I've occasionally had fluid retention and then it goes away. How long has this been going on? Are you eating any differently?

Can you get a referral to a GI who is more familiar with ostomies/j-pouches? It sounds like it's time to get a second doctor for those 'other' things. I hope you find out what's going on.

kathy

Having an ileostomy does not protect you from heart disease, so you are smart to follow up if you are having similar symptoms as your parents.

Dependent edema (water retention in the feet and legs) is pretty commonly associated with left sided heart failure, but also with anything that can cause heart irritation and many medications. For example, regular use of NSAIDs will cause it. You can wear support stockings, but that just help prevent the swollen ankles.

You can take diurectics with a j-pouch or ileostomy, but you need to be careful not to get dehydrated.

If you don't have much faith in your primary doctor, it is time for a new one! Having one you do not trust is almost worse than none...

Good luck!

Jan

Thanks Kathy & Jan

Just back from Doc.. He is not concerned. Feels I should monitor sodium intake. Lose weight and exercise more. He pretty much blamed it on the heat.

I have awesome blood pressure, he said everything sounded good.

He did order fasting labs. So at least it will be good to see how those are.

Fasting labs looked ok..

I do have low Vitamin D levels.

I have been having body aches .. lower back and in the legs. Can this be from Vitamin D Deficiency?