Good morning!

Although I haven't written lately, I'm still here daily lurking and learning from all of you. I'm writing today because I have a question regarding lasix medication. As you may recall, my husband (Roger) has FTD and is in a VA Nursing Home. During my past couple of visits, I've noticed that his hands have seemed quite puffy as if they're retaining fluids. I drew this to the attention of the staff, and they said they'd keep an eye on it. In a conversation with them yesterday, they reported that they had started him on 10 mg of lasix medication to help manage the fluid retention. I certainly agree with their decision to begin this therapy, but question what is happening in his body to necessitate this? Any ideas? He does not have a problem with blood pressure, and is only taking small dosages of both Seroquel and Paxil. Could his kidneys be the issue? He's had many UTI's during the course of his disorder, but I know they stay on top of that, so I don't believe that is the cause. No, I'm not in a swivet over this, I'm just curious about the "what am I seeing" in all of this.

Thanks for your wisdom!

Love, Chris

i am lurking over here for a while now, since i don't know where i belong...i recently got the doc's permission to take mom off of the lasix, long as i weigh her and i still keep a few lasix handy in case i see swelling-but it seems like that usually only happens when there is gout present these days and i am getting to where i can spot that faster than any dang md . as i am trying to elimate an uneeded meds to see if i can finally get to the bottom of this and she was also getting urinary infections (though not as often as i had thought, false alarms from missing the toilet and not dealing with pajamas turned out to be the reason i have to mop the bathroom several times a day so it was more about mechanix than meds shew, damn i am getting good, wish i got some credit eh) the doc also did not seem too concrned when i told her that i skip the reperdol a bunch-tho i have yet to figure out what does concern them. seems like the hard part is determing whether any weight gain is coming from her sundowning wanderings through the cabinets eating everything or water retention. seems like the BP is usually aok with abcence of gout and i have cut way back on beans and legumes to try and avoid that and now if i can just stop the pantry raids, maybe one day i can even get rid of the lisinopril (?) maybe i shoud learn to use a BP cuff? wonder how often i should use it and if something like that is considered durable med equip for insurance purpose or what kind would be the best to get for a newbie? and i still think the prozac is a mistake, it is almost 5 PM today and she is still in bed , but maybe that is my fault, with the laundry room flooded and clothes low i had to give her pajamas and when she wets herself she alway acts like a baby and won't get up or shower. what a lousy day.

Still, the high BP doesn't really account for his hands being swollen. Edema generally occurs in dependent extremities, like your feet, rather than your hands. So unless he just sits with his hands hanging off the side of a chair all day, that doesn't get it. Celebrex can cause swelling, again, more typically in the feet, and you don't say he's on that anyway. Gout can cause swelling, again more with the feet, and it's painful.

To tell the truth, first thing I wondered was whether or not they're using wrist restraints on him, I'd investigate that for sure.

Are his hands red or painful, itchy? Does he have rheumatoid arthritis? New soap in a hand dispenser?

Lasix isn't normally the first drug of choice for high BP, who started him on it? Ask that person why. And I wouldn't just accept an answer of high BP, I'd get a thorough explanation with rationale.

Neither the lasix nor the swollen hands make sense. Even though the lasix may seem to be helping his hands, the question to be asked is why are they are swollen in the first place.

Just some thoughts...

Cathy

Hi again,

Well, I think the mystery has been solved....for the moment, at least. After talking with the VA again, I've learned that Roger's blood pressure has elevated, so that is why they put him on lasix therapy. I hadn't realized that his blood pressure had elevated, so, of course thought something bigger. I did brave the elements today and spent the afternoon with Roger. I think the lasix is already helping, as his hands didn't appear to be nearly as puffy. I do wonder, though, if he has beginning stages of CHF, as his breathing seems labored sometimes, whereas it never did when he was healthy.

Thank you for your concern and for sharing your wisdom. I'm grateful for all of you!

Love, Chris

You may contact the Dr. and talk to him. A nursing home can not change or prescribe medication. It can only be done by a Dr. Lasix does remove fluid and maybe the best step.

Snow Lynne, My mind went blank.My aunt has had problems with retaining fluid.We finally are seeing a change but it maybe too late.She is loosing ground and I know it is just a matter of time.She was a fighter and lived a very long life, she is now 94 years old.

CHF=congestive heart failure

also, are they checking his potassium as they placed him on water pills.What is CHF, NOT SURE

Lasix gets rid of the fluid,but be watchful of dehydration.Does he have CHF?Talk to his Dr.