Hello. My Dad (77years old) has been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. He has a biventricular pacemaker and is currently taking 25 1/2 mg Toprol daily (which is also being gradually increased) and 240mg Lasix daily.
His doctors say they are pleased with his progress and current condition BUT he feels lousy...really lousy, and the doctors are not addressing this issue.
He is fatigued...has muscle weakness in his legs and feels unbalanced...very thirsty...has trouble sleeping. I thought talking with another CHF patient might shed some light on these issues. Anyone else going through this?
Can anyone help? Thanks.

My Husband has chf, cardiomyopathy and pulminary hypertension. He also feels like your dad. The meds really dont help, perhaps he can take lasix just upon waking? The lasix will keep him awake at night, and lack of sleep can compromise his health. Lupines

Hammie,

Most of the symptoms seem to point to the Lasix which is a VERY potent diuretic. It depletes sodium and potassium severely and thus your dad should have frequent blood tests to check his electrolytes.
THe old banana- orange juice routine should be followed rigidly to keep the ppotassium up but low sodium (which is also quite common) can make a person feel like he's been run over by a train.

He needs to keep fluid buildup down so there's no easy way of avoiding the thirstiness and weakness...it just comes with the potent diuretics (and often with just thiazides as well.) Many's the night I thought I would need my mouth PRIED open from dryness.

The Lotrel can also contribute to the weakness.