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We’re excited to hear about your plans for May. Please let us know if you have any upcoming appointments or procedures where we can provide support. We’d love to send you positive thoughts and energy and celebrate even the tiny victories.
May the Force be with you.- Yoda
What’s on your medical calender for May?
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I believe @dawnt Dawn has her follow-up visit with the cardiologist today. Sending you extra positive thoughts and prayers, hoping they will keep you away from the hospital and maintain your new medication as is.
Monday, May 8, @brendad53 has her dual caths (right and left) and could use our positive thoughts and prayers. We got you, Brenda, and here to hold your hand along the way.
I have a hair appointment, which is not medical but essential for my overall wellness. I have dental cleaning next week and a psyche appointment, too. Then later this month, I finally see a new neurologist scheduled months ago.
How are your calendars looking this marvelous May?
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Very best wishes to @brendad53. I’ve had numerous caths, but don’t think any were dual caths. I guess I’m kind of weird, but they don’t seem to bother me. I have seen your strength in your posts, @brendad53, and know you’ll handle these caths with that same determination.
Good luck Vicky & Jen with your appointments as well. I posted in a separate thread that my appointment today went very well – no hospital, which is great!
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Yay! I’m so happy you weren’t sent to the hospital, @dawnt! Thanks for encouraging others, myself included, with a full plate on your end that you’re managing!
This shows how generous and loving you are, my PHriend!
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On May 4, I have my first appt with an Osteoporosis Doctor. I was started on Actonel last summer after I fainted and got a compression fracture in my lumbar 1 vertebrate. I had to give a more comprehensive history than to any other doctor… plus a food diary for 3 days.
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Hi @vicky1437, good luck tomorrow with your Ortho doctor. That fainting spell and your injuries sound challenging to recover from. The pain from that must have been terrible! The pain from that must have been terrible! Did you have to go to therapy after that?
I’m sorry you had that spell and injuries. Was it the Actonel that caused the fainting or your PH? Or do they know?
It sounds like this specialist is thorough and will hopefully help you as you manage your osteoporosis.
I’m always a bit anxious leading up to seeing a new doctor. How are you feeling? Please come back and let us know how your appointment goes.
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I was put on Actonel after my fall for bone density loss. The Osteoporosis Dr. will decide if I need more extensive treatment.
The fracture was very painful for 6 weeks, then I started to improve.
I did go for 1 physio appt. which helped a little.
My Cardiologist reduced 1 of my meds so my blood pressure wouldn’t go so low. I haven’t felt dizzy at all since I fainted. – and still am extra careful if I have had my feet up for an hour and I pause for at least 10 to 20 seconds with my feet on the floor before I stand up.
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So far my calendar is clear compared to usual months full of appts. I do have fasting labs and PCP appt toward end of month. This is mainly to check my thyroid gland (I have hypothyroidism). I’m still waiting to hear from clinical research team, which could be at any time. I spent Sunday morning in the ER with chest pains and high BP. After chest xray and many tests/labs, it appeared it was not a heart attack (I’ve had one in Feb 2020). I’m thankful for that. So on Monday I had f/u call with my cardiologist.
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Hi @deetweedy, I’m sorry to hear about your chest pain and BP issues, landing you at the ER over the weekend. I’m grateful that it wasn’t a heart attack! I’m happy you were proactive, especially with your medical history.
How was your F/U call with your cardiologist yesterday? Did they schedule anything else in the future or change anything? You better take it easy this week, My PHriend. Those ER visits can cause more fatigue. Often, I find I am a bit slower after a visit to the ER.
Otherwise, it sounds like your month is pretty chill, as you should be, LOL. Please keep us posted on your labs and PCP appointment.
And yay, for your response posting!
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@brendad53 I’ve have both caths at the same time. Plan on spending the day at the hospital. The procedure was nothing and you get to watch without pain. Unless they go through your neck; that was uncomfortable at first stick. That is how they have done my right heart caths. You’ll do great!
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Thank you, Debbie! The whole day, huh? OK. It helps to hear from others who’ve had a double cath. I’m a bit anxious about the procedure. Even more anxious about the prospect of them finding arterial blockages and wanting to put in stents.
Query: Has anyone here had stents put in to open up blocked arteries? Have you had any trouble with them? I’m afraid of getting any (if found to be needed). They increase risk of blood clots, and I’m already on lifelong Eliquis for clotting problems. And there are other side effects that are possible.
If anyone here has had arterial stents up in, I’d appreciate hearing about it.
Brenda
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Thanks, @debbie and @deetweedy, for sharing your experiences with both caths with @brendad53. Brenda, as you can see, each shared a different experience, but both were uncomplicated.
I had mine early in the morning and only stayed 4-6 hours, which could be most of the day. They have to discharge you after monitoring you for so many hours. It all depends on the findings and procedures done, like stents, as you mention, and the staff’s load.
My hubby had emergency stents a few years back. It took several hours for us to wait for the procedure. But they did keep him overnight to monitor him. He swears he felt better before the stents. But he also had a bad case of COVID when I had it, so I believe that also is part of his fatigue and occasional SOB with activity. But he also has asthma.
I know many others’ stents made their lives so much better!
I believe @wheeldog had stents, too. I can search because we may have discussed this topic in the past.
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Thanks, @debbie and @deetweedy, for sharing your experiences with both caths with @brendad53. Brenda, as you can see, each shared a different experience, but both were uncomplicated.
I had mine early in the morning and only stayed 4-6 hours, which could be most of the day. They have to discharge you after monitoring you for so many hours. It all depends on the findings and procedures done, like stents, as you mention, and the staff’s load.
My hubby had emergency stents a few years back. It took several hours for us to wait for the procedure. But they did keep him overnight to monitor him. He swears he felt better before the stents. But he also had a bad case of COVID when I had it, so I believe that also is part of his fatigue and occasional SOB with activity. But he also has asthma.
I know many others’ stents made their lives so much better!
I believe @wheeldog had stents, too. I can search because we may have discussed this topic in the past.
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I had it done during covid. They put 1 in. When I got out bed the next day my breathing was way worse than before. I couldn’t walk 30 feet without stopping and catching my breath. I was having a hard taking care of myself. My wife ended up retiring early to take care of me. It took 2 or 3 months or so before I could breath like before the stent. The part that bothered me the most is that no doctor in Alaska or UCSD could tell me why or knew how to fix it.
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Hi @wheeldog, thanks for sharing. I thought you had that same problem as Manny did after his stents. His cardiologist at the time just told him he needed to recover longer. Crazy, before the stents, he was cycling like 20-30 miles every weekend.
Hopefully, you are Mary Ellen are doing well.
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We are doing good…..actually the same before we got here. Got 1 more infusion on the 9th and we are headed home. The 1 sure thing we know now is the CLL isn’t causing my breathing problems.
Had a bum bone marrow test last week. If you have had one they aren’t much fun. First girl gave up as her arm got tired and she found someone else to help. Second girl couldn’t do it either. They kept saying my bones are too hard and thick. I kept telling them I didn’t have any problems in ’16 and they knew it too as the had the summary from then. They finally gave up and sent me home. Guess they found some cells?? Not sure what?? They never got into my marrow. Maybe their drill was dull?? According to the report they made 4 attempts. That’s the last time I am getting one of those there.
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Oh no, @wheeldog, I’m sorry you had to endure such a painful time for no reason! I’m so unimpressed and annoyed that they allowed that at UCSD. I don’t blame you; I would have never gave them that many attempts!
I hope you complained. Teaching hospitals are excellent, or the experiences can be poor, depending on who is in charge. That was inhumane!
I haven’t had it done, but my mom has, and they made two attempts to get hers. I also watched when in nursing school and cringed behind the glass wall. Just thinking about t now makes my back arch and feel it.
Otherwise, glad y’all are doing well and they know that CLL isn’t the culprit of your breathing. So what’s next? After your last infusion, I know you’ll be busy getting back home, doing that stuff that needs attention, and working.
Please keep in touch and let us know what they plan to do for your breathing.
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I didn’t know they tried 4 times till it was placed in “My Chart”. I thought they were drilling in the same place. I pretty much laid everything out on a survey they sent me. Told them I won’t go back.
Next step is do a couple PH tests in AK. Need to find an oncologist that will work with my doctor in AK. I need to get my digestive system tested as it’s possible my gerd is causing it???? One of ME friends had triple negative breast cancer. So far she has been cancer free for the last 10 years. She went to cancer center in Phoenix. She me turned on to a nature-path in Anchorage who checks out drugs and vitamins and makes recommends so that everything works together. She has good luck with him.
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I see, @wheeldog; I’m sorry you endure that treatment. Grateful that you made the incident known on your survey.
I’ve heard that GERD can cause SOB, and also, many with respiratory issues experience GERD. So confusing, but as you are planning, having your GI system checked would easily offer that answer.
Here’s an article I found on Mt. Sinai’s blog. Can acid reflux cause SOB?
Yes, I’ve noticed many people, especially those with cancer, use a naturopath with positive results most of the time. Our gut health is linked to many things we would never believe. In the last few years, I’ve seen more emphasis on gut health as part of a treatment plan.
I would love to hear how that goes for you. That’s fantastic news for Mary Ellen’s friend. Safe travels home; you are heading back this week, right?
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Thinking of you this morning, @brendad53. As you undergo your heart cath today, I pray for you and your healthcare team.
We are here and will be anxiously awaiting your update. But please rest and take time to gather your thoughts and share when you feel up to it.
Extra gentle hugs, positive thoughts, and prayers are with you, my PHriend.
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Will see Onco-cardiologist tomorrow for a final say-so. Preliminary say-so from doc who did the procedure today:
1. yes, mild PH.
2. Caused no doubt by stiffening left ventricle.
3. Ineffective heart filling and emptying are what makes me retain fluid and what causes the PH.
4. No blockages; ergo, no stents.
No cure. A few treatments to try to slow it down. Nothing can reverse it.
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Hi @brendad53, I’m grateful you had the cath done and now will get some much-needed answers. It sounds like the cardiologist who performed your cath offered clues about what you needed to know. How did you feel about that preliminary report?
You probably see the Onco-cardiologist today as I type. I know you’re looking for that for the next step in your journey.
PH is manageable; treatments are to manage symptoms and hopefully slow progression. I am thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and prayers as you hear the final report and the next step.
We await you with open arms when you rest up and gather your thoughts. Hugs and extra spoons on the way to you, my PHriend.
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As myself and the boss age and are cursed with old age afflictions I find myself googling all about what I or the boss may have BUT I have learnt to look for the latest reports, findings etc. and ignore those older than a couple of years. Technology . Brenda mate, of all the cut and dicing and puncturing I have had the stent in my LAD artery was one of the least painful , actually no pain. They set up a monitor so I could watch ,gave me a valium which was the worst thing they could have done. I snored all the way through it. Doc. was not happy I missed his handiwork. The drugs to prevent clotting these days are amazing No worries mate.
The rhc was an annoyance because they went through the groin and I was not allowed to move my leg for four hours after the procedure which meant an overnight stay as I was done in the arvo. . I timed four hours and checked myself out anyway . I was awake ,no valium, through that and felt nothing except the nurse pushing my head down every time I tried to watch the monitor. Bugger , I missed watching both procedures . Usual check up with pulmonary doc. next week with a six min. stroll and blowing my lungs out into a machine. Last time felt like telling the techo. who was saying keep going ,keep going ,mate why don’t you blow for me. Life is wonderful.-
THanks, Terry. I won’t be sedated. I refuse to be. However, I will undoubtedly have a couple dozen Ativan under my belt! 🙂
I am concerned about side effects like what drug will be infused into the stent, which will leak out (by design) into my system over time. Is it safe for people with alpha-gal? What about the drug I’ll have to take afterward, if I have a stent? Is it safe for alpha-gal? (I have alpha-gal, an allergy to most everything mammal. Some drugs, like heparin, are mammal-derived and thus I can’t have them.
A lot of places aren’t aware of what alpha-gal is (it’s legit–not just some fantasy ailment). If I were hospitalized an they sent me up some Jello to eat…couldn’t do it. Marshmallows in some hot chocolate? Couldn’t do it. Both have mammal-derived ingredients in them.
And I am concerned about the stents causing my body to produce MORE blood clots. It already has a tendency to produce them on its own, and I’m on Eliquis (trade name in U.S.) for life. A blood thinner. What if having a stent put in stimulates my body to produce still more clots?
All these questions. And you know how much time they give you to talk with the doctor BEFOE the procedure is done? And how much time you have to think about what they’ve said, before the procedure starts? Minutes. Not hours to reflect and consider. Minutes.
Doctors just assume that whatever they say, you WILL do. They don’t always allow time for thinking, studying up, asking more questions. I hate that.
As for YOU, mate, I hope your pulmonology appointment goes well. You still walking around. your neighborhood with your oxygen tank in one hand and a beer in the other? Or was it something else?
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Hi @terry, how are you, Mate? It sounds like you and the Boss Lady are doing well.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with Brenda. I also prefer my caths through the neck, and the groin, and staying there for 4 hours, usually flat, is no fun! That’s what happened when they did the dual caths on me.
Good luck next week wt your pulmonary appointments! I can relate to your description of the PFTs. The respiratory therapist keeps yelling to blow harder, and I feel like shouting back at her.
Thanks as always for your comical yet informative posts. We do appreciate you, Mate. Enjoy a lovely day in the garden and a cold drink.
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Your way out of my league Brenda. If it was me I would not be projecting what may happen but planning on what will happen by making it clear to the people involved what they are NOT to do without agreement. Good luck. Ha, mate not so much as a wine trifle have I had since 1982.
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Did that when I had my mastectomy for inflammatory breast cancer in 2009. Talked with the doctor. Stated what I wanted. Had all of that recorded on a digital recorder. Wrote what we’d agreed would be done into TWO sets of surgical consent forms.
She ignored everything and did what the hell she wanted to do.
I hate doctors. I hate NEEDING them even more.
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Brenda, prior to your appt, is there any way you can talk to the doctor(s) or even the nurse abt this procedure, ask your questions and generally get an idea of what to expect? This would be so helpful to you and I’m sure relieve some of your anxiety. I’ve never required stents (so far), but have had aortic valve replacement done through TAVR (catheter through groin). I am on Eliquis and have been since June 2020, and will most likely remain on it. My valve was tissue (bovine), so Eliquis was the choice. I understand if you have a mechanical valve, you must take warfarin (and can’t take Eliquis). I was fortunate to have a cardiologist that talked to me at length and answered questions, including those that I didn’t know I had at the time lol. I think this is so important for the patient, and lessens anxiety and promotes trust in your doctor.
Praying for you through all of this. For what it’s worth, I know several people that have had stent(s) placed, and they were so much less symptomatic and went on with life feeling better. But, I know each person is different with a different medical history, so that is why I feel you should talk with your doctor about YOUR medical history and the effects you can expect with this procedure.
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Hi @deetweedy, thanks so much for your suggestions to Brenda. I’m grateful that my PH doctor is, but not all. Yes, some doctors are great at taking a few minutes to talk about the procedure afterward.
Hopefully, you will have that few minutes, Brenda, to ask your top priority questions. Then, have the nurse call and set up a phone consult to discuss this in greater detail.
In my experience, cath days are usually when they spend all day in the cath lab, so they probably move to the next cath afterward. This is why it may feel rushed. @brendad53.
Dee, you’re so thoughtful with your thoughts and prayers for Brenda.
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That’s the problem, Jen. A “few minutes” isn’t what I want.
I want a half hour to talk about options. I want a couple of DAYS to read up on everything and formulate new questions. Then I want another 15-30 minutes if necessary to answer other questions before I decide what I want to do.
A quick 15-minute consult before the procedure is not giving me truly “informed consent.”
What stent do you like to use here?
What drug is infused into it?
Has that drug been double-checked by anyone here to make sure it has no mammal analogs and is safe for someone with alpha-gal?
How bad does a blockage have to be for it need a stent rather than simply having a balloon angioplasty to open it up?
Is having a stent safe for me, given that I already have a problem with forming clots, and a stent would be just one more foreign object in my body?
Have there been studies on clot patients who SUBSEQUENTLY needed stents, and how they did?
What’s the rate of clot formation after stenting among the general public—those who don’t necessarily already have clotting problems?
How long do I need to take another drug post-stent-placement? A limited time, or forever after?
Does that impact my taking Eliquis to prevent DVTs and PEs? How so?These are not “a few minutes” of chatting while you’re sitting there in a thin hospital gown and the treatment team is drumming its fingers in the procedure room waiting for you to get on with it. This is a discussion, not a chat. And a few minutes pre-procedure won’t handle it.
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I can understand and feel this in so many different instances, @brendad53. However, unfortunately, in today’s healthcare environment, we are allowed less time with our care teams than before in most cases.
Some HCPs suggest that I schedule a time to chat and ask my questions if it’s longer than that few minutes pre and post-procedure. But I also know my healthcare team, and we discuss these questions before my procedures, not the day of.
I understand this is a new cardiologist for you, and with your PTSD, I can imagine your emotions are all over the place but try and take a few deep breaths, educate yourself as I know you do already before, and be prepared.
I’m only sharing, which is often typical today, unfortunately. We need more time with our HCPs; they know it, well at least the good ones do. We have to keep on working to improve this as patients and caregivers.
You have someone to take you on Monday, right?
Try not to make yourself sick over the weekend worrying, as I know you will have some anxiety. Extra hugs, positive thoughts, and prayers.
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Thanks Jen, Long story short thought I had lost the boss a couple of weeks ago. Heart rate was through the roof. She has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation but because of her HHT cannot take blood thinners so is trialling a beta blocker. She is also looking at a watchman being inserted in her heart. Ha, we were staggering around the shopping centre today when a lovely young lady in her 50s walked up to the boss smiling and whispered to her. The boss said thank you then the lady turned to me smiling and said “you should have known that”. The bosses top was inside out . I’ve been extra attentive all day. Bye bye.
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OMG, @terry, you are a mess! Thanks for sharing these comical series with us, even though we must credit the Boss Lady for this one. She’s going to skin you alive one day, Mate!
Take care of each other, and be on watch, Mate.
Enjoy your weekend with your lovely Boss Lady. I know she must have something to keep you busy. I know I have for Manny. Hehe.
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I’m posting a response for @ripple76; he had some trouble posting.
Randy shares, “When I read what others are going through in dealing with heart and pulmonary issues I feel like I’m a member of an exclusive group. As for this month I have few medical appointments. Just had a video conference with my specialist. I try to be honest as possible but the habit I developed when I was in the AF is not to tell too much for fear of being grounded. I take my vitals before our meeting, Tuesday they were rather good, and give it to the nurse who calls me in advance. Things are going so well since my RH Cath in December that it seems I am coasting. (Didn’t know there was such a thing as double Cath.)Best to you Brenda. Roger’s experience doesn’t bode well.
P.S. My short book about my AF Academy class is now published. It has been fun creating it.
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As I shared with @ripple76, a dual cath is often called a heart catheter, not specifying the right or left side. I didn’t want others to become confused, as I believe we have used the “dual caths” in some of our responses.
As you mention, Randy, I’m grateful that things are going well or coasting. Keep on sailing through the months. The summer heat is around the corner, or have you already had some high temps, too?
Congrats on your story about the AF Academy being published! I bet you had some moments that took you back to those days, which were exciting and frightening, too, I can imagine. Thanks for your service, Randy.
Have an enjoyable weekend, and I hope you don’t have any other posting problems. If you do, always reach out to me or Colleen.
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Saw my Pulmonologist yesterday.
CT results showed the two larger nodules in the lungs have disappeared and there is a very small 5mm new one. How good is that.
Six minute was reported as 430 metres exactly one lap (60 m) less than last time . Na wrong ,I knew he would get it wrong when he ran out of fingers.
Breadth test showed my lung capacity brilliant ,as usual , so am ditching the Spiriva Respimat puffer to see what happens.
Weight down 3 kgs. From last time
Bloods showed ferritin sitting on 31 , If I eat any more meat I’ll look like a bull so might have to cut my expressos down from six a day . That’ll be a challenge. Ha.Crikey if I get any fitter I’ll be dangerous.
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Hi Mate, @terry, well overall, it seems like your pulmonary appointment went well. Thank goodness the larger nodules disappeared, but why do you continue to get these nodules? Has this been ongoing for some time? My vintage brain doesn’t recall everything, hehe.
Well, it sounds like you blew your best as they yelled to blow harder on your PFTs. I knew you were full of hot air, Mate, Hehe.
Wow, you certainly do enjoy red meat, huh?
Aww, an expresso sounds delightful. However, since my last bout with COVID, I have aversions to coffee and wine! Aww, an expresso sounds delightful. Nope, not thrilled about this.
Thanks for the update, Mate. What else is on your calendar this month?
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Your posts are good for my soul, Mate. 🙂
I had my double heart cath yesterday. It went very well, and the doctors were very accommodating before the fact in answering questions, etc. The day off, I took 2 mg of Ativan just as I arrived at the hospital, and it seemed to keep me calm enough. Todd went went me, Graham came by later. After I was finally released, I stayed for observation for 24 hours at Todd & Melanie’s house. Appreciate the moral support of my family. It’s was good to have them there.
They showed me the image of the arteries suspected of blockage—and there was none! No blockages. So no stents necessary.
Today I had the consult with the cardio-ongoloist who specializes in the late cardiac effects of cancer treatment. Nice guy. Talked at length with me. Upshot is this, as of today:
Mild pulmonary hypertension is confirmed. But it is secondary to restrictive cardiomyopathy (stiffening of my left ventricle, so my heart doesn’t pump so well). Not primary PH, but secondary PH.
The restrictive cardiomyopathy is most likely due to the dose-dense chemo I had, which can cause a variety of heart problems down the line. There’s nothing to be done about it to cure it. Just manage the best you can, and that primarily (if I remember correctly) with beta blockers like the one I’m already taking at a very low dose. May have to up the dose. We shall see.
He suspects some kind of damage to the autonomic nervous system due to the dose-dense Adriamycin I took for the cancer, leading to disautonomia as a cause of some of my heart rate and BP level variability.
The doc wants to see some of the test results from my Level 3 CPET in Boston before he suggests a course of action. In the meantime:
He says exercise for pulmonary rehab is fine.
He says I don’t have to worry about the chest pain upon exertion being dangerous. But I should quit exerting myself when I feel uncomfortable.
He says my weight has little or nothing to do with this and won’t make a huge, huge difference. It probably plays some role in this heart stuff, but it’s far from being the linchpin around which everything revolves.
In the last week or so, I’ve been given O2 via a nasal cannula a couple of times, and I must say, I liked how that felt. So I’m going to be pushing for my night-time O2 to get delivered to me!
Thanks to everyone here for the prayers, good vibrations, and extra spoons. 🙂
Brenda
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Hey, y’all, as we turn the corner, we will be in June! How have your appointments been this month? Did you change or titrate any treatments?
It’s been quiet, and I’m not surprised since our thoughts are with @colleensteele and her family after Brian’s loss.
I met a new neurologist last week who dismissed my symptoms, focusing only on ruling out Parkinson’s. While that’s a relief, he didn’t investigate further.
After messaging on MyChart, he explained his primary focus is Parkinson’s and was 90% sure my tremors weren’t from PD. He apologized and recommended a more experienced colleague. Now we wait…again.
Hopefully, I can get an appointment soon for more testing. My previous MRI is 3 years old. I’m eager to wrap up this month’s appointments and start fresh in June.
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Thank you @jenc and members for your continued support and patience. I’m trying to make my way back to being more consistent on the forums but navigating life without my husband has been sad and difficult.
Jen, I think we definitely need to catch up with each other. I’m upset by your neurologist update. Praying my sweet FWW gets the proper care soon but most importantly, answers and a plan of treatment!
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Hi @colleensteele, yes, we will catch up, but I’m alright, and you have had a ton on your plate, my FWW. I know your tasks must be neverending lately.
We are grateful to have you back when you’re ready. But we also want you to grieve and take the necessary time. I can’t begin to imagine even starting each new day without Brian. You two were such a perfect match.
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Here is an update from @rebeccacomer that I want to make sure we all see. Let’s offer Becky and her husband our support.
I have been having symptoms of lots of swelling in my abdomen, both legs and feet. I am already on a diuretic (HCTZ 25 mg) in my BP meds. Have an appointment next week with the cardiologist that my husband and I both have. We each have moderate PH caused by left heart disease and heart valve regurgitation. He’s being set up for his first heart catheterization. Mine was last August 2022.
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I will be keeping you and your husband in my thoughts @rebeccacomer.
Has your doctor mentioned how often they want you to have a heart cath? It does sound like in the least your diuretic needs tweaking. This is common. Sometimes treatments work for a while and suddenly they either need to be increased or another medication added. I hope you get answers and results from whatever course of action is decided to help your swelling.
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Hi @rebeccacomer, I’m sorry you’re experiencing the swelling. I retain fluid, too, and am on several types of diuretics. As @colleensteele mentions, often, diuretics need some tweaking or changes until the doctor can find what works best for you.
I take Lasix (furosemide) and Aldactone (spironolactone) twice daily. When I take the metal zone, I must use it sparingly, or I’ll easily be dehydrated. It;’s such a challenging balance. I also tend to swell in my belly; metolazone is the only diuretic I’ve had that helps me with that area.
I know it’s uncomfortable. Usually, if I have no results within 2-3 days, I call my team to see what else we can adjust. While it’s a careful balance, it’s also trial and error.
Hopefully, you have an appointment early next week. If you don’t get relief sooner or your swelling worsens, you may want to call them again.
When is your hubby’s heart cath scheduled? I hope you can both relax this holiday weekend.
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