Fluid around the heart

Hi

by Grateful Heart - 2018-05-22 19:22:14

I responded to your post about 2 weeks ago.  I copied part of my response here :

by Grateful Heart - 2018-05-15 10:18:50

Joanne:  If your doctor is not listening to you, get a 2nd opinion.  BTDT.  I had a doctor very early on in this journey who did not listen when I told him I had pain in my chest.  I went to another Cardio who listened...found the problem and resolved it.  (Fluid around the heart 18 days after the implant.  Many doctors will think it is just you being worried.  BUT...you know your body!  Trust your instincts.  

Grateful Heart

************End of previous response*******************************

It's not common but it can happen after implant as we both know but it cannot be left untreated or it will get worse.

So what is your doctor's plan of action?  You may need to be on Lasix for awhile.  Also, usually, if someone is on Lasix, the doctor usually prescribes Potassium as well because the Lasix will deplete the Potassium in your body.

My Cardio had me double up on the Lasix every other day for a week when he discovered the fluid around my heart.  It worked!!  After that first week the pain subsided and I felt so much better.  Then he told me to go back to taking the regular dose.  He saved me from the fluid building up even more and another hospital stay and procedure.  I don't want to scare you but this should not be ignored.

Write down your questions so you can be prepared for the appointment tomorrow to deal with the fluid.  Good luck.  Let me know how it goes.

Grateful Heart 

Fluid around the heart

by joannepast - 2018-05-22 19:36:36

Thanks for te advice.  I avent been on a water pill for sometime. Lasix as needed which was maybe 4 xs a month and no problem till now.  I had to stop aldactone because it caused severe vaginal bleeding.  He said nothing today but that he was waiting for chest xray before adviising therapy. My adjustment is tommorrow so I will speak to him then.  Was just surprised i was doing so well.  I am lucky  no pain so far just a little tired.  Took Lasix on my own Sunday and still going  will take again tomorrow.  In the mean time will take muti untill I see im.  I am getting much more clicking in my chest.  Thanks again. Will keep you posted

I know

by Grateful Heart - 2018-05-22 20:40:26

I was doing well too after the implant.  Progressing a bit everyday then BOOM....18 days after.....Out of nowhere... I had pain in the center of my chest that got stronger as the day went on.  I waited for hours before I called him.  I didn't need to call him once in those 17 days before, so it wasn't as if I kept bothering him.  He told me to go to the ER at a different hospital and he would meet me there.  He met me....he showed up 24 hours later. 

I was in the hospital for 2 nights and the doctor ordered some tests but not an Echo....which I now know would have revealed the fluid.  He said he was going to discharge me and I told him I had a lot of pain in my chest that hurts more the deeper I breathe.  He wasn't listening...it was a horrible experience.  He left the room and I thought he was going to check my chart or something.  He never came back in.  And I never went back to him. 

I was referred by my EP to another Cardio...my current one.  He listens to his patients and he is a life saver.  Didn't mean to ramble on but it's good for the newbies to hear some stories where you have to advocate for yourself and find another Cardio....one who listens and knows what he's doing.

That whole experience was a nightmare.  The ER doc kept asking me...accusingly why I have a pacemaker at my age (51 at the time) and then a male nurse upstairs was bad too.  He kept pushing the pain pills like that was going to solve the problem.  I will never be a patient in that hospital again.  That's why I said in the other post....trust your instincts....you know your body.

I haven't told this story in years.

Grateful Heart