heart failure anxieties

[Qwerty12345]

hi. Posted about 6 weeks ago about mums increased leg swelling. Unfortunately it’s no better after trying a week of an extra Frusemide. Really worried this means the swollen legs are here to stay. I’ve looked back at my replies to previous posts which were really helpful and I’m waiting for the gp to call back to discuss a different diuretic that were suggested by helpful people here. I think I’m just needing a bit of hope from others again that have maybe been in the same boat that things can improve. I am a panicker!

[Yumz199725]

Sorry to hear your mums leg swelling hasn't gone away. Hope your mums GP can prescribe a stronger diuretic. I was on a few before mine went down eventually I was put on spirolactone 25mg and that did the trick 6 months later. X

[Qwerty12345 in reply to Yumz199725]

thanks for response. I’m glad you found success - did it take 6 months of the spirolactone before the swelling reduced or did it start to work straight away?

[Yumz199725 in reply to Qwerty12345]

I'm not sure but after 6 months I no longer needed to be on diuretics x I hope they can suggest something similar to help your mum x

[10gingercats]

I took Furosimide with Amlopidene for swollen legs and I also had some water in my lungs and around my heart.The Amlop. dose was small but tog. with Furosimide it seemed to do the trick.

[Larneybuds]

Good morning....sorry to hear your mum is still having problems. Is she being careful about her fluid intake or had any advice on how much she should be drinking during a day compared to how much urine she is passing? ...I believe its important if there is a fluid build up and fluid retention medication is being taken...worth checking along with sodium levels....my levels were really low when I was in hospital which really affected fluid retention. Also, has she had a review of any other heart medication by her consultant or gp? Sometimes it needs tweaking to get a better balance. All things worth mentioning even if they are ruled out. I hope she gets sorted and she is more comfortable and you are less worried. X

[Qwerty12345 in reply to Larneybuds]

Thank you. Mum had good care from the heart failure team but was discharged when stable. I want to get her back to them as she never gets to see a gp. Hopefully this happens soon and the nurses were very good checking bloods etc. I’ll make sure sodium is checked.

[Larneybuds in reply to Qwerty12345]

Well she definitely needs to see somebody doesn't she and you need to know things are ok so that you don't worry so much. Even though she's been discharged doesn't she have a cardiac nurse she can contact with any concerns? Fingers crossed you will get some answers soon. Take care x

[Davey77]

My kidneys won't stand further diuretics. I was using one of the Revative EMS machines to control the swelling I got in hot weather even before my heart problems, but recently got concerned about its effect on a bruise that won't clear. HFC suggested I should keep my legs up or moving when at my desk, so I'm trying the Orbitrex machine. Has some effect but nothing seems to clear it completely. I try to keep my legs raised at night with a large bolster, but that can strain the hips.

[rubina786]

Was in hospital for 7 days went in for breathing problems. At the time I had ankle and foot swelling. Not too bad but within 7 days with high dose of furosemide and lots of drugs I did not need, it would not go down.At home I would wear compression socks, drink ginger and green tea, put feet above heart, 10 to 15 grounding and they were in control.

After the hospital visit, something changed. The swelling increased to calfs and back of thigh like thick jelly lumps. They are almost up to my butt.

Massage, infrared, hot water bottles, lymph massage, nothing works now.

3 days ago a friend who had a similar lump near his heart told me to have a tablespoon og ACV (with mother) in warm water twice a day

I put Manuka > 500 MGO in it and it seems to be much softer and leg is less tight. I try grounding (walking barefoot on grass for few mins too).

I don't know the reason for the fluid but it seems like some vaccular issue, vein valves, may Turner syndrome? God Knows. Doc only prescribed diuretics and blood thinners, anti coagulation drugs which make my heart feel heavy, hurt and fatigue fog etc worse.

(was diagnosed with HF).

So stopped the drugs (NOT advocating, but I know what suits me and what makes me more sick and so I take the risk) and am continuing tha ACV.

He said it would take 3 months and takes it without honey. I never have sugar. Hope it helps, seems so simple but often the natural things done regularly do work.

Will update with my findings results. There is no pain just fat tight skinned legs!

Wishing you good health!

Rubina

[Deejay62]

Hi sorry to hear your mum is still struggling with fluid retention. I have mentioned before that Furosemide stopped working for me also so I was changed to Bumetanide, but I know there’s a problem with the pharmacies getting Bumetanide, they reckon until January. How they can give a precise month I don’t know. So maybe they might not be able to change to that. I believe it is a lot more stronger than furosemide. There are others which are stronger I would think so hopefully her cardiologist can recommend something to your doctor.

[Qwerty12345]

it’s reassuring to me that other drugs work if Frusemide doesn’t. Hope stock issues improve soon!

[Exie8]

Although your mum has been discharged, you should still be able to contact the cardiac nurses for advice but you should also speak to your mum's GP and ask them to review her medication. I hope you get this sorted out.