Hello Doctor,
I am having swelling in my legs and weight gain, I believe, from water retention. It has been a few months.
Patient X
Hello,
Welcome to Aries Online Clinic.
I am Dr. Kumar.
Just a couple quick questions for clarification:
– How old are you? Male or female?
– How long have you had the swelling?
– About how large is the affected area? Are your legs painful or tender?
– What are all the medications you’re currently using, either for the swelling or anything else?
Dr.Kumar
The swelling has been present for only a few months. It is not painful , the skin just feels tight.
I am 38 years. Female. no medications only birth control.
Patient X
– How much weight have you gained?
-Does the swelling in feet get better when you lie down?
– What birth control are you on?
Dr. Kumar
I am on Lo Loestrin Fe.
I gained about 10 pounds in a period of 2 days back in august
then lost a few pounds and now I have gained about 5 more
I also have a very hard time losing weight
are there any blood work tests you might recommend?
it does feel better when I am laying down
gets worse when I stand for long periods and also then I sit down
for long periods of time like taking a 3 or more hour trip.
Patient X
Got it.
So yes, testing for thyroid would be the first thing in such a situation. That can lead to weight gain and swelling in feet. Liver and kidney disease can also lead to swelling in feet but they don’t typically cause any major weight gain. Have you considered seeing a doctor for an examination?
What’s your current weight and height?
Dr.Kumar
I have not seen a doctor in the past year since I lost my insurance
my current weight is 205 and my height is 5 feet 7 inches
I had hypothyroidism about 15 years ago and have been tested multiple times since then but the general practitioner said it was all normal
I would see a doctor if I thought it was a major issue im just not sure where to go. I don’t want to pay $100 just to be told everything is normal or I need to go spend more money at another type of doctor
that is why I am asking here first
should I go get bloodwork?
first?
Patient X
It would be best to get tested again. If all the tests are normal, then it could just be that you need to lose some weight, and getting help from a nutritionist or a dietitian can help you achieve that. Increased body mass index can make the valves of blood channels in the legs go weak, and that can result in pooling of blood.
Dr.Kumar
I have been on a 1200 calorie diet with no results.
Patient X
The macros of diet and the timing of food intake can also have effect in some people. A dietitian will be able to help you plan your diet better.
Dr.Kumar
Hi doctor,
Can you go into more detail on the timing of food intake
I have a high protein diet and try to do relatively low carb 100-175
I do intermittent fast most days and do not eat until around 2-4
in the past week I have upped the calories to 1900 with weight training to see if more calories would help. I have read that too little can slow the metabolism and I also struggle with low energy but am a single mom of 4 kids
I sleep for 8-10 hours a day.
X
Like consuming calories during active hours and eating carbs at the very end of meals can also have a positive impact. I must add, though, that for most people, the problem lies with caloric counting and intake. A dietician can fix any holes in those areas and make out what could be going wrong.
Dr.Kumar
if the swelling gets better when laying down or sleeping what does that indicate?
X
It indicates that edema/fluid retention is gravity dependent, and that could happen with weakened leg valves. We still test for other conditions to make sure your other organs and glands are functioning properly.
Dr.Kumar
ok
what test do you recommend
only thyroid?
X
1.TSH
2.Liver profile
3.Renal profile
You can get these ones done initially.
Thank You.
X
My pleasure.
Thank you for using Aries Online Clinic. We look forward to seeing you again and wish you the best of health.
Dr.Kumar
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