Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Mine is cyclical and usually happens before and after flares, but it can be up to 10lbs at a time. It is really visible in my arms, feet, middle of my thighs to my calves. My mom saw me the other day extremely swollen and said that I looked like a linebacker! My PCP said that my electrolytes could be off so she suggested drinking some gatorade during the day with my regular water intake. Although helping slightly, my arms and legs are still incredibly tight, the skin looks tight, you know? I… read more

August 2, 2018 (edited)
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members connected over the uncomfortable experience of water retention and swelling in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, with many sharing that... Read more

Members connected over the uncomfortable experience of water retention and swelling in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, with many sharing that it often coincides with flares or vasculitis and sometimes responds to prednisone. Several members offered practical suggestions, including asking doctors about diuretics like Lasix to help the body release excess fluid, considering whether scleroderma might be a factor if skin tightness persists, and being mindful that drinking too much water can flush out potassium and affect the heart. A recurring theme was the importance of tracking fluid intake versus urine output, working closely with specialists to rule out underlying causes, and finding the right balance of hydration and medication to relieve the painful tightness and discomfort.

A myRAteam Member

I did have those issues until I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago. Predisone made it go away immediately. I've had a few other episodes that required Predisone again. I am now on a time released Predisone 5mg. Its high dollar too! The name is Rayos and retails at $9400!
Have you been peeing enough to equal out how much your drinking? Now I will swear to you about this.... If you drink too much water, it can and will flush out your Potassium level. And this directly affects the heart.
Do you have blood pressure issues?
I would ask my doctor for some Lasix which will make you pee every 5 minutes but it will get rid of fluid.

August 6, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Don't drink Gatorade that's the worse drink for RA people. It did the same thing to me. I didn't know until I stop drinking Gatorade.

August 13, 2018
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member UGhhh sucks! I def have to talk to my Dr. about vasculitis...Because I, like you, seem to get somewhat better with steroids--I just don't want to take it so often, you know?? I'll check into this, too and see how it goes! Thanks!

August 3, 2018
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member Thank you for commenting! I am pretty sure my rheumatologist has already checked for that, but there is no problem with checking again because it has been awhile. Thanks!

August 3, 2018
A myRAteam Member

It may be a good idea to see if your specialist has considered scleroderma as a viable option. Tight skin is one of many symptoms though, so remember it could be totally unrelated.

August 2, 2018

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Meade county ky