new meds

[aaron]

Well, I had a visit to my cardiologist today because of some recent symptoms I have been having. He said that there seems to be a buildup of fluid around my heart and prescribed a diuretic called Furosemide (he also called it Lasix). Does anyone here know anything about this drug or diuretics in general? I've never been on one before, but apparently I'm going to have to pee a lot. :rolleyes: I also have to cut back on my sodium intake completely. Any info would be good.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Pam Alexson]

Aaron, here is a link to some information

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/furos_ids.htm#D

[aaron]

So I started this med (Furosemide) today and it's definitely working. I've kinda got a dry, pasty feeling in my mouth, even though I've been drinking a lot. Also, I've had to go to the bathroom several times already. I'm not feeling light-headed or dizzy or anything, so that's good. I am kinda feeling lethargic and lazy. It's weird, but my hands are feeling really dry all morning too.

Is anyone else on a diuretic?

My doctor told me to "cut back" my sodium intake. Does anyone know what this means? I could completely eliminate sodium from my diet, but doesn't the body need that to function properly? Maybe someone else who has been on this stuff could give me their perspective.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Reenie]

We have several here who are on diuretics. Some find there is a fine line when using them so you don't get dehydrated so make sure you drink enough too. I guess you should ask the doctor to spell out for you what he mean by "cutting back" on sodium. It might mean you need to put the salt shaker down or it might mean not to cook with salt at all. Hopefully someone else with personal experience will answer you soon.

Reenie

[shirleymahoney]

Ok I'm told no salt shaker at the table and to not cook with salt, you are going to get salt anyway in foods especially prepared foods and boxed foods, I'm on very high diuretics so i have to watch my salt and fluid intake I try not to drink more then 2 liters per day but we have to have fluids too, so it is a very fine balancing act we play, hope that helps

Shirley

[Laoshur]

Aaron,

I did not reply, even though I am on Lasix, because I am very thankful to also be on spironolactone, another diuretic, as well. These two drugs cancel at least some of the effects of the other with respect to sodium and potassium, so I come out OK and do not have to watch my salt intake so much. I still avoid adding salt at the table, but am not like people who are just on one of these. The important thing is to get your electrolytes checked regularly to see how you are doing. Possibly this is something to discuss with your doctor if you end up taking diuretics indefinitely, as I and others here do - that is maybe he could try smaller doses of both furosemide and spironolactone to see if the combo works better for you and takes off some of the pressure of balancing the sodium and potassium. My potassium used to be low, but now both have been OK the past couple of times they have been checked.

By the way, I really appreciate your posts!

Rhoda