Edematous after 3 shifts???

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Specializes in ER.

Does anyone else have this problem? Every time I work 3 in a row I swell up by the end of the third shift. Once I go home and go to bed and wake up it is even worse. It takes me a full day to come back down to normal size. It is a general all over swelling mostly noticeable in my face, hands, and feet. I thought maybe I wasn't drinking and peeing enough but I tried this last set to be really good about it and I feel like I drank and peed adequately, but I am just as swollen now as ever. I'm wondering if this is normal after 3 in a row.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Yep, this happens to me too. Think about the interplay of hydration, urination, and stress hormones. Might want to mention it to your PCP, however ... just to make sure there's no underlying problem.

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Do you wear support hose? My feet used to swell, the hose helped. Now that Im pregnant I swell all over, including my hands. I'd see your doctor, but work on less salt and more fluid if you are getting dehydrated.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I get (and always have) pretty significant swelling of my lower legs and feet after ONE 12-hour shift. Be sure to look carefully at the types of food you are eating on your stretch of work. I have a bad habit of going through the drive through on my way to a night shift instead of eating a proper meal. Cutting down on the salt has helped to a degree.

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Definitely let pcp know. Most healthy people will not have these kinds of problems. Pregnant maybe.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I can understand that type of swelling in your feet and legs but for your face and hands.. That is a puzzle. I would get checked out.

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Definitely have a work-up done. I have dependent edema but only my lower extremities are affected. Whether it's an 8 or a 12 hour shift. My work ups have been negative for anything cardiac related. I wear compression stockings which minimally help. All I have to do is sit for a few hours and my feet look like pontoons.

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Specializes in ER.

Thanks everyone. I understand the swollen feet thing but the face and hands was what concerned me, too. I wondered if it had anything to do with lack of sleep because I really just don't sleep well during the day (I work nights) and after 3 in a row I am quite sleep deprived. I'll mention it to my PCP. I just had an annual exam and everything looked great. But I'll go back. She'll take my money I'm sure!

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Go in when it is happening...

Thanks everyone. I understand the swollen feet thing but the face and hands was what concerned me, too. I wondered if it had anything to do with lack of sleep because I really just don't sleep well during the day (I work nights) and after 3 in a row I am quite sleep deprived. I'll mention it to my PCP. I just had an annual exam and everything looked great. But I'll go back. She'll take my money I'm sure!
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Any chance you've gotten your thyroid checked lately? I was having the same problem, after even one shift my legs would swell to twice their size and then I'd get swelling all over. I went to my doctor and was shocked to find out that despite being only 25, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (my TSH was actually 29, which is apparently surprisingly high). I didn't even realize that that could cause swelling, but once I started synthroid, the swelling problems got so much better! It might be worth getting it checked out

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Specializes in ER.

I'm pretty sure that was checked at my recent annual visit, but I'll find out when I go in.

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