So how do i do this?

[flowerfairy]

Just wondered if anyone can tell me how to raise my feet above the height of my heart to help with the swelling, if you are not supposed to lie on your back? USually over night they go down slightly, but sleep on my side. Any ideas?

I used to sleep with pillows under my legs at night. I had 3 and would lay them so that even I was on my side they were still raised.

Keeping them raised as much as poss in the day will help as will not walking/standing for too long if you can help it.

Blimey have they got to be that high???

a contortionist i am not!!!

i have taken to sitting down on the sofa with feet up on a cushion as much as possible during the day. My ankles have kind of just merged in with my calves by the end of the day otherwise

Just put pillows under your mattress where your feet are. That should do the trick

that sounds attractive sam26oscar!LOL. sorry I shouldnt laugh, i've got to go through it all myself soon!

Just lie on your back for a while during the day. I used to lie on floor with feet up on back of chair - was like marooned whale, but it did work. Takes a while tho, good excuse to do nothing

I am right there with you sam26oscar got a dreadful cankle situation going on. I'm in my running shoes at work today as I can't get my feet in anything else. It's a nightmare. Difficult to do anything about it at work - I haven't tried lying down while typing yet.

I heard that walking and swimming are good for the water retention though and also drinking lots of water.

I lie on my back anyway, with feet up the wall, I just don't do it for too long. Why is it exactly that we're not supposed to lie on our backs?
You could prop up the bottom end of your bed, then your feet will be raised a bit whichever position you sleep in.

Cuts off blood supply in the huge artery which brings blood from the lower part of your body to your heart.

It's fine for a few minutes but should be avoided for extended periods as it can interrupt blood supply for the placenta and make you feel light-heated.

My MW said that putting your feet into a cool bath can help along with the usual advice about sitting with your legs raised.

Thanks everyone. I did think i would have to be a contortionist to do it other wise.