Marissa41

I started off Thursday really positive and ready. So I stopped drinking and by Saturday evening my ankles and legs began to swell up really bad. This is the first time this has happened this bad. Sunday was even worse.
They are still swollen today and it's causing me extreme anxiety.
I can't go to the doctor because I don't have insurance so I'm hoping this is just a temporary issue maybe due to my monthly cycle.
I feel like I'm frozen and can't seem to get motivated today.
I've looked up edema and there can be several causes other than just the liver. Hormones, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies so I'm trying not to panic. I'm 45 and read that perimenopause could contribute to this also. I'd much appreciate if any of the women here would like to chime in on this. I'm posting here because the women's board is not that active.
Not looking for medical advice just anyone else's experience.
Thanks!

totfit

Many of us that were daily drinkers ran an almost constant state of our bodies trying to hold fluids and alcohol dehydrating us. After quitting we might experience some swelling or fluid retention temporarilly, because our body is still trying to save us from alcohol and holding onto fluid. This may be your issue. Either way, ankle swelling should be no wall to staying sober. If there is another issue other than fluid retention, it still should in no way affect continuing not to drink.

Mountainmanbob

There are battles to be fought for most all sobering up.
Some may be physical, mental or spiritual.
All three areas may be effected in some.

Put up a good sober fight so as to stay sober.

M-Bob

Marissa41

I'm not giving in! Just that dear old friend anxiety working on me.
I'm going to a women's AA meeting this evening. First one I've been to in a few years.

Anna

I would suggest that you go to an ER to get checked out and find out what is causing the problem. I hope that you feel better.

thomas11

Do you have the ability to check your blood pressure?

Marissa41

My blood pressure is 122/84. It seldom goes any higher than that. No medications.

trachemys

Gatorade. Really, you need the stuff. And vitamins.

Dee74

If it's really worrying you, surely it's worth a little cash outlay for peace of mind, Marissa?

There are a lot of free or low cost clinics around - if there's one in your local area you might get some medical advice there?

Free/Low-Cost/Sliding Scale Clinics | NeedyMeds
Call 2-1-1


D

Marissa41

Thanks for all your suggestions.. I woke up this morning and the swelling is gone. I'm assuming it was salt and hormones. I went into liver panic mode for a few days but I'm ok now.

And today is day 6 - No alcohol!!

SnazzyDresser

Now that's swell news!

graciepearl

Great news Marissa ! Another hurdle cleared

madgirl

Try to go for walks if you can - they really helped me in the first six weeks. Get those endorphins going!