Question about diuretics and fluid retention

[Mary]

Betty,
The only medication I'm taking that might cause fluid retention is Tramadol and I don't see that as one of its side effects. It was a good thought, though! I believe that I do retain more fluid when I'm exercising, and I've just started really heavy duty swimming again. Perhaps I'm having muscle swelling that's causing the weight gain.

Marguerite,
Undoubtedly the car ride hurt in the first place, but my feeling faint episodes are occuring while I'm walking around. There's no dizziness to them; just plain old no strength in my legs. I believe it is caused by the heart not emptying completely due to the pericardial constriction. There aren't many on the site with this condition so it's hard to compare experiences. It makes it doubly difficult to wrap my mind around, and I realize I am trying to discount it. I am indulging in mind over matter (if I don't mind it, it won't matter!)

Angela,
I am taking a potassium supplement so that base is covered. The cardiologist warned me this could happen; I just don't like it especially when I seem to have no control over it.

 

[Phyllis]

Oh Mary, this must have all started happening while I was away and I never saw your original post. I'm afraid I have no experience or advice, but I do want to extend my best wishes and support. November 8th is too long to wait to see the doctor. How about pressing for an appointment sooner- you know that is what you would advise someone else to do!

 

[Nancy]

Mary, please start a diary of what is happening, what you were doing and eating and any med changes. Put down your daily weights too.

Keep it brief, but date each thing and give the time of day too. Take this with you to your appt.

It sounds like this is all new, or newly worsening. It is significant, maybe not serious, but it is significant. It could mean a lot of things and needs to be investigated thoroughly.

Do not let the card slough you off with silly excuses, "you're out of shape, it's all in your head, etc."

And if your SOB doesn't improve, you really need to call and get in earlier.

 

[Mary]

Mary, please start a diary of what is happening, what you were doing and eating and any med changes. Put down your daily weights too.

Keep it brief, but date each thing and give the time of day too. Take this with you to your appt.

It sounds like this is all new, or newly worsening. It is significant, maybe not serious, but it is significant. It could mean a lot of things and needs to be investigated thoroughly.

Do not let the card slough you off with silly excuses, "you're out of shape, it's all in your head, etc."

And if your SOB doesn't improve, you really need to call and get in earlier.

Recording everything is an excellent idea Nancy. It is hard to get a handle on what is happening since it doesn't seem to follow a pattern.
I don't think the cardiologist will put me off. He was the one who originally told me not to attribute sudden weight gain to eating too much, and warned me to call if I had a significant gain. As you know, this constriction business is hard to fight and seems to be best dealt with by managing the symptoms. I'm not doing a very good job of managing right now, but I think I can get a handle on it. Writing everything down is a very good place to start. Thank you for the suggestion.

 

[McCln]

I have a question for you, are you taking the lassix daily or just whenever? I on it daily. One pill a day with water. Just wondering how you are being dosed.

 

[Mary]

I have a question for you, are you taking the lassix daily or just whenever? I on it daily. One pill a day with water. Just wondering how you are being dosed.

Caroline,
I taking 20 mg daily along with a potassium supplement. That's the extent of my medications with the exception of a 324 mg Enteric coated aspirin. Initially (late July) it worked really well and I dropped 7 pounds over the course of two days. I didn't think I was retaining fluid, but I did have the dry hacking cough I associate with CHF. The cough went away with the fluid build up, and I have done well until this latest episode. I know I'm on a small dose, but I really hoped that I would not need an increase this soon. I don't take it the same time every day, do you? Maybe I need to be more consistent with the time.
Mary

 

[Mary]

Here's a question that I hope someone can answer.

If I'm exercising much more than I had been, can the increased exertion cause the fluid retention due to the heart not pumping efficiently?

I know my constriction prevents the heart from fully emptying on each beat. I have been ignoring that aspect and swimming and walking hard each day.
Maybe I'm overdoing it?

I started my "little cough" again and the fluid situation remains the same.

 

[Ross]

It makes perfect sense! Try cutting back some and see.

 

[Nancy]

I don't know about cutting back on the exercise. Joe has been off his exercise regimen since he was hospitalized in Sept. He has just been too weak and had shortness of breath along with it.

Two of his doctors (card and Internist) have told him that lack of exercise would make the SOB much worse.

He has finally felt strong enough to start up again. He does feel much beter when exercising. He has restrictive/constrictive heart disease also.

 

[Sherry]

Mary, I don't have much to add here, but I just wanted to chime in with some support. I knew you had dealt with this quite a bit post-surgery, but I missed that you were still dealing with it. I really hope you can get the sob and swelling business under control soon. I know this has got to be weighing heavily on you in your day to day stresses as a teacher. Much support and good thoughts coming your way, friend.

 

[bvdr]

Here's a question that I hope someone can answer.

If I'm exercising much more than I had been, can the increased exertion cause the fluid retention due to the heart not pumping efficiently?

I know my constriction prevents the heart from fully emptying on each beat. I have been ignoring that aspect and swimming and walking hard each day.
Maybe I'm overdoing it?

I started my "little cough" again and the fluid situation remains the same.

Mary, I just know I need periods of rest with my legs elevated to help prevent a fluid build-up. Even with periods of rest I still get up several times during the night and start off with three pillows and by morning I can sleep with just one. When I'm on my feet too long or am too busy my heart just can't keep up.

You might be overdoing it. You might cut back and slowly work yourself back to your current level and see what happens.

I hope you start feeling better again.

 

[tobagotwo]

I can't help much with this, but I've been following it, and my thoughts are with you.

Hope you're taking magnesium, too, but not at the same time as the potassium.

Very best wishes,

 

[Mary]

I can't help much with this, but I've been following it, and my thoughts are with you.

Hope you're taking magnesium, too, but not at the same time as the potassium.

Very best wishes,

No, I'm not taking magnesium. Please elaborate on how much and when I should be taking it.