an update and question about diuretics

Well, I've successfully moved ... the most difficult move of my life sans husband and with one arm since I broke my wrist to coincide with it all. Am living closer to grandchildren, family and friends and already have a much better quality of life, so it was worth the pain. Am over exhausted but relieved to be here. Thankfully I only had one attack of HE during it all. The hospital in the small town I'm in is about a block away (so if I get HE I can't handle or can't drive to the city, I can walk there). This is a good thing since I live alone. Even though it's a small town, I'm 30 only minutes to the cirrhosis clinic in the city and that's a new one for me ... it's more specialized care.

For three weeks my legs have been swollen like stumps, but when I do the edema test it doesn't appear to be the problem. They're extremely sore (not muscular), I'm having trouble walking and my balance is lousy. So my question is this ... is it safe for me to double up on spironolactone for a couple of days to see if it helps? I'm only on 25 mg right now which rarely helps anyway. I'd go to the doctor but finding one in Alberta is extremely challenging ... I "interviewed" one but wouldn't go back to him and haven't had a chance to keep looking yet ... and I don't get to see my new hepatologist at the cirrhosis clinic until the end of April.

Even as I write this I'm thinking I should call the doctor, but I trust the veterans on this site more than any doctor.

Try elevating your feet and legs whenever possible. Are you being careful about sodium usage?

Yeah, A change in diuretics might be due. Remember it's a delicate balancing act with the meds so do get your doc's approval. Make sure the doc knows you are educated about the disease (you are, by the way) so they'll be on there toes when dealing with you. I didn't think about you being without a kitchen during the move, Glad David brought that up. It's easy to fall back on bad eating habits particularly when you have a good excuse like moving.
As for the sense of humor. Well..... I try to laugh when I can, Too much seriousness makes for a bored pig. Thanks for asking and yes, I'm doing good. Got blood work this week and messed around and didn't refill Lactulose and went for almost a week without. Not good...... Didn't seem to bother me but it annoyed the heck outta the wife. I'm back on track now, Ya know, winning friends and influencing enemies.


Ziff

Hey Deb

I realise it is different for everyone but when I needed diuresis, Spiro on its own never worked for me. However, with just a small amount of Furosemide (Lasix), I was peeing the Nile! The furosemide seemed to potentiate the spiro, so that I would only need a small amount (20mg) to make it work. It is not good for your sodium balance though, so needs to be taken with care.

Regards,

Jamie.

Thanks so much guys ... spironolactone doesn't seem to be working at all. I took 2 today hoping for some relief but haven't been able to walk or do much all day. Will ask about Lasix at my meeting in April or go in sooner if I still can't get out of bed next week.

Again thank you ... it means so much to talk to people who have been through this. It makes me less panicky and maybe even a bit braver. Hugs and thanks!!