DEAR DR. GOTT: I am an almost 49-year-old female, 5’9” and 150 pounds. I am still having regular periods. My problem is recent, rapid weight gain, most of which is very obviously fluid retention as my legs are swollen by the end of the day. I gained 15 pounds in a three month period between February and April.
I have had testing. My appendix was removed because it was misshaped and there was a concern about a possible tumor. During the CT and colonoscopy, it was discovered that they couldn’t put the scope into me and had to do a virtual colonscopy.
It turned out that the appendix was filled with endometriosis. My abdomen is filled with it as well. I am fortunate in that I experience no pain because of it; however, my colon is obviously crushed and I no longer empty my bladder in one sitting.
The diagnosis is that the endometriosis has also attached itself to my lymph system which is why I have the fluid gain. I am taking a diuretic and wear compression socks during the day. I have between five and 10 pounds of extra weight (after the diuretic) that I have gained in only a couple of months this spring. I exercise daily by jogging and playing soccer but it does not help the leg swelling.
Is there something I can do to help my lymph system so that I do not have all the extra weight? My clothes do not fit, even shirt sleeves and bras cut into my skin) and I do not want to buy new. How much extra stress is there on my body with this extra weight?
DEAR READER: In my opinion, your primary concern should be the endometriosis. This has clearly been identified as the cause of your weight gain and you appear to have an extensive case that is obviously causing problems. Unless something is done to ease the pressure it is placing on your vital organs, you will likely begin experiencing further problems.
My advice to you is to seek out the help of a gynecologist familiar with the treatment of endometriosis. Perhaps surgical removal of portions (as it is likely too far-spread to be removed completely) may be beneficial. In addition, you should also likely be on a permanent form of birth control or other hormonal/medical therapies to stop your menstrual cycle because each cycle causes the abnormal tissue to swell, putting further pressure on your organs. In some instances, the lining may even shed, such as your uterine lining does. This means that some of your fluid retention is actually endometrial tissue and blood, rather than lymph fluid retention. By suppressing your cycle, you are also suppressing the activity of the errant endometrial tissue.
You know the cause, yet your physician is only treating the symptoms and not doing very well at that. Find a physician willing to help you get to the root of the problem, rather than simply trying to cover it over.
