Can your experiences help me?

[Violymay]

I have got swollen feet and ankles and have gained 2 stone since the first lock-down. A reply to a previous post suggested my medications may be the cause so I changed the Tildium for Asoprolol, in addition to the ones I was already on i.e Moxonodine, Ramipril, Bendroflumethiazide and Atorvastatin. Recent blood tests showed that my thyroid and liver functions were OK but my blood pressure fluctuates between 186/83 and 145/86.

I am hoping that a forum member will be able to say ‘That was my problem until I tried .............’. Any help would be so appreciated!

[peachy10]

If you are on diuretics they may need changing. I have spironolactone and furosemide but since February have been increasing in weight and feeling more and more breathless despite upping my furo. I finally went to the doc who couldn't find any evidence of fluid on my lungs or in my abdomen (where I have most swelling) and a recent x ray was clear. She called a cardiologist at the hospital for advice and they suggested changing me to Bumetanide. That worked and I lost 7lb of fluid in 4 days and am still losing. I was lucky as my pacemaker has a 'Optivol' setting which picks up if the fluid increases in my body. Unfortunately the fluid increase was caused because my heart is failing quicker than they hoped and my pm isn't working as it should.

[Violymay in reply to peachy10]

Hi Peachy! Thank you for replying to my post. I will call my GP tomorrow to see if Bumetanide will help my problem. The only water tablet I take is the Bendroflumethiazide which was prescribed at the same time as the Ramipril. I was sorry to read of your heart failure and hope the problem with your pacemaker is resolved soon. I have been waiting to see a cardiologist since July!

[Violymay in reply to peachy10]

Hi again Peachy!Saw a GP today and she has changed the Bendroflumethiazide for Furosemide, starting tomorrow, with a blood test in 2 weeks. She warned me I would have to do one more wee every day! We shall see!

[peachy10 in reply to Violymay]

Good luck...bet it is just more than one more wee though! 😉

[Violymay in reply to peachy10]

Hi Peachy! You win your bet, I am spending quite a few more pennies than just one extra lately! Also the Furosemide kicks in sooner than my previous water pill. But I weigh 4lbs less after a week which could be just a fluke. I also have received an appointment for a telephone call from some faceless cardiology dept at the end of May. I hope your problematical PM has been sorted and is more efficient now.

[peachy10 in reply to Violymay]

Hi Violymay, my family are banned from using the nearest loo until my water pills wear off, haven't got time for them to dawdle in there! 😀 The 4lbs loss is likely to be down to the fluid loss, hopefully the swelling will go down too now. Good luck with your appointment, tell them all your concerns including your blood pressure results and hopefully they will sort you out and make you feel better. I sure they will call you in if they consider it needed. My pm remains a problem and is now turned right down whilst they consider other (?) options.