Diuretic Question: My hubby had a... - British Heart Fou...

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Diuretic Question

Jazz100 profile image
13 Replies

My hubby had a triple bypass almost two years ago now and is doing well. He is in the usual cocktail of pills including a water pill taken once a day.

Our daughter is getting married in a few weeks time in a castle…toilet facilities are available but we will be away from them for quite a while.

He wants to skip a dose or maybe two…I know if I ask my GP then they will probably say to keep taking them…but it’s one day.

So….can any give kind advice…does he stop taking the day before..or just on the day.

It’s an event that we didn’t actually know he would make it to, and I want to make it special and comfortable for him.

Please be kind and understanding. X

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Jazz100 profile image
Jazz100
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13 Replies

Im really sorry but I have to lead with this... it's against the rules of the forum to offer medical advice or advise on medication changes, especially if it's against the advice of a healthcare professional.

Perhaps speaking to your local pharmacist will help - they may be able to offer advice on "scheduling" the medication to minimise trips to the loo.

My grandmother was able to change the times of her medication to avoid getting up several times in the night... but it was the GP who advised her.

Jazz100 profile image
Jazz100 in reply to Captain_Birdseye

Thanks

ClairePap profile image
ClairePap

I am sorry but I do not know the answer- I agree with the comment ask your pharmacist or doctor.

I know my Dad used to change the time of his occasionally to be able to do things. I remember him taking some very early (during the nights) so they were out of his system and he could travel to see me before my heart tests.

Could you observe your husband- look when he takes them and when they are out of his system.

Enjoy the special day

Kristin1812 profile image
Kristin1812Heart Star

As the others advise, best to get a professional opinion. I’m sure they will try and help him. Its a v special day.

Dear Jazz100,

I hope that both you and your husband have a fantastic time at your beloved daughters up coming wedding.

Your husband is well into living with his heart problems and all I can tell you is that when travelling I miss my water tablets out { under the say so of my Dr } and then take them when I reach my destination .

That period could be 12hours if not 24, during that time I limit my fluid intake as well.

He may well find that his body will still act as if he was on water tablets and he will urinate normally but just less.

Water tablets tend to remove the stubborn retained fluid around the heart and legs not the normal pass through liquid.

After two years he maybe due a review on them, a quick call to his Dr should make sure that the day is perfect for him and you.

Please do not stop the medication without the say so of his Dr/Cardiologist.

Like me he will know if he is carrying extra fluid, we all do.

Take care

Cee-Cee1 profile image
Cee-Cee1

Hi Jazz - first of all, I hope you all enjoy such a very special day. I can't help with your query unfortunately but I do know that my 93-yr old next door neighbour usually takes her prescribed water pill first thing in the morning, except on Sunday morning. She's a regular churchgoer, and she takes it after church on Sunday morning. As the other posters have suggested it might be a good idea to ask your chemist or a quick call to the GP. I do hope you get sorted.

MountainGoat52 profile image
MountainGoat52

Life has to be lived. That's what my friend says and he's had his bladder removed after having cancer. Even though he has a bag, he stops his diuretic when travelling any distance. He did discuss this with his GP beforehand. .

Curryandchips profile image
Curryandchips

its always best to check with your own Cardiologist first however I frequently delay my diuretics to fit in with my social activities. There have even been days when I have forgot to take them altogether! This works for me but you may be different.

Handel profile image
Handel

Hi Jazz. Have a word with your GP first.

Our GP made a change in the time my hubby took his water tablet when we went to a wedding. This was about 10 weeks after his quad bypass. Mind you, he got taken off Furosemide after 4 months. I hope all goes well and the wedding is beautiful. Love and hugs. Jan xxxx

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

Could he change the time of day he takes it? I was told to take mine on a morning so I didn't keep waking for the loo during the night; he may be able to keep the day free but could have a broken night. Check with your GP.

Jazz100 profile image
Jazz100 in reply to Qualipop

Thanks everyone.

I’m going to follow the good advice and speak to our very helpful pharmacist. Maybe taking it at a different time will help. I just want him to enjoy the day as at times he won’t be anywhere near a toilet. But of course I don’t want to take any chances with his health.

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime

My mother used to skip them whenever we were going out for the day and she was fine. My sister in law does the same.

I would suggest maybe doing a dry run (pun intended!) before the event just to make sure it all works fine as you don't want to find out on the day that it didn't.

Smitty1956 profile image
Smitty1956

Hi, Jazz100,

A big congratulations on your daughter’s upcoming wedding! A castle sounds like a beautiful setting.

I also have to agree with others who have suggested talking with your husband’s doctor, or pharmacist, before changing or skipping medicines.

However, I would like to tactfully suggest a backup plan for the wedding day just in case. I’m pretty sure that we have all been caught out at one time or another, and taking diuretics can make that even more tricky. I think that sometimes the weather (cold temps) make my pills work more and sometimes I must be retaining more fluid than on other days. Anyway, I don’t have incontinence, but if I know that I will be unable to get to a bathroom easily, I will wear the pull on underwear for that day/event. I understand if this idea sounds silly, but I offered it only as a backup plan. It might provide some extra confidence for that day.

Taking diuretics can be tricky in general. Skipping them for a day can be somewhat painful if we retain fluid, but taking them for long periods of time can cause kidney issues. My doctor and I are currently trying to work out a process of taking enough diuretic to keep me from retaining fluid, but not taking so much that it causes kidney issues. I go back for a kidney functioning test in July.

I wish that you and your husband have a lovely day at your daughter’s wedding 💒 . Hopefully, you will figure out the best way to deal with the diuretic.

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