Stage 4 Congestive Heart Failure -- oral Lasix isn't working

Why would a hospital refuse to do a thoracentesis when the fluids are worse today than when he was first admitted on 12/31/08.  Two weeks ago they did a thoracentesis the day after he was admitted and he was much relieved.  He was discharged three days later feeling much better.  He was readmitted today, given one i.v. dose of 120 mg Lasix and that's it.  They are offering no other treatment and are discharging him tomorrow.  Have they given up on him or what?

Baffled daughter

[Encephalomalcia]

Are the fluids between his heart and lungs?  It could be that there is not much fluid there.  If the Lasix does not work, usually the next thing is kidney dialysis.  Kidney dialysis has risks with CHF patients.  The blood pressure can drop too low and the liver can be affected.  Lasix is best if his kidneys are still working.  

[selmaS]

Hi, May I ask...how do u know what stage od CHF someone is in?

[angelheart1261]

I am on 160 mg lasix a day for chf and cardiomyopathy ... also 5mg of zaroxolyn soemtimes they work good but soemtimes not working .. any advice what i should do as I cant afford to  gain any weight and need to take this fluid off

[gmachris518]

According to my doctors, the EF of the heart is how they tell what stage of failure you're in.

My case, I'm at 15-20% EF, and they are telling me that I'm am stage 4.  

Hope this helps.

[wright4him]

Acute kidney failure- kidneys at 4%
Congestive Heart Failure-Severe
Lungs filling with fluid and infection-antibiotics no longer working,surgery was done and removed several puss pockets.
Refusal to do dialysis
How much more can a body take before it stops completly-death
Thank you