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[Babydoll]

Hi, I have new questions. I was wondering if anyone had abd. swelling before surgery. I have been told that my liver was enlarged and I knew that I was retaining fluid but It looks like am 10months preganet. Which is driving me crazy because over the past year I have lost 130lbs people that know me knows am swollen but new people ask me if am having a girl or boy? I have just been telling them am having twins much easier than explaining the heart thing to them. Been told that this should go away any ideas on how long! I know am tried of taking the lasix go to the bathroom every 10mins Plus how soon can you drive? Just bought a mustang with a drop top ( Gift for me because of the valve replacement) Love this car! I have a feeling am going to drive my family crazy doing my recovery. I have a hard time sitting still sometimes I have mild case of ADD which is not going to help me slow down. Well that's it for now sure I'll be back soon!
Stacey

 

[Ross]

I can't say much for the swelling, that may always be a problem, but as for driving, figure 6 weeks or so after surgery.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Stacey and welcome-

I believe what you're seeing is congestive heart failure in the form of ascites, which simply means that your heart is not able to pump well enough right now to get rid of all the fluid which accumulates in your body, and it has decided to accumulate a lot in your belly area, including all the organs in there.

My husband has this from time to time, and it can be very visible. He has had CHF (congestive heart failure) for a long time. He is also on Lasix and every so often he has to go on a higher dose to get rid of even more fluid. This is a temporary thing until it disappears, then he goes back to his maintenance dose.

It is vitally important that you continue with the Lasix, no matter how annoying it is, because it can get a good deal worse and if it gets too bad, it can be life-threatening.

My husband is also on an extremely low sodium/salt diet, and that is a lifetime thing for him. It would no doubt help you as well.

He also weighs himself each morning at the same time and we keep it all recorded in a journal. If he gains 2-3 pounds in a day, he calls his cardiologist for instructions in going to a higher dose. This also means that he has to have frequent bloodwork to make sure his kidneys, liver function, potassium levels and other blood chemistries are within the normal range.

I would suggest that you call your doctor and relate what you have mentioned here. Perhaps you needs a little temporary Lasix boost. But that is something that only your doctor can decide. And at the same time, you will probably need additional Potassium, which is also something the doctor will decide. Please discuss a low sodium diet with him as well to see if this will help you be more comfortable until your surgery.

It is always hoped that after surgery, these things will straighten out.

It wasn't true for my husband, but he has severe heart and pulmonary problems.

Good luck.