>

REP

2004-10-03, 10:22 pm

In article <imOOc.25235$K53.13076@news-server.bigpond.net.au>,
"Daniel Granot" <daniel_granot@yahoo.com> wrote:

> 2) Using tight socks (that went up to the knees) fluid was prevented from
> falling to the ankles.

I have been told by internist and nephrologist that only thigh-length
compression stockings should be used. I got mine at the drugstore; they
were about $20 US and while not terribly attractive, they are not
uncomfortable.

--
"Did Father shoot him? I will eat Grandfather for dinner."
- Helen Keller, on learning of the death of her grandfather