My dad is 94 and was in excellent health until Oct '08 when he fell and dislocated his shoulder. He is now suffering from oedema in his feet, ankles and lower legs. He is taking Furosemide 20mg OD which reduced swelling initially but is now having no effect. He drinks 1 1/2 L of water throughout the night. Could this be contributing to the oedema?
By Charlotte from Ireland
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My husband is paralyzed and in a wheelchair, 58 years old. He always has problems with lower extremities swelling. He is on a fluid pill and is told to prop his feet up several times daily to help with fluid. His is supposed to limit liquids after evening meal. Your dad probably is taking in too much liquids at night. You should ask his doctor.
I'm assuming you mean edema. The water could be a problem, but if he's having this sort of problem & his kidneys are not getting rid of it & it's being stored in his cells, then he might just need some potassium. Also, if he drinks that much water at night & feels like he wants that much, the potassium will cut down on the thirst. When we are extra thirsty, it's the body' way of trying to flush out extra sodium, to balance things. I use to have this problem, myself.
Potassium did it amazingly. If the sodium & potassium are not in balance, then the body does a lot of juggling to try to fix it. Potassium is kept in the cells & sodium is kept in the fluid outside of the cells. When there isn't enough potassium, the body may try to draw more in & cause swelling. They always say to cut down on salt to stop this thing, but sodium per say, is not the problem, cause the body needs it just as much as all the other electrolytes, & if you take the potassium with some minerals, it seems to work better. Don't know why, it just does, probably those electrolytes.
Also, table salt & the stuff they put in foods, is kinda like a poison. I've used nothing but celtic sea salt for years & it's made a difference. You could have him start off with 99mg with every meal, but don't take it before 4 bed, it is a natural diuretic. It's the sort of thing where u have to find what works for him. There are many kinds of potassium, I like potassium bi-carbonate, but it's more expensive than many other kinds.
He is drinking too much water. Excessive thirst is a symptom of diabetes.
I was taking a diuretic too that wasn't working. On one visit I had to see a different doctor. He immediately said I did not need a diuretic, that the problem with my swollen feet and legs was not from fluids, but a circulation problem called lymhedema.
The previous poster is right: excessive thirst is a symptom of diabetes. I am diabetic & also sometimes have edema too. Check with the doctor please.
When a person doesn't drink enough water, his brain thinks there is a drought and stores up water. One of the best ways to prevent edema is drinking enough water throughout the day.
I believe edema accompanies high blood pressure and heart problems. It is sometimes referred to as "congestive heart failure" which is fluid around the heart. If your father is storing fluid in his limbs, he is storing fluid in other parts of his body as well.
My dad died at 93. His organs just plain wore out. Best wishes always.
The Furosemide is one type of diuretic to help rid his body of excess fluid. There are other types of diuretics your Dr. can prescribe. Make sure he is limiting his salt intake (which causes body to hold onto fluid) Sodium (salt)can be in foods also. Have him elevate his legs and feet anytime he is sitting.
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