how many lasix am I going to have to take?

[zona]

I just don't know what to think of this and was wondering if anyone else is taking this many lasix a day for edema. My doctor just increased my dosage to 8 pills a day at 80 milligrams each. I was only taking  2 a day just a few months ago... but now even with fluid restrictions the edema is bad. And the restless legs!!! OMG!!! I am going nuts!!!! ???http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/Smileys/classic/huh.gif

[Cordelia]

             I wonder if starting dialysis to help remove the fluid build up and toxins from your body will make you feel better. It did for me.

[ToddB0130]

I may be off base,  but my doctor usually keeps me on a really low dose of lasix for a really short time .... I *thought* it was because extended use of lasix will affect my kidney/creatanine numbers ..........but I may have that wrong.

Usually he wants me to wear the compression socks regularly and make sure I am as sodium free as possible.

[zona]

Interesting, Todd I thought the same thing. This seems like way too much lasix and I am worried about the effects it could be having. She still insists that at my level of kidney function ( between 12 and 15 % right now) that I don't need dialysis. I have not heard of the compression stockings..need to ask her about that.

[Restorer]

The clinical information on Lasix says:

The dose of Lasix (furosemide) may be carefully titrated up to 600 mg/day in patients with clinically severe edematous states.
...
When doses exceeding 80 mg/day are given for prolonged periods, careful clinical observation and laboratory monitoring are particularly advisable.
...
Serum electrolytes (particularly potassium), CO2, creatinine and BUN should be determined frequently during the first few months of Lasix (furosemide) therapy and periodically thereafter.

You're pushed past the maximum dosage. It seems that your doctor is trying hard to keep you off dialysis, but GFR isn't the only thing to look at. If you're not urinating enough fluid, it may be time to get on dialysis.

K/DOQI guidelines say that, theoretically, 10% kidney function (GFR) is the usual/optimal/recommended time to start dialysis, but they also say that each patient's case needs to be weighed with respect to fluid balance, electrolytes, access availability, and other things. If you nephrologist is sticking to certain numbers like they're the only thing that matter, I'd recommend getting a second opinion or another nephrologist altogether.

[Cordelia]

I agree with Restorer.  I had to start Dialysis at 12 per cent kidney function-I was about an hour and a half away from death.       

[zona]

Wow thanks guys! I am taking this bit of info to my doctor and demanding some answers. My dr. has said all along that she will keep me off dialysis as long as possible. But I am scared with all this lasix. Whats the point of it,it is not working. She has to see that.

[malaka]

Just yesterday I got another 80 mg added to my dailiy dose.  120 in am, 80 in afternoon, 80 before bed.  And yes, I have lots of blood work done about every 2 weeks.  If this new and increased dose doesn't get rid of edema (nephrotic syndrome) then he's adding another diuretic (some brand name I forget) to my drug schedule. 

However, it looks like dialysis is right around the corner which will act to remove fluids, so I may not be on this higher dose for long.

[Cordelia]

I'd hate to either one of you get extremely sick like I was. I don't wish it on my worst enemy! I literally went to hell and back. 

[zona]

When I called my dr. she did say something about getting me through the holiday. But I don't have labs drawn until the 5th of Dec. Today I have taken 6 total and due to take the other 2. The edema has not budged,I have eaten very little today,no appetite. I am not nauseous but was a little last night. Malaka, it sounds like we are about the same. My dr. said I was teetering on that line. Stay strong and I will do try to do the same.

[Cordelia]

     to you both!

[billybags]

I would try to get this sorted out, your Dr is probably trying to keep you off the inevitable but there are lots of facts to consider as Restorer says. Our neph believes you should start dialysis when you are feeling OK, meaning not too bad, he says you can cope better with it. Are you seeing a GP or have you been to see a Nephologist? Let us know how you are doing.

[Marina]

My Dr  put  me on  lasix   pre-dialysis  to  try  to  get  rid of  extra  fluid  and  hoping  to  bring  B/P down.
I  tried  that  for  a month  without   any  improvement.     Dr   took  me  off.

If you  take  large  amounts of  lasix   can  make you  lose  extra  sodium  and  potassium   (assuming  there  is a higher  volume of   urine  output)

Take  care