Edema

[Chubungas]

I had aortic valve replacement July 26, 2005. I had no problems with edema until about 3 weeks ago. My doctor raise my diuretic medication but it is not having a significant affect. I am getting edema, sometimes severe, in my legs, hands, face and neck. At times my breathing is affected and my feet and hands are sore. I had these same symptoms pre-surgery caused by my CHF. Has anyone elsehad this problem post-surgery? When I was diagnosed I was told I had less then a year to live. After surgery the my surgeon said my heart was twice the size they thought it was and fat and goey, that can't be good. Could the edema be caused by the advaced stage of my aortic valve disease?

 

[Nancy]

If it is from congestive heart failure, it is a controllable thing. You should get back to your doctor and tell him about your current set of problems, breathing problems, swelling in the extremities and face.

Staying with a very low sodium diet will help you a lot, as well as keeping track of any sudden weight gain which usually means fluid weight gain.

If your breathing problems become more difficult, and your current diuretics are not working, call your doctor and ask about a higher dose, if that doesn't work, you need to go to the ER.

 

[hensylee]

we have members come in who have chf aFTer surgery. They'll see this and comment. Blessins.......

 

[PJmomrunner]

I've nothing to add except too say I think it's really important that Chubungas see each of the previous posts so I'm posting to freshen the thread.

Best to you, Chubungas.

 

[PJmomrunner]

I've still got nothing to add except too say I think it's really important that Chubungas see each of the previous posts so I'm posting to freshen the thread. Again.