Too much IV fluid..water pills ?

I was given too much IV fluid after my Hysterectomy and my catherder taking out too soon. I am now home but my legs, hips ankles and feet are extremly swollen.

I have been walking and elavating my feet but its not helping.

Nurse said cut down my soidum intake and drink a gallon of water a day. Problem is the more water I drink the more I am swelling.

I'm asking for water pills but they are hesitant to put me on them (no medical reason why I should not take then).

Whats the deal with water pills ? Are perscriptions the same as over the counter ? Are they dangerous ?

And what the heck am I supposed to eat that has no sodium ?!! I hate sweets..I'm starving !

I agree water is making it worse, they did tons of tests on me at the hospital my heart etc etc are fine I am in ok health just have this problem due to a stupid nurse

Stop drinking so much water. It makes it worse. Keeping active and raising your legs is the best non medication way to get rid of the water as well as decreasing the fluids you drink. I'd keep a log daily of your weight as well since this can be helpdul for the doctor. There are a number of reasons people gain water weight. Fluids may be one of them but isn't the only reason. You may have some underlying heart disease that the fluids exacerbated. The only problem with water pills (lasix) is that it can cause you potassium levels to drop and occassionally an affect your sodium as well. I'd go see your primary doc and not your gyn as a primary doc would have more knowledge and expertise on this.

Just be yourself eat whatever you like but in small portion .Let nature take it course.Your body is equipt to eliminate whatever not needed.try to exercise slowly and move around.Eat sensibly use your salt accdg to your taste but not without it.

As long as you have no kidney problems drinking plain water will really reduce it as it draws sodium out of your blood into your urine and the water in your tissues will follow the sodium. The problem with taking "water pills" is that they can cause electrolyte imbalances and actually impair the kidney if taken inappropriately. Do not take them without a dr's approval!! I can assure you that taking your "catheter" out too soon was not the cause of your swelling (urine in your bladder does not "back-up" to your legs and body) but I'm sure it was indeed too much IV fluid.

When the nurse suggested to cut down on your sodium intake she was not suggesting that you replace the sodium with sugar - there are more than the two. Just try not to cover your food with salt and avoid heavily salted foods like tomato sauce and fast food. It really isn't that hard and you shouldn't be starving - salt is not a food group.