Lupus Positive- crazy swelling symptoms
So in my last post I explained my situation. Please go to my profile to read. I have my first appointment with a rheumatologist at the end of this month. But CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN the swelling!!!!!!!! All my symptoms started last May so about a year and 3 months ago and this was one of the first things I noticed it has never happened before. It’s INSANE and the time that it can happen is within minutes… not hours. It’s so uncomfortable and makes me super irritable. I go up about 4 sizes and inflate like a balloon. It’s a terrible quality of life and I constantly feel like dog shit. Can anyone explain why this happens and what I can do to help!? I quit drinking alcohol, no gluten, almost no dairy, I work out, you name itttttt! NSAIDS, Perscription water retention pills, supplements. 😡😩 I have no self confidence and feel like a grumpy slob no matter what I do and this happens pretty much all the time (5x/week) basically just constantly going up and down. I have almost no days where I am 100% not swollen/water retention. Help me!!!!! 😭 this image was from today but this has been happening for over a year. 
Oh, goodness,
. I'm really sorry you are dealing with this swelling issue. And, since you seem to take care of your appearance and have pride in it, I can see why the swelling is especially disconcerting.
So, swelling can be a sign of a few things, and it's good that you have an appointment coming up so you can discuss it with your rheumatologist. I wanted to share this link about swelling and Lupus -- https://lupus.net/symptoms/swelling. But, please don't let the information scare you. I would definitely ask your doctor to check your kidneys and to mention that you are already doing a number of dietary changes, so you don't waste your precious appointment time with him/her offering suggestions you have already tried. Also, NSAIDS can actually exacerbate swelling, so just keep that in mind. Also, maybe try keeping a daily log of all your activities and food/fluid intake to see if you can find even the smallest correlation, if there is one.
If you notice other symptoms that could indicate a problem with your kidneys (a change in your urine color, noticeably increased blood pressure, etc), please call your doctor to let them know. You may need to be seen earlier than the end of the month, if at all possible.
Hang in there and please keep us posted on how you are doing, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Best, Erin, Team Member.thanks so much. I have def taken lupus nephritis into consideration but I have normal kidney and liver function, no other signs of it. I went to the ER 2 weeks ago bc of my ITP flaring up and I get brain hemoraging if I don’t watch it closely but they said all of that looked good and just to follow up. So I’m like at a loss! Something isn’t adding up well, I'm at a loss, too! I wish I had a great answer for you, but I just don't. I'm as stumped as you!
I am so very sorry you are dealing with so much, healthwise.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
