I'm 90+ and have CHF and take diuretics (Furosemide).

Hi Susala,
Thanks for the info. I'll try them.
I also have the hiatal hernia. I find that steaming my veggies, green beans, broccoli and asparagus tenderizes them
and preserves their flavor. I haven't used a laxative in a week as the veggies seem to do the job. Large bowl, daily.
Tadueo

will try more steaming. morning coffee helps too!

There is an old saying “you’re dammed if you do, and dammed if you don’t.
What is your doctors advice?
Water is important for hydration.there is no right or wrong answer, only you can determine what is right for you.

Hi Funcountess,
He says to take just enough water to keep my colon wet but no more. But he doesn't tell me how much that is. $50.
So far I think that's about 50 ozs./day. Still testing.
I'm doing fine right now with a large bowl of steamed veggies per day and no laxatives. The power of steamed veggies is greatly underestimated.
Tadueo.

susala,
I started taking the silymarin powder (200 gms.) today but the Omega 3 caps are too large for my throat.
Thanks.
tadueo

Good morning, @tadueo. Sorry to be so late with this response. First, I want you to know that Furosemide is also known as Lasix, a diuretic that is the most widely and heavily used to medicate race horses. My doctor 17 years ago prescribed it for my hypertension. Within two weeks, I wound up in the emergency room after an attack of hypokalemia (lack of potassium) while on a long bike ride. The ER doctors supplemented my potassium by IV and cut off my prescription for Furosemide. Since then, all of my doctors have warned me against it because I'm essentially allergic to it. My symptoms are similar to yours, though not identical -- left ventricular hypertrophy (a phase of CHF), hypertension, chronic kidney disease 3 (moderate), and relief from diuretics -- eplerenone, amiloride (unusual but chosen to deal with overactive adrenal glands and kidney failure to reclaim potassium). Bottom line for me: I have spent the last 15 years searching (with the help of a series of specialists in nephrology, cardiology, endocrinology, and genomics) for a treatment plan that works. It has required a series of diplomatic switches in doctors in several fields of medicine. My primary health insurance is Medicare, and my provider is an HMO with a good national reputation. Hope this helps. Martin

Thanks Martin. That's good info.
I received the results of my last blood workup yesterday and my potassium was within limits as were the rest of the results.
I have UHC Medicare Advantage and except for random constipation attacks caused by the furosemide drying out my colon, central nerve shut down, 4 times in the last year, and CHF, my doctors tell me I'm in good health. $50. I wonder what they would consider bad health.
A tip: a large bowl of steamed veggies such as green beans, asparagus or broccoli taken daily has allowed me to drop the daily laxative. I eat them individually or in combination but don't miss a day.
Tadueo

I've been taking Furosemide (Lasix) for 3 months now, recently at 80MG/day and have found it's not near as effective as it once was.
Has anyone else had this experience?

Welcome back, @tadueo. I merged your question about congestive heart failure and diuretics to the discussion you started a year ago here:
- I'm 90+ and have CHF and take diuretics (Furosemide).: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/im-90-and-have-cha-and-take-diuretics-furosemide/

Reviewing your original post and the ensuring comments, what has changed for you? Does seeing this history help gather questions to talk to your doctor about?

Hi Coleen
Yes the comments have helped greatly. Compensating for CHF is a daily battle as you're aware. I switch between 40 and 80 MG Furosemide per day depending on my weight. I chart my weight daily and with my card's instructions I'm doing OK. You have to be careful cause at 80 MG the diuretic becomes a powerful laxative.
I was having problems with severe leg cramps in the middle of the night. The skin on my legs was ice cold. I've since taken to using an electric blanket and the cramps have disappeared. My card says it's electrolytes but my
legs say it's circulation. Ha!
Tadueo