How long on diuretics after surgery?

[JodyC]

I was just wondering how long most people have to take Lasix or something similar after surgery? I am six weeks out and still fight keeping water off every day. This has made walking very difficult because the water always seems to be right under my sternum or around my stomach. Even just trying to walk with a couple pounds of water on is painful and I am out of breath in just a few steps. I take Lasix but it often doesn't work so I have to take a different pill before that to make it work which is fine but then I almost have to stay home because I am in the bathroom ALOT. Is this normal? Sometimes I lose 5-7 pounds in a day. When the water is off I feel great but it builds up gradually and I keep losing weight anyway so I don't always know what my dry weight is to compare it. Help.

 

[Ross]

You'll have to talk with your Doctor on that one. It may be permanent if it's been this long, but I don't feel right telling you that.

 

[njean]

Dear Jody,

I've been on diuretics (furosemide - generic for Lasix) since I had my 3rd OHS in 2006. I started out at 40mg per day & that wasn't enough so it was increased to 80mg a day & that didn't prove to be enough! I take 160mg now & have been for a little bit more than a year. I also take potassium along w/the diurectic. I have to be on a very low-sodium diet & I have to be very careful about that because if I go overboard on the sodium, the lasix is not effective.

I too have bloating or swelling in my mid-section & around the ankles & have to weigh myself 2x daily -- in the morning first thing & then at night.

I'm hope that you do not have to stay on long-term diuretics but unfortunately, sometimes some patients do have to. And too, if you are on a very low dose right now, perhaps that is not doing the job for you so check w/your doctor. Also, cut back on the salt as much as you can.

Good luck & let us know how you're doing! Take care!

 

[njean]

One more thing I need to add Jody that I think is very important as to "why" I have to be taking this high of a dosage of the diurectic......

I have 2 mechanical valves (aortic & mitral). The aortic was re-replaced in 2006 after 31 years but the mitral valve was not replaced & it probably should have been! It is 33 years old!

Since my last OHS in 2006, the mitral valve started acting up too & it is struggling to keep up because the leaflets are only opening & closing half way due to massive amount of scar tissue in & around them. So since my heart is still not functioning at full capacity, I continue to have the fluid build-up thus requiring the diurectics.

Hope this clarifies things better.

 

[Mary]

Ive been on Lasix since my 2005 surgery--40 mg twice a day.

I would ask the cardiologist his/her opinion at your next visit. It may turn out that you need to stay on it for another six weeks or so.
Are you watching your sodium intake? If you're not, you probably should.

 

[JodyC]

thanks

thanks

Thanks for everyone's replies. My cardio's nurse says I am still in the normal time frame post surgery for taking diuretics. It is just such a tiring battle to keep the water off. My next issue to battle is getting my eyes checked due to "visual disturbances" from taking Flecainide. I can't drive at night now so something has to be done.

 

[Jkm7]

Jody..... Hope to continue to hear improvement. You've been through quite a lot so it will take time. Easy does it but you are well on the road to recovery. Hope you get better and better, faster and faster.