I HAVE SEVERE EDEMIA IN BOTH LEGS, FEET AND HANDS...I TAKE 40MG. OF LASIX PER DAY...WHY AMI STILL SO

BRENDA BAKER,

Thanks for your question.  I assume your are taking the lasix because of congestive heart failure.  There could be several reasons for your persistent swelling despite your dose of lasix.

You may require a higher dose of the lasix, at least initially to get most of the fluid out.  This will also lower the blood volume and decrease the strain on the heart.  With less strain, the heart may be able to keep up with getting the fluid off, and therefore require a lower dose of the lasix.

Are you following a low salt diet?  High salt intake will add to your fluid retention by causing your body to retain fluid, both in the tissues as well as in the kidneys.  Most doctors ask for a restriction of two grams of sodium (which is one half of the salt molecule - sodium chloride).  Sodium is the culprit in fluid management within our bodies.  Two grams (2000 milligrams) is just slightly more than three quarters of a teaspoon.  Also read lables on packaged for which lists the salt content as sodium.  Remember that canned soups, meats, sauces, vegetable are usually high in salt, as is processed meats.  Stick to fresh poultry, fish, vegetables, and fruit.

Are you keeping your legs elevated?  Your body used gravity and muscle action to help get fluid out.  Sitting in a chair only helps keep fluid in your legs.  If possible, elevate them to the same level as your heart.  This will greatly assist the heart's pumping action to mobilize the fluid.  Also walking would be helpful as the muscle activity will help push the fluid out of the legs.

Are you restricting your liquids?  IF you are still drinking large quantities of liquids, you are just filling the tank as quickly as you're trying to empty it.  Your doctor will quide you on how much fluid you are allowed in a 24 hour time period. 

You might require more medication in addition to the lasix.  Sometimes doctors add other medications to help the heart's pumping action, and therefore mobilize more fluid.  Also, doctors add a small dose of an extra strong diuretic, which helps to "jump start" the fluid mobilization.

Evey person is different in their response to medication and in reference to their heart disease.  You need to keep in touch with your physician and ask for his quidance on many of these issues.  If there's still a poor response, perhaps there are reasons for your persistent swelling other than your heart.  Again, you need to discuss this with your doctor.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.

Hi, my name is kitty, n i hav swollening of the legs also, so far iam bein tested, i had a ultra sound on both legfs, of the veins, also they put cufflings all up n down both legs, n did alot of blood tests. I think i got cellilitis n edemia, not sure though. Im watin for results. My legs are always swollen, n they hurt n itch, n i can't walk sum times. does it sound like cellitis too? I didn't answer ur question, im sorry, but can u help me please? thanks, ur friend, kitty