I have congestive heart failure, that's a condition where water gathers around the heart and can stop it from beating (which would seriously ruin my day), I'm on pills to get the water out of my system, but the last few days when I've been drinking more water, I've been retaining more than I have in the past, my feet, ankles and legs are swollen, there's to much water in me!

Does anyone know can I do the transformation drinking less water?

Hi Marikha,
I am sorry I don't know anything about this challenge thing b/c I am brand new here. But I am sending you my best and hoping that you find the answers to all the questions you must have about your health right now. There are elements of this program that are not going to work for me either and so I am trying to modify it to meet my health needs. I am pre-diabetic with chronic back problems and a rebellious streak. I don't like to plan, or log, or journal, or be accountable to anyone. Sometimes I wonder how I am going to make any progress at all. I have had a swollen foot for three years now and it is finally draining slowly but surely. So I know that what I am doing is at least somewhat on the right track. I hope you feel free to whine to me anytime. Everybody on here is so happy and perky. It makes it very difficult to be REAL about what is going through my head. Maybe as the weight comes off the perkiness takes over? Lol! :-) Anyway, good luck and NO DROWNING, okay?!
Love,
Melissa

Yes yes yes, I am different to, glad to meet you! I have so many maladies that every day I have to figure out which one has priority. Sometimes, like today, I just feel so awful and I can't figure out which malady it is. Today I've tried to tend to everything, but all in all it must be the heat The doctor told me not to drink all this water, he said "you can't you are a heart patient", so I cut back on the water, and my feet are still swollen so I'm wondering if a person can be dehydrated and still have swollen feet. I am tired of wondering about my health, I want to fix this so bad!

Yes, the perkiness makes me feel apart from the crowd but it also makes me want to join the club!

Marikha-

Here is something I found for you online:

"As noted earlier, CHF results in retention of salt and water. This causes an in increased body weight, swelling and shortness of breath. Diuretics or "water pills" are effective because they increase the excretion of urine and sodium (which is contained in salt). There are several different types of diuretics available. Their selection is based upon the patient's kidney function and severity of heart failure. At times, a combination of two diuretics may be used . The goal of this form of treatment is to eliminate symptoms and the physical signs of fluid retention. Measurement of daily weight is important in monitoring diuretic treatment. A steady weight gain could indicate inadequate effects.
Patients need to remember that diuretics have a tendency to increase thirst. The purpose of taking a diuretic is defeated if one succumbs to thirst and drinks an extra 1500 cc of fluids after taking taking a diuretic and making the same amount of urine. Check with your physician about the amount of fluids that you are allowed per day. Then stick to that restriction. You need to use a measuring cup to help determine your fluid intake, or at least know the size of your drinking glass (i.e., 6 ounces, etc.). Remember that fluids include water, juice, coffee, tea, soda, milk, soups and any fluid that is liquid at room temperature (popsicle, ice and gelatin). Also, note that watermelon, when eaten in large amounts, can result in the intake of a lot of fluid"

So basically, you have to adhere to doctor's orders. Water consumption does not dominate this program however so there is no reason for you not to adjust your diet and exercise. The more weight you carry, the more your heart has to work to supply blood to all that mass.

Hope that helps!

Sarah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marikha I have congestive heart failure, that's a condition where water gathers around the heart and can stop it from beating (which would seriously ruin my day), I'm on pills to get the water out of my system, but the last few days when I've been drinking more water, I've been retaining more than I have in the past, my feet, ankles and legs are swollen, there's to much water in me! Does anyone know can I do the transformation drinking less water?

My first thought is that you should bring the information from T.com to your doctor and work with him to adjust the program to fit your medical needs. While you are working with your doctor, ask if he/she knows of any nutritionists that specialize in patients with CHF.