I've been hanging around, just not posting anything. Now I have a question - I noticed Dan's ankles have been a little puffy the last couple of days. I know it's what is called edema, but what could be the contributing factors? Not enough fluid, circulation issues, lack of exercise? He's never had this happen in his life. He did have a heart attack 20 years ago, but has done wonderfully well with that. Of course, it's a holiday weekend! He has a doctor's appointment in Sept. anyway, but maybe I'll try to have it moved up. In the back of my mind I'm thinking - okay, is this going to be the beginning of some sort of downturn? Am I ready for that? Time will tell.....
BTW, he is diabetic & has a tremendous sweet tooth - he could run circles around me in that department! He has been overloading on the sweets - as many have said, it's the one thing he really seems to be able to taste. He has no weight issues either, has always maintained his weight.
Just wonder what some of you might think - there won't be anything done until Tuesday anyway, unless something dramatic happens in the meantime.
Mim-see if he will keep his legs elevated if he has a recliner. Being diabetic makes him prone to slow wound healing. With the edema he could get pressure sores on his heels very quickly.
Sweets have more than sugar in them, they are often loaded with salt. If his circulation and kidney function are not as good as they use to be, this could be part of the reason. As above was said, see if you can get his feet elevated. Maybe if the swelling goes down some try compression socks if you have them.
My father had edema. Toward the end of his life he had both congestive heart failure and kidney failure, the treatment of one was bad for the other. The edema was from fluid buildup from a weak heart. They would give him laxatives to help remove the liquids. Problem was that his kidneys, since they were functioning poorly, did worse with the loss of fluid. With cats it is normal to give them fluid via IV for kidney failure with the fluid flushing out the poisons in the kidney. I've done that with 2 cats.
Sorry, getting off subject. What Charlotte suggests but he should see a doctor. I don't see a need for a trip to the ER, but try to get the doctor on call at the doctor's office and ask for an opinion. They will say either to see the doctor next week or to go tot he ER.. I don't think there is any reason to panic, nor necessarily a sign of a downturn.
Well, it's now Sunday evening, his feet & ankles don't seem to be any worse, but right now I don't think I'd care if they were! Nasty old coot!!! It's one of those days that no matter what I suggest he do to elevate his feet, there's a disagreement. There's nothing wrong with HIS feet! They don't hurt! Leave him alone! Well, that's fine with me, happy to oblige.
I'm calling the Dr. Tuesday, so we'll see how that goes. Days like this I wonder why I even want to bother.....
Sorry for the bad attitude & comments, but I just had to say it! :)
mim - I was talking out loud yesterday about whether to move into an apartment or spend another winter in the RV. I think of what he will miss leaving the park - familiar and a good place to walk. Then it hit me why last winter I said not another winter: he refuses to do anything to keep his feet warm. I told him he refused the heating pad to put his feet on or wrapping the blanket around them, so I had to turn the electric heater towards the front to keep it warm around his feet. He says: I know. That was it. I know he won't do it this winter either. Like you - wonder why I bother!