Swollen legs

[tenaya]

Oh, oh! One thing I wanted to pass on. Since my new doctor flunked about dealing with my varicose veins and lower leg swelling, (eh, since it's not a dodgy heart, don't do anything) I went to the net. A tv doctor did a audit on medical sites and mentioned a few that were decent ones, including government site and when I went there, I found that they recommended the herb, Horse Chestnut extract.

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/horsechestnut/index.htm

I've been taking it for 3 days now and while I've been at home sick and not pounding the hallways at the hospital, my legs seem to be better. Sitting at the computer would also make them tight, but they aren't too bad. They aren't hurting, not as swollen and just not as bad as they've been.

I'll let you know how it goes. And I thought I'd pass it along.

Comments

[deej1957.livejournal.com]

Glad you've found something!!!

My mom's ankles are swelling--I'm going to have her mention it to the doctor next time. I didn't realise your heart could have something to do with it, and she takes meds for hers.

I'm going to get some horsechestnut for her in the meantime!

With regards to your mom:

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

My legs feel much better. :)

I was reading more about it and apparently it works by repairing the veins where they leak. Also, it cautioned:

"Possible Interactions

It is recommended that horse chestnut not be taken in conjunction with any other medications that thin the blood (coumadin, trental, aspirin, heparin) without medical supervision. We know of no major side effects associated with horse chestnut supplementation."

And in another article:

"Horse chestnut works by improving the capillary wall and integrity of the vascular system, it may have blood thinning ability but it also has the ability to protect the strength of the veins. "

And about diabetes: "Interactions With Drugs

Although no adverse drug interactions have been reported, horse chestnut seed extract may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with horse chestnut seed extract, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). Based on animal research, horse chestnut seed extract may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using horse chestnut seed extract. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Because of its effects on how drugs are carried in the blood, horse chestnut seed extract may increase the side effects associated with "protein-bound" drugs, such as amiodarone (Cordarone) and phenytoin (Dilantin). The risk of an interaction with these drugs is theoretical and has not been shown in humans."

Re: With regards to your mom:

[deej1957.livejournal.com]

AH, thank you! She takes Heperin.

Re: With regards to your mom:

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

I wondered if she might. It advises, "horse chestnut not be taken in conjunction with any other medications that thin the blood...without medical supervision." My legs feel wonderful and are so much better. They were getting pink with a low level inflammation and this stuff seems to be reversing that. It might be worthwhile for her to consult her doctor for permission.

If you've already bought it and have decided that she shouldn't try it, I'll certainly buy it off you! Bring it up to Vancouver if you've space, or maybe we should plan another gettogether.