ICD INSTALLED SSAME PROBLEMS

Had icd installed beginning of february 09. First 2 weeks felt fine. Good appetite etc. Am on Diovan .cardeviol,lasix and potassium. still experiencing shortness of breath at times, and fatigue.increasing and lowering lasix and potassium has not relieved the problem.no appetite so cant recover excessive loss. Any help?

2 Comments

Same Problems

by SMITTY - 2009-03-21 08:03:02

Hello Grandma,

I'm no doctor so don't take anything I say as coming from an authority on the subject. My comments are based on my experience with the medications you are taking.

I would say the first three on the list below can contribute to your fatigue and other problems. The potassium in your case may be potassium replacement therapy for potassium due to the Lasix you are taking. I say this because I take both potassium and Lasix
One of the side effects listed for Diovan and cardevilol is fatigue and tiredness.

I would suggest that you discuss how you are feeling with your doctor before changing your dosages with any of these medicines as a sudden change in the dose can increase your problems.

Diovan - This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This drug may also be used to treat congestive heart failure or to prevent diabetic kidney problems.

Cardevilol (Coreg) - This medicine is a beta-blocker used for treating high blood pressure or certain types of heart failure. It may also be used after a heart attack to improve survival in certain patients. It may be used along with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lasix - This medicine is a loop diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and swelling due to excess body water. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Potassium supplements are used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood. (Low potassium levels can result from taking diuretics such has Lasix. Low potassium levels can result in muscle cramps and irregular heart rhythm.)

Good luck,

Smitty

Well said......

by maryanne - 2009-03-22 12:03:42

Hey Smitty,

Well said....I am no doctor either but I am a Critical Care nurse and have worked with all of these drugs and your explanation of the drugs was very good....I also like your suggestion to grandma to speak to her doctor about how she is feeling and whether adjustments to the medications can be made in order to help improve her quality of life.

As for the appetite.....well if one is feeling lethargic one often doesn't have much of an appetite...also the combination of the drugs for some can decrease their appetite.....again speak to you doctor about this....maybe what you might want to consider is small meals or snacks through out the day....or a supplement drink.

All the best.....Mary Anne

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