Strange Edema Symptoms: Seeking Insights
I’m a 47-year-old, standing at 164 cm and weighing 70 kg. I deal with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which are somewhat managed with Amgevita. However, I struggle with GERD, which is not well-controlled despite taking lantoprazole. Recently, I’ve encountered a peculiar issue with edema that I haven’t been able to find much information on. After an extended work trip that involved quite a bit of driving, I observed that my legs became excessively tight, swollen, and even exhibited pitting edema. To alleviate this, I decided to elevate my legs using pillows. To my astonishment, I felt the swelling move in discrete areas down my legs, which was quite uncomfortable! This swelling seems to settle in my lower back and abdomen, pressing against everything along the way, and I believe it has intensified my GERD symptoms as well. I’ve attempted to document this through video and photos because it feels so unusual—almost unbelievable! Even the doctor at the emergency room looked at me skeptically before discharging me after my blood tests returned normal. I’m reaching out for help and would appreciate any insights from those who might relate to or explain what I’m experiencing. I have a doctor’s appointment in two days, but I’m craving some relief now! I’ll share photos in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 4:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with some frustrating edema symptoms that are affecting your comfort and possibly exacerbating your GERD. Your current condition, especially with a history of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and GERD, could intersect with how your body is reacting, particularly after prolonged periods of inactivity like long drives. Here’s how to approach your concerns:
Main Points:
- Understanding Edema: The swelling you’re experiencing (edema) could be related to prolonged sitting, fluid retention, or a combination of factors, including your existing health conditions.
- Symptoms and Management: It’s great that you’re documenting your symptoms. Monitoring changes is crucial and may help your healthcare provider understand your situation better.
Explanation:
Edema can occur when fluid accumulates in the tissues, and in your case, the extended periods of sitting while driving may contribute to this, alongside your conditions. Sitting for long periods can especially affect circulation, leading to swelling in the legs and lower back. The movement of swelling you described—where it seems to redistribute when you elevate your legs—can be a result of gravitational shifts in fluid, which can feel unusual but isn't uncommon.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Comfort:
- Continue to elevate your legs whenever possible. Try to keep your legs above heart level to help reduce swelling.
- Walk around and stretch during your breaks to promote circulation. Aim for short walks every hour if you find yourself in a similar situation.
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Self-Monitoring:
- Keep a detailed record of when the swelling occurs, any activities that seem to trigger it, and any changes in your GERD symptoms. This tracking can be helpful for your upcoming doctor’s visit.
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Hydration & Diet:
- Ensure you're staying hydrated, but monitor your salt intake, as excessive sodium can lead to fluid retention. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also alleviate some GERD symptoms.
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Relaxation Techniques:
- Stress can exacerbate symptoms, especially GERD. Consider practicing relaxation techniques (like deep breathing or gentle yoga) to help manage stress.
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Prepare for Your Appointment:
- Bring your documented changes including videos/photos to your doctor’s appointment. Discuss your observations about how the swelling and your GERD symptoms seem interconnected, which may guide further assessments or tests.
Remember, it's important to address both your symptoms and any underlying issues holistically. You’re not alone in managing this—bringing your concerns to your healthcare professional is the right step. If you notice any alarming symptoms like severe shortness of breath or extreme discomfort, consider seeking care immediately.
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