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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Drexxie on August 4, 2001, at 21:18:20
As some know from a few of my earlier posts, for the past two months, or so, I've been experiencing a significant amougnt of pitting edema in my legs (primarily). Additionally, my stomach, arms, face will at times, also pit.
My pdoc has ran every imaginable test, my regular doctor even reviewed the results and stated that he couldn't imagine what other tests to run. Neither doc, however, has wanted to bring the edema down with diuretics.
My pdoc is urging me to see an endocrinologist (which I certainly need to do). My regular doc merely pointed blame at the thyroid I was taking (which, btw, I've been taking- sans problem- for over a year).My question (finally, eh? [grin]) regards a statement made by my pdoc. He stated that as he knew how stiff and uncomfortable my legs must be, he could prescribe a diurtic.
However, he followed that with, "but I'd rather not get you started on that type of thing, just right now?"His comment didn't sound to me like, "Oh, that'd mess up tests, or whatever, if you did eventually go to the endo," but more along the lines of, "it's best not to be having to rely on those meds."
He did mention that he had another patient who has been on diuretics for quite a while. Could that be why my pdoc really wan't too "hip" on just writing out a script for diuretics?
My regular doctor, when I asked him if I might benefit from diuretics, replied that he didn't want to have to prescribe those for me at this junction.Why the reluctance? I should have asked them both, but for whatever reason didn't (as is evident, right? [smlie]). I wish I had, as now I can't stop wondering if there's some hidden danger in diuretics, or if once one begins taking them, they have to continue for life, or something. I realized that this post very well may appear asinine, but I just couldn't resist asking.
I've done some reading and have perused the internet in regards to this topic, but can't make any sense from it all.Consequently, if anyone is keen to this "mystery," I'd so appreciate being made aware, as this question is haunting me!
-Drexxie
Addendum: Are the Rx one's all that different from the script ones? This entire subject is, for whatever reason, sooo confusing to me?
Posted by Cam W. on August 4, 2001, at 22:17:20
In reply to Don't get started on diuretics..., posted by Drexxie on August 4, 2001, at 21:18:20
Drexxie - Pardon me for asking, but what other medications are you taking? There may be some drug-drug or drug-disorder interaction that could occur if you started a diuretic. Putting you on a diuretic may cause problems with the blood levels or the metabolism of the other drugs. If you give me your diagnosis, the list of drugs you are taking and their dosages, I may be able to figure out why they won't give you the water pill. Also, why does your doc what you to see an endocrinologist; is it because of the edema?
- Cam
Posted by kazoo on August 5, 2001, at 9:34:24
In reply to Don't get started on diuretics..., posted by Drexxie on August 4, 2001, at 21:18:20
> Neither doc, however, has wanted to bring the edema down with diuretics.
Drexxie, perhaps you have other organic problems causing water retention, but as far as I know from personal experience (no less), a diuretic will safely remove water from those who tend to retain it for whatever reason.
The only thing you have to remember when you take a diuretic is to pump up your potassium intake (via a supplement, certain green veggies, or a banana). LASIX will upset your electrolyte balance which will cause dizziness and a sense of crappiness.
Other than that, water pills are a quick and cheap way to drop five pounds in a pinch. They've been used safely for over 50 years. My mother's recent hospital stay extracted over 1.5 gallons of water that was causing heart and respiratory problems ... she lost four pounds in three days from just carrying this excess water around (she's italian and has a romance with her kitchen and the salt shaker). Her feet, once the size of musk mellons, are now normal. She looks better and feels a whole lot better, too (which is more important).
However, listen to your doctor because he knows you, and he knows best.
AND STOP USING THAT ACCURSED SALT!
I only have your good health in mind, my dear ...
kazoo
Posted by Drexxie on August 6, 2001, at 17:31:02
In reply to Re: Don't get started on diuretics... » Drexxie, posted by Cam W. on August 4, 2001, at 22:17:20
> Drexxie - Pardon me for asking, but what other medications are you taking?
====
"Pardon"? Ahh... No way, Cam! (smile)
I appreciate your having asked... Consequently, no "pardon," just "thanks!" (bigger smile)
In regards to your question, I am currently taking the following:WellbutrinSR 150 mg.
-1 dose am/ total of 450 mgs dayAdderall 20 mg.- 3 x's day/ total of 60 mgs daily
Thyroid .2mcg - 3 x's a day/ total of .6 mcg daily
(purposely kept hyperthyroid for stimulant effect)Celexa 20mgs. 3 x's a day/ total of 60 mgs daily
Dexedrine Spansules 15 mg.- 1 dose at bedtime/ 15 mgs. daily total
Hmm... I think that's all of 'em. I'm soon to be switching off of the Wellbutrin and Celexa. I think they might be causing the edema. My doctor is moving slowly and making one change at a time. This week it has been changing the Dexedrine for Desoxyn at bedtime.
I've been told on the board that Provigil is a good AD, so... I suppose that'll be my first recommendation to the dr. in that department.
I realize that I'm answering your questions (and then some [grin]), but perhaps in this instance, the more I'm able to tell you, the better. These meds alone are confusing enough! Putting them with another medicine.... and another.... and another... and another medicine... and then attempting to figure what the heck is going on... Dang near impossible!
Ugh! I do hope that this response isn't going to confuse you as it currently is confusing me! I've been having an AD(H)D moment for almost 2 weeks now... yek. If a part, or even all of this message lacks sense, please, just ask and I'll be happy to try again (big smile)
Thanks Cam!!
-DrexxieAddendum: You're right about my pdoc wanting me to see the endo. It's all in regards to the edema (which has been around for almost 2 months [without even a one day break])
There may be some drug-drug or drug-disorder interaction that could occur if you started a diuretic. Putting you on a diuretic may cause problems with the blood levels or the metabolism of the other drugs. If you give me your diagnosis, the list of drugs you are taking and their dosages, I may be able to figure out why they won't give you the water pill. Also, why does your doc what you to see an endocrinologist; is it because of the edema?
>
> - Cam
Posted by Cam W. on August 6, 2001, at 22:05:18
In reply to Re: Don't get started on diuretics... » Cam W., posted by Drexxie on August 6, 2001, at 17:31:02
Drexxie - Even without breaking down your med profile, I can see why your doc doesn't want you on a diuretic. It would mean adjusting the thyroid meds and quite possible the doses of Adderal and Dexedrine, because of fluid loss. If the endo found it was the thyroid meds and adjusted them slightly, you would have to readjust the stimulants again. It is much easier to wait to see the endo, especially if you are having no heart problems.
The reason for the med adjustment after taking a diuretic is because you would have less body water, and hence, your concentration of other drugs would increase (and it still may not help the edema).
I guess that the best you can do is to elevate your legs when sitting, and hopefully this can ease some of the edema.
Sorry that I cannot help more than that. - Cam
This is the end of the thread.
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