I was prescribed spironolactone a potassium sparing diuretic by the Cardiologist because I was concerned about my swollen feet - I do not have cardiac failure, in fact the final paragraph of the Cardiologist's report to my GP after a full examination including echo, a few months ago, says that' from a Cardiac point of view she seems fine'. Instead of increasing creasing my urine output, it reduced it so I stopped it (he knows)! My GP has now prescribed a Loop diuretic furosemide (40mg tablet) plus a potassium supplement - I have not started it yet, as I'm recovering from a tummy bug, and the last thing I needed was a diuretic.!! I'm concerned about overdosing with potassium, as I eat one or two bananas a day (I live in the banana province of South Africa!) and my GP did not ask me about my diet (my electrolytes when checked last month before starting the new regimen, were fine - I was not taking any diuretic at then). I wondered if anyone else takes, I think the popular brand in the UK may be Lasix, with a potassium supplement.? I think my swollen feet need more investigation - they are fine when I get up and gravity soon makes them swell, so I'm keen to take the new diuretic, consequently,I would appreciate other people's experience of a loop diuretic and potassium supplement (I am nearly 81, not overweight or diabetic,) my feeling is it could be a circulation problem, as I have mild asthma and COPD. I have not smoked for nearly 20 years. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Diuretics: I was prescribed... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Diuretics
I've been taking Furosemide for a number of years. It can make you run low on potassium....probably why you were prescribed potassium supplement. I was told to ensure I had daily banana . I understand your worry about overdosing on potassium. I would check back with your GP .
Thank you, I will.
Are you taking Diltiazem for afib ? If so, "may" cause water retention. Best to discuss all with your doctor and take regular blood tests.
And check your other medications for list of possible side effects.
Hi
I get swollen ankles when sitting and driving when it is so hot.
At night put them up on a solid pillow but with an increasing raise otherwise the left knee (which had a terrible tear so surgeon cut it out) goes stiff.
I also take a CCB Diltiazem low dose.
cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)
I think I sit too much - I spend too much time on the computer - I live alone , and in South Africa there is so much unemployment it is easy to get domestic and garden workers, so one doesn't have to do much of that ! - it seems that gravity affects my swelling, fine when I get up from lying in bed, but increasing the more I move around. I take 2.5mg Biso for rate control. 10mg Lisinopril for BP, and between 1 and 2mg for anxiety and Symbicord for mild Asthma.
I am on 40mg of furosemide and eat a banana a day - not prescribed potassium supplement but have blood tests regularly Last checked about a month ago and fine. You need to discuss this with your GP. or prescribing practitioner.
A friend has COPD and swollen ankles, with SOB on walking far. His diuretic is helping, he tells me. He was also told that he had some degree of heart failure, though.
Did the specialist check your kidney function, too and is your blood pressure okay?
Steve
Hi Steve, my kidney function is acceptable for my age according to full blood count last month and my BP is controlled - I'm just a bit concerned about potassium overdose, as I eat bananas, avocados tomatoes and things rich in potassium and wonder if a supplement is too much - it's called K Plenish in this country
I wonder what causes those ankles to swell? It must be worrying and annoying.
I always have some fear of diuretics as, years ago, my late grandmother had hers switched and became very poorly and confused till they realised what was happening with her electrolytes.
Steve
I'm beginning to think it's a circulation problem, as I have according to Dr Google, I have other symptoms, tingling and flaking skin - I fear my GP has got a vascular surgeon up her sleeve - just to make sure I spend what money the taxman does not take on the medical profession !!!!!!
You sound like you've weighed things up well. The "tingling" might be peripheral neuropathy, which I have and which gets more common as we get older; and dry skin on the lower legs seems very common.
I sometimes, in my more anxious moments, make a mental list from my toes to my scalp of what is wearing out or not doing its job as well as I would like. It's a long list! And yet, people who look at me (my doctor included, as lovely as he is) always think I look "really well"!
Steve
We really should not indulge in this self-analysis - I blame the Internet fairly and squarely and my own weak character! I've had the symptoms of just about every disease imaginable. including some that only affect inhabitants of remote South Pacific islands ! That's why I refuse to buy some very tempting gadgetry.! I've already got a large first aid drawer full of bandages of every shape and size, foil blankets, splints, special Island dressings and ointments ! ha, ha, ha
We sound similar. I hold social media responsible for many of society's ills and Dr Google responsible for many of mine!
Steve
👍
I take bumetanide except when pulmonary oedema gets the better of me and then I have intravenous furosimide. Since my last hospital stay I have been prescribed spiralactone and the district nurse will come monthly to take blood tests. I also have heart failure but quite severe.
Gosh, you are a brave lady !
I too have swollen ankles and take three Bumetanide a day. Two in the morning and one at lunchtime plus one Spiranalactone in the morning.
Have a pacemaker but am told no heart failure. 80 years old.
Thanks Hylda, Cardio put me on Spironolactone but had the opposite effect on me - restricted urine and frightened me !
Bumetanide good xx
Might want to check legs vessels by ultrasound. PAD is not uncommon, and many have benefited from closing large veins to improve circulation. Many Drs here in U.S. offer those screenings treatments.
Thank you, I suspect I will have to be referred to a vascular man/woman - but I'll see what my GP says.
I am taking bumetanide a loop diuretic. I can only take 1 tablet as more results in too low a level of potassium, despite eating plenty of potassium rich foods. I have now been prescribed spironolactone , which as you know is a potassium sparing diuretic . I am taking both diuretics together. I have lost weight since taking spironolactone so it must be doing something. I was only given a supplement once in hospital and for a week after returning home . Too much potassium is as bad as too little. The trouble is we don't know how much potassium is in our bodies without a blood test. I used to have regular blood tests but since covid l only get 1 once a year. Sorry l can't be more help.
Thank you, this is most interesting.
Sorry to be a nuisance, but what dosage of each pill are to on ? I have read that you must not exceed 10mg of bumetanide per day as it is very strong.
I am taking 1 mg of bumetanide which is l believe is equivalent to 20mg of furosemide. As l said l can't take any more because l lose too much potassium. I have just started with the spironolactone, so l am taking 10mg. I might be prescribed a higher dose when l go back to the clinic.
Your experiences with swollen ankles/fluid retention, please
Did anyone else listen to the talk about Electrolytes by Surrey ASG?
ECG help
Afib help if persistent 
