Opinions on Lasix

[MelissaM]

Howdy! What a great resource this is. . . so wonderful to have so many people sharing our valve experiences.

Question for the clan: does anyone have opinons on the relative advantages/disadvantages of going on Lasix?

After minor wheezing episodes, I saw the cardiologist's nurse, who prescribed Lasix and Potassium for CHF. I am only experiencing very minor edema - my ring still comes off my finger, but definitely more difficult - and am wondering if it is "too soon" to be on Lasix (i.e., the side effects aren't worth the benefits).

My skepticism mainly comes from the fact that this nurse seemed to diagnose and prescribe on her own, without consulting the cardiologist (is this even allowed?).

Any opinions or information is appreciated! I continue to wait for surgery to be scheduled. . .

Melissa

 

[Nancy]

Hi Melissa-

Welcome to this wonderful site. You're among friends here.

My husband has had CHF for as long as I can remember. He's been on Lasix for years, and with that along comes Potassium because Lasix depletes that from your body.

When SOB (shorness of breath) happens, then it's time to do something about it. That means your lungs are filling with fluid and that in turn puts stress on your heart, cuts down on your oxygen level in your blood, and in general makes any conditions in your body which are compromised, that much worse.

The fluid goes all over, not just in your extremities, although most people will notice it in their feet, ankles and sometimes hands. It can get into your lungs, as I mentioned, liver and other internal organs. It really isn't something to fool around with. Congestive Heart Failure ebbs and flows, not a steady kind of thing. Sometimes it can happen suddenly.

My husband is on an extremely low sodium diet, because he's been into Class IV CHF, and you don't want to go there, trust me on that.

He also weighs himself each morning at the same time to make sure there isn't any sudden weight gain. A gain of 3 pounds in a 24 hour period, or 5 pounds over several days-1 week, will prompt a call to the cardiologist for a Lasix adjustment, or the addition of Zaroxolyn which is a super powerful diuretic.

The majority of Joe's ER trips were for CHF.

So, yes, if you are having CHF symptoms and the cardiologist's nurse says you should go on Lasix, you should listen. Many cardiologists have Nurse Practitioners who can prescribe. His nurse could also consult with him and get the script from him.

Once you get on Lasix, you will feel much better because you will have a reduction in the SOB.

 

[Nancy]

Here's a link to the American Heart Association which talks about signs and symptoms of CHF:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=339

 

[JimL]

Welcome Melissa! I've gone through so many different medicines, taken so many pill ****tails, that I sometimes feel a bit of affection (or dread) for a particular medication.

I definitely feel that Lasix is one of the good ones. I didn't notice any side effects (other than the obvious one), but it sure worked, and worked well. I was only on it for a few weeks.

I wouldn't hesitate to go on Lasix again, if it was necessary. I suppose there could be added concerns if you were going to be on it long-term. Hope this helps.

 

[nadi]

Lasix

Lasix

Hi Melissa,
Welcome to the site.

I have been on "Lasix" since my surgery 5/5. I also have not had any side effects except when my potassium level went to low and I believe that was from the zoroxolyn that I was also put on short term.

The lasix has really helped me with the water gain since surgery. I was also on another diuretic before surgery for the lung congestion. I really helped in letting me sleep lying down instead of sitting in the couch.

I would recommend that you follow your nurses suggestion about it.

Take care,

 

[LoraW30]

The six potty trips a night is worth keeping my ankles looking like ankles. I've been on 40 mg of lasix per day and 20 of Klor-con. I can really tell the difference if I forget to take a dose of Lasix.

Lora

 

[Georgia]

Welcome Melissa

Welcome Melissa

So glad to have you join.

I'm a CU grad - class of '71. Haven't been back for years, despite my mom living in Evergreen - just seem too busy to get up there (we've driven through Boulder on our way back from Estes, but haven't stopped at the U).

How long do they think you'll have to wait?

Re lasix - don't worry. I was in congestive heart failure when I was diagnosed in January - it's no fun sitting up all night because you can't breathe when lying down. And it wasn't gradual in my case; one night I was fine (I should say - I slept through the night and had no sob); the following night I was upright. I did wonder what the bubbling sound in my chest was. NO LOL

So be glad they put you on lasix; it's standard treatment. And they'll watch you closely for side-effects.

Be SURE you take your potassium or eat a banana per day. You don't even want to have the muscle cramps . . .

 

[MelissaM]

Thanks to everyone's support and input, I got my 'scrip filled. Although my trips to the girl's room haven't yet skyrocketed, I am already noticing improvement in my ability to breathe - yay!

Even made it to the grocery store today. . . sometimes the basic things in life become more challenging with valve problems, huh?

Georgia - the docs are trying to get me scheduled in the next two months. It was supposed to be w/in the next three months, but my cardiologist here dropped the ball and took a month to get my TEE resuls to the surgeons (Kaiser surgeon in Denver and Dr. Cosgrove in Cleveland) - ugh! Hopefully, things will progress nicely from here!

Thanks to sharing your experiences and input with me - y'all are great!

 

[Johnny Stephens]

I was discharged after surgery with a prescription for Lasix, but found that I had nearly zero response to it. I ballooned up like the Michelin man, and the surgeon decided to switch me to Demadex - felt better overnight, dropping several pounds of fluid after just one dose. I also have a "booster" diuretic (Zaroxolyn) that I take on occasion, that works with the Demadex. When I take that one, the plans for the evening are pretty much shot , but boy do I feel better.

My cardio now thinks that there was initially some interaction problem that was preventing the Lasix from working (I was taking 11 prescriptions for a month), and that the Demadex got all the credit. He thinks if I were to switch back to Lasix, it would work just fine. But, it ain't broke....

Short answer: The Lasix will make you feel better and decrease the load on your heart. (Good things)

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Melissa,

You didn't state how much Lasix you were prescribed.

I try to keep my dose low to minimize the loss of potassium but enough to control my fluid retention.

One simple test to monitor fluid retention is to press your shin bone down close to your ankle. If you see a depression that lasts for more than a few seconds, you are probably retaining excess fluid.

It is also a good idea to weigh yourself every day (preferably in the morning after going to the bathroom) wearing only light clothes such as underwear or sleepwear. As others have indicated, a 3 lb gain in one day indicates fluid retention.

One cardiologist suggested limiting my fluid intake to 48 ounces per day but he was not aware of my (sometimes high) physical activity level.

My Primary Care Physician recommended I chart my weight and adjust my dosage of Lasix as needed since I tend to loose a lot of fluid working in my yard and woods (I maintain a few acres by hand as part of my exercise program). Currently I take 20 mg of Lasix 3 to 5 days per week. I have found that taking a regular dose at least 3 days per week results in feeling MUCH better than waiting until I notice symptoms (SOB and/or lack of energy) before taking any Lasix.

Hope you are able to find a level that gives you the relief you desire.

'AL'