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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Pneumonia. Full Of Fluid. Prescribed Lasix Pills For Kidney Checkup. Weight Is High. Should I See A Cardiologist?

I have had pneumonia 3 times in 3 months and this last time my calves and ankles were very swollen and I ended up in the hospital for 5 days and had to be on oxygen. The pulmonologist did a SWAN and my hear is fine unless I am full of fluid and then I go into pulmonary hypertension. I am now having my kidneys checked and was told to take 3 Lasix pills and one other like it a day to take the weight off, but my weight is still 20 pounds higher than usual and Lasix not working at all. Do you think I need to see a cardiologist?
Thu, 13 Jun 2013
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Overt leg swelling generally means a gain of 10 % weight from fluids...
Your description suggests Pulmonary hypertension... Cardiology consultation and ECHOcardioraphy are necessary to assess Pulmonary Hypertension / Right heart or Bi-ventricular failure.
Blood test should be done first to assess kidney function...
Leg veins, liver function, anaemia, albumin need assessment.
Recurrent pneumonia needs assessment of immune status. Pneumococcal vaccination may be of help.
Lasix dose may be stepped up and/or another diuretic like spiranolactone may be added... The treating doctor can assess and suggest appropriately...

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
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Had Pneumonia. Full Of Fluid. Prescribed Lasix Pills For Kidney Checkup. Weight Is High. Should I See A Cardiologist?

Hi friend, Welcome to Health Care Magic Overt leg swelling generally means a gain of 10 % weight from fluids... Your description suggests Pulmonary hypertension... Cardiology consultation and ECHOcardioraphy are necessary to assess Pulmonary Hypertension / Right heart or Bi-ventricular failure. Blood test should be done first to assess kidney function... Leg veins, liver function, anaemia, albumin need assessment. Recurrent pneumonia needs assessment of immune status. Pneumococcal vaccination may be of help. Lasix dose may be stepped up and/or another diuretic like spiranolactone may be added... The treating doctor can assess and suggest appropriately... Take care Wishing speedy recovery God bless Good luck