Thank you to everyone who responded to my previous post, I had a telephone appointment with GP this morning, wasn’t our usual doctor. I explained mums symptoms- the breathlessness and swollen thighs. He advised to increase the furosemide to 80mg for now , and that he’s putting the symptoms down to the excess fluid. I mentioned about maybe changing the beta blocker- bisoprolol but he said to continue with that to control the heart rate. He said get mum to sit with feet elevated and sleep with plenty of pillows so more upright. He also said to keep an eye on BP and use oximeter to check oxygen levels. Every time I’ve mentioned about changing the bisoprolol, they seem reluctant. I don’t know when we will be seen by cardiologist- probably summer next year based on the current waiting lists! I mentioned about the ventolin inhaler, the fact that it counteracts the bisoprolol, he said the ventolin only causes heart rate to increase for a very short time and that if it’s helping mum to feel less breathless while she has this breathlessness, then she can use it but was reluctant to prescribe a preventer or different inhaler.
I don’t know what else to do.
Sorry for another long post, I just hope this excess fluid goes away quickly so that mum feels better.
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Nickybhf
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Sounds like you're trying every which way to get the best treatment for your Mum, and yes it can feel like wading through treacle.I see someone touched on basic stuff to help with fluid retention. I don't add salt at all when cooking but do let myself have a sprinkle on the last mouthful or two of my meal.
Another vote for avoiding processed food which can contain a lot of salt. I can put on a couple of pounds after a restaurant meal.
Ready meals are another culprit sadly, as many older folk rely on them.
Bananas are a good source of potassium as furosemide is not a potassium sparing diuretic.
Thank you. I’m trying so hard, just hope mum gets some relief from this horrid breathlessness.
I have bought the lo-salt to try. Maybe that’s an option to consider. Mum hardly eats anything as she says she fills full all the time, I guess that’s due to all the excess fluid.
Just check if the lo salt has a warnings on it, some are contra indicated for heart patients because of the ingredients. . I was prescribed a diuretic from all three classes of diuretic, none had the desired effect, Spiractin, the potassium sparing one, made me think my kidneys had stopped functioning ,furosemide made my heart rate accelerate. and the other one did nothing! The consensus between my GP and Cardiologists now , is that my foot and ankle swelling (mostly the right leg) is a vascular problem, due to damaged veins! so we'll see. My Cardiologist was adamant about not using anything other than the Symbicord for my Asthma though !
The Cardiologist (I don't think he's keen on feet) said there's not much can be done except compression socks and I'll never get those on, my late husband had a DVT and getting the stocking on was a nightmare. The trouble with the Cardio is he doesn't have a cupboard full of shoes he can't wear. The left foot is improving - maybe I can wear a decent shoe on that foot and a moon boot on the right!!!!!! Anyhow, I'll be seeing my GP after Christmas , she's much more sympathetic regarding appearance (she has a diploma in cosmetology as well as her medical degree) and she might think it's worth consulting a vascular surgeon. Varicose veins are much simpler, but I don't have those !!!!
Did you know that’s there’s a device to actually help put on compression socks? I don’t know if this could possibly help. I can try and find the link if you want.
Talk about banging your head against a brick wall. Let's hope the extra Furosemide helps at least.As Pusilianimous advises, be wary of low sodium stuff as I know it's contraindicated with at least one of my meds.
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