How I wish I didn't have to deal with this condition!!!
I am not exactly sure what causes my edema. My medication(s) seems like a pretty good bet. My feet, legs & stomach have been swollen lately. I try to ignore it. Like yours, the skin on my legs feels about two sizes too small and as if it is going to burst any minute. It is always tight and stretched to the limit. As a result, it has become very dry and flaky on the lower legs. Some lotion in the evenings seems to help.
I'd tried to discontinue my calcium channel blocker cold turkey and on my own accord last year, because of severe edema. I became very ill. My doctor ordered me back on the drug. Some time later I was instructed to lower the dose in order to reduce the frequency and severity of edema. I started experiencing the same problems as before, indicating that reducing the CCB dose was not an option then. I now take 10mg Norvasc, which is supposed to be a little bit better than my old CCB. Frankly, I haven't noticed much difference.
Norvasc causes dilation of blood vessels. While this dilation lowers the blood pressure, it increases the pressure in the capillaries. It is the higher pressure in the capillaries that leads to edema. Fluid leaks from the bloodstream into the tissue.
Edema in the legs and feet is dose dependent. It is also dependent on the length of therapy. It should resolve itself within 7 to 10 days after the Norvasc is discontinued
IF the drug is the true cause of edema. The amount of time needed to get rid of the edema also depends on each individual's ability to clear excess fluids.
So - be patient. If the edema persists, contact your doctor. He should then take the necessary steps to rule out other possible causes.
Good luck!
I hope you will find a medication that works for you.
Flowergirl