Does anyone else use diuretics?

[afidz]

I have to take diuretics because I retain mass amounts if water if I don't. But I'm terrified of them. Long term use can cause kidney damage. I'm only 26 with enough health problems to last a lifetime (good thing it's all chronic eh?) I don't want to hurt my kidneys.
I haven't taken them in at least 5 days. My skin is holding so much water right now that it's actually seeping.
My max deductible has finally been met so I'm working on finding a primary doctor. I'm hoping they can help me figure out a way to stop the water retention with out taking a diuretic

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Can you take them periodically to reduce swelling and normalize your condition but not take them daily to safeguard your kidneys?

 

[FrozenGirl]

I have taken them, but only for a couple days to counteract massive Pred fluid retention (ad in can't fit my feet in shoes). I hope you can find an awesome primary care doc! My first was horrible but my second Is pretty good and I'm glad I looked for her vs staying with my old doc.

 

[mtborn52]

Right now it sounds like you are choosing the path that will cause the most damage. The doctor gave them to you because the alternative of retaining all that fluid can do more damage than the pills. Use the medicine to get your health to a place where you will no longer need any diuretics. If you don't have a good specialists you might want to get one you can trust. Ask about physical therapy to help you manage the swelling. I've had to use them on/off for yrs with no ill effects on my kidneys. Oh, and if you can walk---it helps.

 

[2thFairy]

I drink grapefruit juice as a natural diuretic. Not as powerful as pills, but not harmful either. Watermelon is another great natural diuretic.

 

[kikig]

I have taken diuretics every day for the last 10 years. I drink around 3 litres of water a day, and if I skip the diuretics a few days I feel it.

That said, I have internal lymphoedema (see signature) and I suffered a pleural effusion a few years ago when my lymphoedema built up internally - not in a small part due to my spree of "normal" food when I was travelling eastern europe. Try asking for low fat when you look like a pixie :ybiggrin:

My diuretics are prescribed though -I am assuming yours are as well? Which ones? Generally speaking, mine are low dose combination diuretics to prevent damage