How to prevent fluid retention?

[PegB]

Seems like so many of you have had post op complications with fluid build up around the heart or in the lungs. Is there anything to do to avoid this, or is it just something that happens during the healing process? Is lying down too long a cause? What about using the spirometer more? I know it sounds like one of the "better" complications to deal with, but if you experienced this at all, do you remember thinking of anything you would have done differently?? Thanks for your help - I'm already trying to imagine my post-op at home, since I don't think I have much input into the surgery itself.

 

[Lynlw]

I don't know how to avoid it, BUT Justin has had bad fluid problems in the past and since then IF there it seem like it MIGHT be starting,by the symptons,(slight fever,feels like a little more trouble taking deep breathes than the day or so before, weight gain,ect)we call right away and get in for an echo so started on antibiotics and motrin (can't remeber which pain reliever, but i can look it up) or depending how much shows on the echo get on steroids right away and it cleared right up, Justin has alays had pericardial fluid, not plueral Lyn

 

[Cooker]

Fluid happens

 

[ALCapshaw2]

My (bypass) surgeon scheduled Chest X-rays for 2 and 4 weeks post-op.

Nothing showed up at 2 weeks, but at 3 weeks I was having difficulty breathing and my progress had turned to regression. My PCP determined that I had a mild case of 'Walking Pneumonia'. I was told to Really PUSH my breathing exercises, 10 minutes every 2 hours while awake. I could actually 'feel' the fluid being squeezed out of my chest cavity when I pushed hard. Eventually everything cleared up but it did extend my recovery.

Another thing my PCP advised was to weigh myself everyday (preferably in the morning, after going to the bathroom and before dressing). Many on VR.com use the rule that if your weight goes up by 3 lbs in one day or 5 lbs in a week, to take some Lasix / diuretic (by prescription) along with a potassium supplement (also by prescription). Some people are on a regular diuretic protocol and some of us only take it 'as needed'.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[tobagotwo]

Certainly, movement can help to reduce fluid accumulation. Lying down too much during the day, particularly lying flat, rather than in a raised head and chest fashion can contribute to stagnant fluids.

Remember that you're not getting over being sick from a cold or flu. You're reconditioning yourself after an injury. While you do need some rest, you should be active in between breaks. You should practice proper posture after the the operation, as that helps to keep the lungs open. Practice breathing using all the lobes of your lungs. Many people only breathe shallowly, barely using the lower lobes at all.

That being said, there is nothing that will make you proof from fluids in the lungs or around the heart. Some folks will develop these issues no matter what they do. The best you can do is to shave the odds in your favor, in case you're one of the ones who only "might" develop fluid problems.

On the bright side, most people don't develop these fluid problems at all.

Best wishes,

 

[Nancy]

Limit your salt consumption. That will help a lot. As others have said, keep an every day eye on your weight, and call your cardiologist for instructions and possibly a diuretic prescription when you have a sudden weight gain overnight of 2-3 pounds, or a slower gain of 5 pounds over a couple of days.

Getting rid of fluid before it gets too out of hand will help you tremendously.

When you let it get beyond the above numbers, it becomes more difficult to get rid of.

 

[catwoman]

Peg:

I didn't develop any fluid retention.
Suggest you use that nasty torture device, the spirometer, after you get back home.
My surgeon said to weigh once or twice daily -- don't remember -- & notify him of any unusual weight gain. I also had to take my blood pressure & temperature a couple of times a day. Surgeon also prescribed a low-sodium, low-fat diet for at least a month, along with BP meds. I suppose the BP meds reduce workload on the heart to expedite healing.

 

[charly]

Long term problem with fluid retention

Long term problem with fluid retention

Has anyone dealt with fluid retention years after the surgery that's not officially a result of heart failure? (5-7 pounds gained overnight, etc.) If so, is lasix or some other prescription diuretic the only remedy?

thanks

 

[PegB]

Charly,

Charly,

I would think that a gain of 5-7 lbs. overnight would certainly be a reason for giving your Dr. a call. Lasix can take the excess fluid out of you, but I think they would want to find out what is causing the retention to begin with.
Are you having swelling in your lower legs, any chest congestion, or shortness of breath??

Never hurts to check it out, and make sure everything is working properly!

 

[Nancy]

Charly-

5-7 pounds of weight gain overnight is an enormous amount of fluid to have happen. You should call your doctor and have it checked out.

 

[Marguerite53]

Has anyone dealt with fluid retention years after the surgery that's not officially a result of heart failure? (5-7 pounds gained overnight, etc.) If so, is lasix or some other prescription diuretic the only remedy?

thanks

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I would be very interested in comments about that, also. I am so much puffier than normal, all the time. I know that I swelled up more than most in ICU (they had to cut my wristband off and get me a new one) and that was 4 months ago. The lasix just makes me inordinately thirsty and sleepy (at 25 mg, the lowest dose!).

We have had an unusually long, hot summer. I am very heat sensitive (not new) and figured I'd wait for the cooler weather and see if I am still feeling the same. It is annoying. I would love for it to go away. I had hoped the lasix would be my magic bullet. I don't add salt to anything and watch ingredient levels.

Have others had non-CHF swelling issues post surgery? Thanks, Charly!

Marguerite

 

[Barbara Stewart]

Fluid retention

Fluid retention

Marguerite,
As a matter of fact I had more swelling recently and started to take Lasix that my doc prescribed after my surgery. I had been taking Maxide and was doing fine. I take 40 mgs of Lasix and it seems to be the magic bullet, but I wonder what caused it in the first place. The summer here in Texas has been ridiculously hot; over 100 for over 30 days. My cardio didn't seem overly concerned so I'm not either.
Barbara