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Thanks to all who replied to my question about the tenacious swelling (edema!)
in my left foot.  I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to summarize this,
but I've been waiting to get some additional tests done to see if I could
offer any more insight into this problem.  I received many replies--several of
which requested suggestions, as well!

Here are some of the ideas that I recieved for potential causes of the edema:
-wheat allergy
-milk allergy
-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (the author said this is very rare)
-protein absorption problem
-soy intolerance
-abnormal album level-a protein
-gluten contamination
-diabetes
-renal (kidney) problems

And some suggestions for treatment:
-increased walking
-low dose of prednisone
-diuretic
-avoid salt
-swimming daily (the pressure should help with fluid retention)
-RAST testing for dietary antigens (I'm not sure what RAST stands for!)

On a personal note, I visited my famiy doctor just to get some baseline
testing done.  She took some blood and tested for kidney, thyroid,
electrolyte, and vitamin deficiencies, as well as diabetes.  All the tests
came back normal.  I had an ultrasound done on my legs a few years ago. I had
some "sluggish" veins, but nothing that would seem to cause this swelling.  My
doctor put me on a diuretic and told me to continue wearing the vascular
stockings, drinking a lot, and avoiding too much salt.  A friend of the family
is the head doctor at our local hospital's emergency room.  He gave me the
name of an internist who reportedly has dealt with this sort of problem.  I
have a copy of all my rest results, and I plan on bringing them to my
appointment next Monday (week from Memorial day).  I will keep you posted on
whatever I find!

Thank you again for your patience and all of your thorough responses.
Best wishes for a great holiday!
Jessica
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