Dependent Oedema

[Smileyian]

Went to routine cardiologist appointment today and discovered why my ankles were often swollen. Although there are serious ailments that could cause lower leg and foot swellings, I learned that mine was "dependent or gravitational Oedema" which I had never heard of. Given exercise advice and Furosemide 40mg. Has anyone heard of this or has a similar problem. Thank you.

[Sunnie2day]

I can no longer fly long-haul owing to it. I also can't sit with my feet on the floor for more than an hour - I have to use a timer set for 45 minutes to remind me to get up and move around for ten or fifteen minutes. Inconvenient when I'm trying to do some paperwork (yes I'm retired, somehow it feels I do nearly as much paperwork now as I did while still in work) or sew or crochet or...I tend to get stuck in and look up in annoyance when the timer goes off as it throws my concentration.

About the Furosemide - erm, don't plan any outings unless you are certain there will be handy conveniences, especially the first 36-72 hours you're taking it. You'll also find yourself waking in the night more often than you do now. It's a wonder drug if you ask me but I try to keep from needing it owing to the need to not go too far from the convenience!

Once the oedema is under control, talk to your medic about using a timer set for 45 minutes, and getting up to walk around the house for several minutes (gets the circulation moving again in such a way as to pump the lymphatic fluids out of your ankles and feet). Furosemide really is a wonder drug but if you can manage the oedema without it, all the better.

Isn't being a Heartie 'fun'? Love the 'water pills' for what they do so well, hate being tied to the house when I have to take them!

ETA - one of the ways I manage mine is to usually sit with my legs level with my hips, that keeps the fluid accumulation from happening.

[Smileyian in reply to Sunnie2day]

Great comprehensive reply Sunnie2day full of great advice and of course your jokes. I will note with great concern the increased need for the loo. First day on the so called water tablets today but I am sure you all will not be particularly interested in my increased toilet habits. Thanks again Sunny.

[Tubbylardo]

Furosemide - I was on it whilst in hospital, post-op. Walking to go a wee 15 times in the morning of the fourth day, after the catheter was removed, was a real pain ..... but you do lose weight.

[Smileyian in reply to Tubbylardo]

Tks so much for replying. Gosh 14 times would have been so frustrating.

[080311]

Have been on Furosemide since my surgery 4 years ago was on 80 mg for a couple of weeks and now 40 mg. the first hour after taking it I can go 4/5 times and I will toddle of to the loo a couple of times in the night. Before my surgery my heart wasn’t pumping hard enough to get rid of the fluid so was drowning in my own fluid! Was on a drip twice a day for 7 weeks and lost 68 lbs in weight 😊. Now heart mended and it just needs a little help😉

As Sunnie says you learn where all the nice loos are when you are out and about.

Best wishes Pauline

[Smileyian in reply to 080311]

Hi Pauline.....yes Sunny and others seem to have said it all. I now note that inadequate heart pumping can cause the oedema but the Cardiac consultant seems to assure me this is not my case and is Dependent Oedema which can be managed as you all have indicated. I will take my water tablets "as and when required" Hopefully my ankles will stay in sight. 😁

[Qualipop]

I've been on furosemide every morning for over 18 years for swollen ankles. I find the loo effect wears off by lunch time. My GP suggested taking it mornings so I'm not up half the night

[Smileyian in reply to Qualipop]

Many thanks. Wow I see many folk have this ankle swelling problem.

[Alison_L]

I have Furosemide 40mg to take "when required". Although it says take it in the morning, I normally take mine early evening, when I know I'm going to be at home, and therefore near a loo, for the next 5 hours!

I know it affects people differently, and you will need to find out for yourself how long the effects last, but mine normally doesn't last longer than 3 or 4 hours on the first day, and doesn't work at all by day 4, even if the oedema is still there. I tried it for a week in September: days 1-3, lost 5lbs, days 4-6, put 5lbs back on, day 7, no change!

[Smileyian in reply to Alison_L]

Thanks Alison-L appreciate that info.