Restricted liquids

[Lunadog21]

Hi All, hope all is well. I am still coming to terms with having severe heart failure. 61 years old, fit, non smoker and healthy eater. I have hereditary high blood pressure ( both parents in their 90's and fit as fiddles) I had a bad viral infection in October and that is when the breathlessness, dizziness and fatigue began. I have been on Entresto, Bisoprolol and Fursomide for 3 weeks. I have to say I feel a lot better. I can walk now without feeling breathless. No more palpitations or dizziness. I will have regular visits to see the nurse to monitor my meds, and a CT scan in a couple of months to see if my heart has recovered. I have stopped drinking any alcohol and only decaff coffee. I have found this very easy ( mainly because I am terrified) The hardest thing for me has been restricted liquid intake. I feel thirsty all the time( probably psychology) How do people monitor this? The Entresto has to be taken with a full glass of water twice a day! I take advantage of juicy fruit - I believe this is an acceptable cheat! Any advice is much appreciated! Take care

[Hidden]

Dear Lunadog21

So sorry that you still are finding it hard to come to terms with your diagnosis, it’s a time thing and as it passes it will all settle down , I promise you.

But in the mean time I think that you are using the forum on this site well and are asking the questions that need answering.

There’s a bit that seem missing from your post, that is are you suffering from water retention? [Oedema ] as you have been put on furosemide which is normally for this.

This maybe why you are on fluid limitation , which is the norm until a balance is reached.

Please remember that I am not medically trained but I do also suffer with fluids around my heart that, like you is managed with water tablets.

It’s something that they will monitor for you, maybe even to in and out measuring.

Keep to your fluid level given to you, including hidden fluids in tinned stuff, frozen stuff etc.

I was monitored for 5 months and they stopped the maximum liquid intake that I could have { but still continued with the meds }

I can now feel when my body has had to much fluid and cut out some myself.

Take care you are in my thoughts

[Lunadog21 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply! So kind of you to take the time. I am really not sure why I have to take the water tablets? I have not had any swelling in my ankles or stomach. Your reply implied this may not be forever?? I hope so. I am going to be a good girl and do everything I am told to! My consultant said a heart can recover, depending on the cause of the heart failure. I hope so 🙏 I just want to get back to some kind of normal. Not having to worry about becoming ill - having the odd glass of wine. My situation is made worse as I am a full time carer for my husband who has Huntingtons disease. Thanks again x

[CDPO16]

Hi, heart failure can cause lung congestion resulting in breathlessness which may be why you were prescribed water tablets. You say that the breathlessness has eased which suggests that the pills are doing their job.

[Lunadog21 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you for this 😊

[rizal]

Last July. I had my heart failure diagnosis having been blue lighted into hospital really struggling to breathe. To be honest I was convinced that I would not survive to see the ambulance arrive! That scary experience ensures that I stick to the rules. I am also taking furosemide. I was given a maximum fluid allowance which translated to 1 litre of water and 2 cups of tea a day. Like you I "cheat" having an orange every afternoon. The way I keep a check on fluid is to have a jug of water containing 1 litre on my desk here.

Some days it is very hard, my mouth dries out and I feel very thirsty. I tend then to just take a small sip of water and swill it round my mouth before swallowing. (Maximise wetting and minimise intake). It can be a bit difficult some days but the memory of that fear keeps me on track. I am exercising 5 days a week, which does help, surprisingly

[Lunadog21 in reply to rizal]

Thanks for this Rizal. Gosh, that must have been terrifying for you. I can't imagine. Yes, I have thought about having a jug containing my allocated amount. I have been having a cup of tea and decaff coffee in the morning. A small tumbler of rose lemonade with raspberries in the evening, and then sips of water in between. Yes, the swishing before swallowing is a great idea! I am hoping this may not be forever 🙏 thanks again

[rizal]

Fear is a great motivator! Sometimes I just need a cuppa during the day and have already had my allowance of 2 cups. So I pour a cup of water out from my jug and throw away before brewing up with fresh water in the kettle