All interesting posts....but from a clinician's view, medication use, history of surgeries, difficulty of pregnancy, current weight and many other factors could be contributing to your symptom picture. First and foremost, you'll need a thorough heart, liver, kidney function test along with a thorough thyroid test. If they come back negative, then a more thorough eval. by an internist and/or vascular care specialist as it may be that you have a blockage along lymph nodes and/or simple vascular insufficiency.
A more thorough physical exam and detailed history on this matter is also missing is needed.
Wishing you an apace resolution, and a clever wise fox amongst your medical team to assist you.
Amending my suggestions after reading more posts. You'll need some patience, while also having your clinician do a further blood tests regarding your thyroid health. Moreover, diet and exercise are key, and since you're nursing, a registered dietician can assist you with managing caloric needs.
erhmm, who are you refering to? the OP is trying for a baby, and do you think it is wise for you to dish out medical advice in such a carefree manner??
Regarding water retention outside of pregnancy, I can offer this advice:
At the chemist's, you can buy " Birkenblätter Elixier " (made by Weleda) or capsules, both of which are a gentle but effective way to eliminate excess water.
Combined with a good diet, low on caffeine and alcohol - plus an invigorating walk now and again - this is great.
Went to my hormones doctor today (Thyroid) and I asked him about the water retention. Apparently, I could drink as much water as I want, it won't flush the water off my body. I shouldn't drink more than 2 liters per day because the body will just keep stocking it.
I have been drinking a minimum of 2 liters a day for weeks now and nothing change. So I am now trying diuretics pills, will see what is going to come out of this...
ASPARAGUS! it's in season and its a superb diuretic. SO to prevent water retention in the first place, cut down salt, foods with additives (esp MSG - E621!) eat clean and healthy, whole grains, fruit and vegetables - perfect summer eating ; )
All good advice from SamIam... Could also add Nettle Tea (available in any apotheke - look for Brennessel Tea in German-speaking parts of Switzerland).
Yepp the tea is exactly what my doc told me to drink, but it doesn't help which is why I started this thread in the first place. I love asparagus and it sure makes you pee a lot but it's like Nil said, the water that's stored in the body doesn't go away with that.
It is deep into the tissue so my doc told me to eat loads of proteins and make sure to get enough potassium for the amount of water you lose from the diuretics.
Sometimes the natural ways are not enough to work for deep retention. Lack of protein in the body also contribute to hold water.