Hi Nicole,

I don't know how safe they are, but there are herbal diuretic pills you
can get at Wal Mart.  I hate that, it's miserable.  I know caffeine
helps get rid of it as well.  Coffee?  Tea?  Maybe a trip to the Health
Food Store is in order, they have nutritionists that usually can help
anything.  Good Luck.

Krista

I am with Janers on this one Nicole!
Don't start a diuretic without the doctor's OK on it; potassium and sodium can be affected adversely as well as your other electrolytes that need to be in balance for good cardiac and renal function!
Fluid retention can point to renal involvement as it can also point to cardiac function issues; but don't dx yourself either!
It could be a simple issue such as if you had been having painful joints lately it could simply be them leaking fluids due to their 'distress' and of course all fluids travel downhill thanks to gravity and  leave your peripherals puffy; ie: hands, feet and when the feet are full, ankles and up to your knees if there is enough fluid; so try to watch your fluid intake while waiting a doctor's input/appointment and also watch your sodium in your diet as it will just increase the retention problem.
Best bet is to see the doc ASAP and get a medical opinion.
Good luck!
hugs,
Shelagh
http://clik.to/lupus

I have this problem as well. There are foods that are natural diuretics. I
eat a lot of food in the cucumber family. Watermelon is especially good as
is cucumber. Many melons are very good for helping reduce swelling without
taking pills. Be careful about eating watermelon too close to bedtime or you
will be up peeing all night. Water is actually a diuretic as well. This
sounds weird but drinking the 8 glasses a day helps eliminate excess water.
Good luck to you.
Janice in BC

I did that last year (swelling), and for me it ended up meaning kidney
issues. You're probably on the right track. When you go in for tests
make sure they don't just check for renal problems. My experience was
the first docs checked only renal function, and my creatnine came back
better than your average person. Request a 24 hour urine test for your
protien. You'll be so much better off for knowing as quickly as
possible.

Just know that if it is hydronephrosis, you'll probably be put on a
diuretic and therefore be stuck near a restroom for a couple of days. I
had no idea how much I retained... until 30 lbs disappeared down the
drain.

I seriously agree, DO NOT take any diuretics without your doctor
prescribing and monitoring it. Potassium is a very major concern with
regards to diuretics.

Tara

How are you doing, Nicole? Any better?
Hugs
J