Reducing fluid or swelling/edema?

My dad has severe edema, in his legs and arms and stomach area, he was on 40 mg of lasix for about a month, and i reducesed the amout of salt i used when cooking. The doctor told him he easily had 60lbs of fluid and he hasn't lost any weight/fluid since last month. What can I do to help him? He is currently out of lasix, does he need to go back on it, does he need a higher dose? and Do I need to cut the salt completly out of his diet? doing so will be very hard but I can do it, not cold turkey, just reducing it over time. please if any one has any suggestions or have been through the same thing all answers will be appreciated and I will be picking best answer! God Bless

get him in and get his lasix increased and cut the salt out of his diet completely use mrs dash instead. garlic powder inion powder not salt. do not let him lie flat on his back keep is feet and legs elevated. i work with chf patients all the time please take him back in it is very important and do not EVER let his lasix run out

We are also getting his lasix filled tomorrow, he was only out for 2 days, they are relativly cheap. We will try to get him to go back to the doctor, he hates going but he has a sore on his leg thats not healing, just please pray for him! God Bless Report It

I think you should ask the DR to run some tests to see if he has Lymphedema. Check out Lymphedemapeople.com and you can get more info there about the swelling and what questions you should ask in regards to the swelling.

Feel free to email me if you have questions.
Nessa Report It

Yes cut out the salt till he has oedema. Get him to the doctor and get him back on lasix. How can you stop lasix without consulting the doctor? Lying down increases urine formation so perhaps he should rest a bit more but with legs slightly raised. You need to know why he has this severe oedema. It is not something to be taken lightly. The other thing you can do is to increase his quantity of diuretic foods. Some that I can say off hand are melon, celery, dandelion, artichokes etc( look up the net for a better list) and lots of water, lemon water and other liquids like herbal teas and coffee. Another thing that might help would be a long soak in warm salted water. A hot tub everyday

It sounds like your dad has ascites from liver disease. He can go to the hospital and have it "tapped". If the fluid does not decrease, it may cause him a lot of discomfort. Tapping the fluid will drain much of the excess out, but you will need to reduce his salt intake now. This can be very serious. Is he seeing a specialist (gastroenterologist or hepatologist if it is the liver?). He must also get back on his diuretics (lasix). It is important to adhere to the doctors orders. If it is a money situation, please try to get county or state assistance for him. I hope he is able to get relief soon. Best wishes.