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Too much diuretic?

About 4 years ago I found that I had CHF caused by A-Fib.  My a-Fib is constant, it's just always irregular.  I don't have periods in which I feel the A-Fib come on.

The A-Fib started a vicious cycle, it caused me to retain fluid which then inhibited my heart even more, which caused me to retain more fluid.

My EF was under 20%.  They got the fluid out of me in the hospital over 8 days and put me on Wafarin, Carvedilol, Enalapril, and 80mg of Furosemide once a day.

A year later my EF was 35%.  The next year 50%, and this year 55%.

I am still on the same medication as I was when I first left the hopspital.  One issue that I have is I sweat when I work and get dehydrated.  I told my cardiologist, but he didn't seem so concerned.  I told him that sometimes I get very lightheaded and dizzy and my pee is dark, so he said not to take my Furosemide that day.  But that day is too late, I think I should not take the pill the day before when I know I will be working hard and sweating.  

I also question whether 80mg is too much?  That's what was prescribed when I was in bad shape, so if my EF is now 55% and my A-Fib "looks much better than before" according to the cardiologist looking at the EKG, then shouldn't I be on less Furosemide?
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Avatar universal
If I were you, I'd ask (strongly) that the doctor adjust the dosage of Furosemide to a more tolerable level for your body and then monitor the results.

I was in the hospital twice with impaired breathing.  Both times five pounds of fluid was drained.  A NURSE (not a doctor) told me to take in less fluids in the course of a day to prevent future fluid build-up.

I have complained on a couple of occasions that I feel the hydrochlorothiazide (for HBP and water retention) is not doing the job.  I am convinced that I take in more liquid than I excrete.

BTW:  I have come to the conclusion that meds ending in -lol (in your case Carvedilol; in my case Metoprolol; in my husband's case Atenolol) raise blood sugar numbers.  It would be wise for you to be checked regularly for diabetes.

Good luck.


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