Diuretics Drink or Don't Drink..

Hello Stephan, Thank you for sharing. You brought up a great point. Most of the time the physicians first move on a meniere's patient is to control the fluid levels, Being that "Hydrops" is said to be the origin of meniere's, the docs tend to want to drain us dry. Most cardiologists frown on the use of diuretics, i know my does anyway, so to make the ENT and cardiologists happy we did an adjustment on the dosage, I cut 25mg's in half, this seems to be effective in controlling the fluid buildup without leaving stranded in the desert. I think diuretics are like any other medication, the most important thing is the appropriate dosage to control the patients symptoms without causing unpleasant side effects. Thank you for sharing! When we stick together we are stronger! 

Bertman 

Thanks for the link.  I have side effects from taking the diuretic, such as low potassium and reduced kidney function.  So I take prescription potassium supplements and am monitored by a nephrologist (kidney specialist).  She does not want me to stop the diuretic as she feels my quality of life would be impacted by vertigo, which is controlled by the diuretic.  So I weigh the pros and cons and continue to take the water pill.  I do not get thirsty, so try to drink regularly throughout the day.  My pill is a potassium-sparing one, but apparently it doesn't spare enough!  I also take a magnesium otc supplement too, per my primary care Dr., which is another electrolyte. It took awhile for my doctor's to test for the electrolytes, though my ENT thought of that immediately when I told him I felt woozy a lot of days.  I thought it was the Meneire's, but he wanted to check electrolytes.  Sure enough, the potassium was low.  The kidney tests also showed that.  Now I'm monitored regularly.  Reduced vertigo attacks are worth it all!

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232486753_Efficacy_of_Long-Term_Administration_of_Isosorbide_for_Meniere's_Disease

 

Stephen,

Thanks for the link. I stopped taking a diuretic years ago because of the issues list in the link you provided. Mainly kidney problems. After tracking my triggers for a period of time, I discovered sugar and and fluctuating insulin, was a problem for me. So as part of my diet to stabilizing my insulin levels I also reduced my daily carbohydrates. I found by doing this, it acts as a natural diuretic. I also take potassium and magnesium supplements. I make sure I drink plenty of water every day. I found if I don’t get enough water, this can also act as a trigger. Tracking triggers is key, as we have all stated many times , they are not the same for all. 

Jim

High Jim,

I'm sorry to hear of your kidney problems

of course you must be carefull and it seems

as if you have got it under control ..well done..

some people seem to think its just about water

intake and they end up dehydrated with all

the symptoms that issue intails ..stay well...stev

Thanks for posting about this Stephen. I started taking the diuereric regularly about 3 months ago once the betahistine was insufficient to regulate the fluid. I follow a strict diet and avoid caffeine, but I still had the pressure build up. Once I stated the diuretic, things got back to normal. I’ve heard some people say that increasing the dosage of betahistine works. I have a follow up with my PCP and ENT in a month to check kidney function and discuss other options.