Good lord! This is the 2nd time this has happened, and I can only come up with one explanation.
Back when I first started nursing school several years ago, I noticed after about 2 days of all-day lectures that my ankles were swollen. Not just a little summer type puffiness -- they were SWOLLEN. Pitting 1+ edema. I realize "1+" is minor compared to a lot of edema I've seen SINCE then, but at the time it freaked me out because having been a CNA for a couple years, I automatically thought CHF. Being young, I panicked, but my FNP said that it was probably from sitting all day in a hard plastic classroom chair.
Now, I'm in orientation at a new job, and my ankles are swollen again, a little more but not much more than last time. I have been orientating all week, and have put my feet up when I get home and no relief. The swelling is around both ankles and goes into the top of both my feet.
What the heck! Anyone else have this problem ever? I will be in the ER so I'll be on my feet a lot. I'm thinking long and hard about getting a couple pairs of good support hose and just wearing the stupid things since I've heard nothing but all about how my more experienced nursing friends have varicose veins and other issues with their legs... I'm 26 now, I guess it's never too early to start taking care of issues like that.
Anyone have suggestions or tips to deal with/stop/prevent this? I really am not digging cankles when it's shorts/skirts/flip flop weather!
