Water retention

Been taking furosemide for a number of months now and only really have a little water retention in my feet/ankles now. As I'm on my feet all day at work the water obviously gets pushed up my lower legs a little. I've started to feel that my knees can be just a little uncomfortable during the day(water doesn't go up as far as the knees) I don't see my consultant for a few weeks yet so just wondering if anyone has had any experience of this what's the best course of action for this, obviously resting is the top one. Thanks.

[overnighthearingloss]

Cutting out caffeinated drinks helps. Also eating plenty of directic type foods. That's a lot of salady type foods.

I find bread seems to cause water retention in my case. And as salt will do the same any processed foods need to be minimised as they will undoubtedly contain salt. That's generally anything ready made, in a packet, or frozen prepared foods.

[overnighthearingloss in reply to overnighthearingloss]

Oh and although it might seem counter intuitive, you need to drink plenty of water.

[Hidden in reply to overnighthearingloss]

Thanks

[PMRpro]

As I understand it, there may be a habituation effect with some diuretics - as time goes on the mechanism doesn't respond as well to the initial dose and it may have to be raised. In some cases diuretics with two drugs in them are used and that may reduce the risk. If you think the diuretic isn't working as well as it was it is a good idea to speak to your doctor - though sometimes you have to poke them a bit: it has taken 9 months and 3 admissions to get our local hospital to get them to get their brains in gear!! My husband wears both compression stockings and takes diuretics and we think we have finally got the technique of managing it right. If he gains weight suddenly (more than 2kg in a week) it is likely to be fluid and the diuretic is to be increased for a few days until it goes back down and is stable.

It really is something to discuss with your doctors - and make sure they are listening!

[1sam]

Rest and relax eat foods low in salt, check yourself how your body reacts to eating red meat, pork, soy and other beans. My nephrologist advised me against having soy milk and my urine analysis are better now.

When my ankles feel bloated I put them really high and my back flat on the bed. Just placing them on a pillow is not enougj for me, I know every one is different but see for yourself what works for you.

Good luck.

[ButterflyEffect96]

Really try to have zero salt but if you do, get yourself some pink rock salt and use minimal amounts. Have fruits which are good for your kidneys such as cranberries, blueberries, grapes etc. Try to avoid sugar also, substitute with honey or Demerara. Compression stockings are also a good idea. Try and speak to your manager or supervisor if you could have more breaks just to elevate your feet and give your knees a rest.

Next time you visit your consultant, ask about your albumin levels. I was given quite high doses of furosemide without any effect as I had extremely low levels of albumin and 24kg of water weight (Edema) on me. Once I was given an infusion with both furosemide and albumin at the same time, that kickstarted my kidneys to function and I was able to shift the water retention quite quickly.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to ButterflyEffect96]

That's what I had the 1st time and it worked wonders, just thinking that a mixture of recent Rituximab and the immune system bring suppressed the now to allow the Rituximab to work may be contributing to the edema too. I've increased the furosemide myself to hopefully help it.