Incontinence and unexplained weight loss.

PML - I’m guessing that the furosemide is responsible for some of it but with that kind of weight loss, you might want to call the appointment desk, explain your situation and see if you can be put on a list in case someone cancels - so you can get in earlier

@pml I echo what @ldrlaw suggested, getting on the wait list for a cancellation. How are you feeling besides the weightloss? For me, I have lost weight since August, over 10 pounds. I have been on 40 mg of furosemide twice a day for almost a year now, but once starting dialysis, is when the weight loss became more rapid. I was already on a downward trend before that. I sometimes experience incontinence, as a side effect of my medications/chemo.

Sometimes our systems reset themselves to a more comfortable weight. But as kidney patients, we are always watching the little signs, which you are doing. Eat healthy, but eat! My team says my numbers are good, and I eat when I am hungry. One team doctor told me to just eat whatever I want. Listening to yourself, like you are doing, will go a long way towards figuring this out. Please let me know what you find out from your medical team!
Ginger

Hi Ginger!
Thank you for your comments! I am on a waiting list in case there are cancellations. I feel fine even with the weight loss. My husband and I eat on a regular basis; breakfast, lunch and dinner. We eat very healthy and make a lot of things from scratch. My husband makes wonderful mashed potatoes and gravy and we make homemade soups and stews, pies from scratch etc. No TV dinner type prepared foods, no perservatives if we can possibly avoid them. My husband has lung cancer so we are very careful to eat local items such as fresh vegetables and fruit. We also read labels constantly. We take our blood pressure every 3 days. Both of ours are usually in the 115 to 123 range. We also drink a lot of water. Living in Edmonds WA we are near the mountains so our water is very fresh and good tasting since it comes from a mountain stream. We just love it!

By the way, I don't have kidney disease. I just have this incontinence issue. I had it treated 9 years ago but they don't use that medicine anymore. I really don't want to try a new medicine since I am very sensitive to medicines. I can't even take Tylenol! Plus as I mentioned, I feel good. However, it would be nice to know if the Furosemide is contributing. I'm only taking 20 mg. 5 days a week.

I'll let you know what my doctor says.
PML

Hi Ginger!
I saw my primary care doctor regarding my unexplained weight loss. He agreed with me that the Furosemide should be discontinued which I did. In fact, I have already gained 2 lbs! And, I am spending much less time in the bathroom! That is a big plus! It's bad enough with just the incontinence issue. The doctor wants to see me again in a few months. I have a follow up appointment in May. I'm feeling good and my blood pressure is good.

Thanks for your concern!
PML

@pml I have been taking furosemide for many years, and it has been especially useful as my kidney function started to decline, leading to fluid buildup in my system. This was most noticeable in my lower legs and feet. At one point, my PCP said it was even palpable in my abdomenal area! Also, regular exercise, even gentle walking, will help with fluid buildup.

Good for you for getting in to you doctor, and keep up the good work!
Ginger

Hi Ginger!
Furosemide is a very good water pill. I took it for many years also. However, since I started having incontinence issues, that took over the same thing that the Furosemide was doing and I was losing too much water causing extreme weight loss without my dieting. Now, things are much better and I'm even gaining weight again.
PML