My husband has been prescribed Furosemide diuretic for fluid build up due to heart irregularities . He already has a low weight . This was discussed with the GP who said he was not over concerned about the weight , and any loss with the tablets . Blood pressure has dropped to 98/44 since the tablets . The NHS page says 90/60 is the lower limit . His weight has dropped , he is already under the dietician for disease malnourishment .
Not sure now how to tackle this . He needs the diuretics for fluid reduction and his heart , but the weight loss and blood pressures drop are to me an issue .
Talk about swings and roundabouts !
Written by
Daisy55
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Hi Daisy. I wonder if he needs to be referred to a cardiologist so that he can have further tests and an assessment of his different needs. I think it’s important to go back and discuss again with Doctor. As you say swings and roundabouts but sometimes it takes a length of time to get a balance between all of the medication. In the meantime take care of you as well. Best wishes. Zena
Thank you Zena , that is good advice , will start back with the Gp , he has Aspergillosis and Emphysema too , so it’s a bit of a nightmare with the heart now too . Thank you that has really helped me see a bit clearer . When you are the only carer it’s difficult sometimes
Some weight loss is to be expected with furosemide - it’s purpose is to remove the excess fluid build-up. You don’t say what his heart irregularities are. Has he been seen by a cardiologist? Is he on other heart medications? If so, is he on a medication to lower his blood pressure? This may be all part of his treatment plan but best see the GP again if only for your peace of mind.
Excess fluid is not weight it is just what it says and not healthy. I gained a huge amount (9kg) immediately post-op due to a severe electrolyte imbalance. Really glad it had all but gone.
Have supplements like Enliven and Ensure been tried as regards the weight. They worked for a friend's elderly mother in what sounds like a similar situation. Smaller but very tasty meals were also beneficial.
I take those, i have naturally low blood pressure, i don't know if the pills have any effect. I am on the cusp of underweight, i think due to muscle wastage. I saw an nhs dietician, her diet sheet was like Weight Watchers nightmare. My gp said Bit controvedsial, you aren't eating too healthily are you? I assured her i was closely following the guidelines, she looked pleased
We have questioned a referral to Cardiology already , but his chest consultant and Gp said no . His chest consultant does cover cardiology too apparently. In answer to the heart problems , they are leaky tricuspid valve , right sided pressure , left side weakness caused by the Aspergillosis and Emphysema putting a strain on the heart. He has anti fungal medication . Theory is I think is if they
control the lungs , which are in a bad way , it will keep the heart from further problems .
In answer to diet , yes he has been on prescription foods for 8 months , since a serious bout of pneumonia last year. He sees a dietician regularly , and can only tolerate small meals, due to getting full quickly . He has had digestive investigations too
Furosemide is usually prescribed as it is on the cheaper end of the spectrum but there are other water pills available. I take 240mg per day to remove excess fluid and am fine as long as I don't plan to go anywhere in the afternoon. I do go for regular kidney function tests to make sure everything is OK - but we all built differently.
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