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I am a 43 year old female. My concern is pitting edema of ...

Sent to Health Experts July 27 10:30 AM

I am a 43 year old female. My concern is pitting edema of the lower legs and feet in conjunction with my menstrual cycle.

This current bout with edema has lasted 11 days, as has my period (which comes later and later now and is very heavy and "clotty.") I have vaginal wall & rectal pain, lower back pain, calf and thigh cramps in my legs and sharp debilitating pain in the front where the left leg meets the pelvic area. Bowel movements are also painful.

Any idea what may be going on? I see my gyno next month. Thanks!

 

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 43

Already Tried:
Advil for pain, heat to relieve the cramps, elevating my swollen legs, vitamins

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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Answer
July 27 10:47 AM (16 minutes and 21 seconds later)
         
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Hello and Welcome to Just Answer

Usually during your menstrual period, the body tends to collect or hold fluid. This is probably what is causing your edema. If at all possible you need to limit salt intake as well as not sitting or standing too long. I had the same thing myself before I had my hysterectomy, so I do sympathize with you. It is very painful. Also I believe Pamprin has a diuretic ingrediant that will help pull the water off. Be sure and read the back of the label to make sure. The other medication, Midol, is simply ibuprofen, but they will charge you a high price for it, so do not get that one. Keep your feet propped up as much as possible. Also there is some medications that will make your period more heavy such as naproxyn for pain. I hope I have answered your question. If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to ask me.

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Pam Russell RN
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Pam -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 312 Health Accepts
17 years of RN experience. Most of my experience has been Director of Nursing.
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July 27 10:49 AM (2 minutes and 53 seconds later)
         
Reply to Pam's Post: Pam,

Thanks so much for responding. I am limiting salt/sodium.

I believe with my family background - all women having had hysterectomies by age 42 - that this is purely a menstrual issue. I will ask my gyno to evaluate for such surgery when I see her in August.

Thanks again! You've been a help!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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July 27 11:03 AM (13 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
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Pam -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 312 Health Accepts
17 years of RN experience. Most of my experience has been Director of Nursing.
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