intravascular fluid in the stomach area

Posted By Barbara Claxton on February 03, 1999 at 12:58:39:







In August, 1997 my husband suffered a major heart attach. On Septemeber 12 he has a coronary artery bybass (five way).  He suffered kidney failure and was put on hemodialysis and then regained some kidney function and was able to be switched to peritineal dialysis. He was taken off P.D. in April, 1998. He also has diabetis as well as a pace maker. His ejection fraction is between 20 - 25. Medications include cordarone 200mg, captopril 25mg, digoxin .125mg, lasix 80mg, spironolactone 25mg,zaroxolyn 10mg in addition to potassium and insulin.
With all this in mind, he has done very well. As you might guess, fluid buildup is always a concern. He is on very stringent fluid restriction.  He is only supposed to consume virtually no liquid from water, soups, fruit, or other foods. He even takes all his medication with applesauce.  The fluid is under control in his feet and lungs. The concern is the large amount of fluid that has built up in his abdominal area.  That is why his fluid restriction is so stringent. He was able to keep the fluid out of his lungs when he was able to drink more water but it always gathers in his stomach.  He looks like he is several months pregnant.  His doctor hesistates to use a needle to aspirate the fluid because of infection and reaccurence.  His cardiologist and his renal doctor are perplexed by this situation.  They think that it is just due to his weak heart. He has also had an ultrasound to check on liver damage and there was nothing significant.  His BUN and Creatinin remain borderline but do not indicate the need to go back on dialysis. Also, due to his surgery he has two hernia like projections on his chest/stomach area.
We are convinced that there is something else going on. I know that this is a lot of information but I am wondering if you have ever heard of anyone who presented similar problems. Your insight would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance,
Barbara Claxton