Weight gain despite fluid &salt restrictions

[Potuar]

Despite maintaining a strict fluid restriction regime and salt control my husband seems to put on weight overnight by 0.4 to 0.5. This is worrying as I don't want to revisit A&E, I have been on this journey twice and it has been an awful experience to see him gasping for breath! I contacted the HF nurse who mentioned that the weight gain is not alarming (yet). I continue to maintain his fluids at 1.25 although the permitted level is 1.5 ml. He is not symptomatic, I.e wheezing, short of breath, swollen ankles/abdomen. Any advise/ tips please. Thanks

[Ianc2]

Is it a constant weight gain (cumulative) or just overnight?

[Potuar in reply to Ianc2]

Ianc2 the weight gain is constant, each day but no symptoms.

[Vivi2711]

Respected Potuar,

Is he on diuretics? Is his urination had decreased? Is the weight is fluctuating one day gain & the other day loss? If the weight gain is steadily on the upper side day by day try to have the full prescribed quota of 1.5 l and watch the weight next day morning. At times acute shortage of fluids make the kidneys hold the fluids. How is serum creatinine levels? Is his potassium level within limits? If no symptoms let him sweat more through exercises as prescribed by your cardiologist & again I repeat exercise is the key.

[Potuar in reply to Vivi2711]

Thanks for your response VIvi2711 so kind of you. Yes he is on Beautimid diuretic 1 mg a day. His urination has not decreased. The weight dropped one day by 0.8 as we dropped the fluid intake from 1.5litre to 1.2 litres and maintained the fluid at around 1.3 litres. subsequently the weight started to increase by 0.1 to 0.2 each day. You are right, he does not consume his full 1.5 litres of water he stops at 1.2 litres as he is frightened to overload on fluid. Creatinine is high and he is currently under renal. Potassium is normal. Again you are so right he does not do much exercise. Cardio programme did not commence due to his eGFR being low so no physical exercise as such. He does go up and down the stairs and can perform chores such as clearing the table, laundry, showering etc, however at a slow pace. He walks around the house on a regular basis. Thanks again and further tips would be immensely helpful. Best wishes

[Vivi2711 in reply to Potuar]

Kindly try to cut little more salt. Stop protein intake such as meat, poultry, dairy products till creatinine comes down. Take parsley juice or raw parsley (cut &chew) daily. This is a safe diuertic and detoxifies our kidneys with no side effects. Avoid high potassium intake(ex. Bananas) Can also take two to three cloves of raw garlic which is also a diuertic. Avoid taking self medications as every drug has some impact on our kidneys.

He will definitely be OK very shortly. Please don't give up but wait. With today's improved medications and life style modifications it is for certain this condition will vanish shortly.

[Potuar in reply to Vivi2711]

Thanks for your response VIvi. By increasing fluid intake from 1200 to 1350 he lost 0.1 kg this morning. Pehaps he should consume his full 1.5 litre daily allowance. He needs to get over the fear of fluid overload. Have introduced parsley in the salad, thanks for the tip. You are an optimist. I pray they find an appropriate cure for HF. The kidneys have become an issue!

[Vivi2711 in reply to Potuar]

Respected Potuar,

Treating HF in these advanced days of medication is certainly possible. While over hydration should be prevented for HF, not being dehydrated is the key to lower creatinine level. We will have to balance between these two. Please continue with parsley and in daily diet try to add cauliflower & cabbage which are very kidney friendly while cabbage is also a diuertic.

I am certain he will be OK shortly & eagerly expecting that reply from you at the earliest