tonight I noticed that my ankles were slightly swollen. this happened several years ago and I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. in the last few weeks I have been very down, eating too much and exercising less. it appears to be catching up with me physically. also, my PTSD has been acting up and it affects my heartbeat. I take medication to keep my heartbeat steady. I really prefer to exercise outdoors but can't because it's winter and I don't like the cold. I will have to force myself to go to the gym. I really don't like the gym either. PTSD is so terrible to life with - it will shorten my life for sure. I hope I can find the mental strength to change my lifestyle and exercise more. I am not sure the desire is really there and that may be the biggest problem of all.

[unaluna]

You might have done more sitting and eating saltier foods the past couple of days too, don't forget. Have some cabbage or orange or pineapple or tomato and then see.

I am being too sedentary. Also, I've been eating fewer veggies. That has to change. Sadly, because I am glucose intolerant, I cannot eat fruit or drink fruit juice. GI problems limit the amount of veggies I can eat due to their high fiber content.

The problem is further complicated by my anti-seizure medication which has a side-effect of increasing my appetite. The constant hunger has helped me gain weight and fighting it increases depression. I spoke to my MD about it and his recommendation was exercise to take off the weight. So far, I have not been able to motivate myself to go. I need to change that today. I never speak to anyone at the gym and it is a lonely experience when I go there. I also don't have a gym body. In fact, I have never liked my body much. It's not just the looks, it's also my tendency to get injured. After a while, it's like, why bother?

[yellowted]

try sleeping with your legs raised, it helps the excess water to drain back up them. cut down on your salt intake as it makes you store excess water. being seditary does not help, but it only takes a few minutes an hour standing/moving around to eleviate swollen ankles. I can't stand at all, but move the position of my legs every so often and unless i am on my mobility scooter all day (6hrs+) my legs rarely swell.
another thought is your socks may be too tight they definitely will be when your ankles/legs are swollen. try to wear non elasticated ones or go without in the house. elasticated leg bottoms on things like joggers could also be the cause.
going to the gym sounds like a great idea, but even just a walk around the garden will help.