Fluid Build Up

[Sylvia186]

My mother has COPD and CHF.  She continues to have swollen feet, ankles and legs even though she is taking all of her meds which include lasix.  Is there anything else that she can do aside from more medication that she is already taking?


This discussion is related to question regarding fluid build up.

[Sylvia186]

This information was very helpful, my mother will see her heart specialist today.
Thank you for your response.
Sylvia

[kenkeith]

I was hospitalized for CHF about 4 years ago, and upon my release directions were to weigh myself each morning, and if there is an increase of about 3 lbs to immediately seek medical attention.  That would be an indication of retaining fluids and cardiac output has decreased.

An individual can be in heart failure mode (characterized by pulmonary edema as well as peripheral edema) or the heart can be effectively meeting the demand of the system for more oxygenated blood and current treatment is effective..

The edema should be immediately treated as the heart is working hard (can/will enlarge left ventricle causing an additional problem) and can cause irreversilable damage.