Saw the cardio doc Monday

I went to the cardio doc Monday and he thinks I might have a leaky heart valve, and we will do a cardiolite stress test to look for blockages (he doesn't think I have any based on EKG and exam) and an  echocardiogram on 9/20/07.  He thinks my main prob is I am "water-logged".  He showed me how to tell we are retaining too much fluid (besides puffy ankles and fingers).  He pressed lightly on my shin bone for 10 seconds and when he removed his finger you could see and feel an indentation.  It was not this way on him.  He said for my type of work (indoor desk job) and the fact do not sweat much at all, even when outdoors doing my 3 mile walk etc, that my 64-100 oz of fluid I drink per day are way too much for me.  He said our veins, like our skin, lose their elasticity from years of obesity and don't do the job of flushing and ridding our bodies of the excess fluid like the should, and it hits "roadblocks" so to speak, causing my pain.  Sooooooo he told me only drink when I am thirsty, so I cut my consumption to 32-40 oz yesterday, and prescribed a diuretic to take twice a day til I come back the end of September. He did tell me to watch my BP and pay attention to how I feel, so the diurectics don't deplete too much and zap me.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

April

Bless your heart. I'm VERY glad that the news was no worse than it was.  Heart problems are sooooo scary.  Leaky heart valve is not uncommon in women "our age".  Can you imagine a doctor telling you  NOT to drink so much water? That is pretty unreal!!  Good idea to monitor how you are feeling because I was thinking that "normally" taking diuretics of any kind was forbidden. I would think that as long as you are under a doctor's care it will be fine. Hope all your future tests turn out well. Let us know!!            Hugs,  Piggybabe 

Nope, never thought one would tell me that, but we will see how it goes,and I am to keep check of my blood pressure so it does not go too low.  Normal for me is about 114/77 or so.  Last night was 101/69 so we shall see. Thanks much and take care too. Hugs, April

I started to retain water about two years after my surgery, I currently take four water pills a day, plus I have to also take four possiuman pills a day because I take the water pills.  My doctor has never told me not to drink all of my water/fluids. Good luck to you Jackie