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lydiayehling Asked January 2011

My father has advancing CHF. He has to be weighed every morning at a dry weight and we cannot get him to stand and balance on a regular scale for even a moment. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My father has advancing CHF. He has to be weighed every morning at a dry weight and we cannot get him to stand and balance on a regular scale for even a moment. Does anyone have any suggestions? We have tried putting the walker over the scale and have everyone stand behind and around him for reassurance but he wont let go of the walker. It is important we watch the weight gain each day because of possible fluid buildup.

Jennie Jan 2011
Find a stool that will fit on the scale, and subtract the weight of the stool.

stillstanding Jan 2011
I went on the internet for you and found several companies that sell flat, large scales. That way your father will feel even more comfortable when he walks on the scale. When you puschase it contact medicare and his supplement provider, they will or should pay for some of the cost. I hope this helps your family and him..

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alwayslearning Jan 2011
Put the scale at the edge of a hard bench or chair and have him sit on it. If he can pick up his feet for even a second by tucking them under him you'll have a reading.

chadburbage1 Jan 2011
and, what about using a walker to steady your father. I am learning myself from others who all have great ideas and an interest in giving.

givingsisters Jan 2011
...all of the above, and, I'm wondering if utilizing a (home) pulse-ox meter alternatively would also assist in the detection of possible fluid build up? Maybe then the weighing-in could skip to every other day or so? Is your father a big man?

chadburbage1 Jan 2011
My awareness is that some doctors request a person with CHF to weigh themselves daily as an indicator of fluid build up. Generally if there is a weight gain of 3 or more pounds in a couple of days there may be build up of fluid and a need for medical intervention. In that the disease is long term, it might be cost effective to acquire a scale that can weigh the patient in a chair or a wheel chair, or, perhaps a stool might work. Placing a scale in an area such as the corner of a room perhaps might wotk so the person can steady using the wall. Yes, absolute accuracy might not exist but the need is only relative accuracy. Be ready and close to assist.

N1K2R3 Jan 2011
Why is it necessary to weigh someone with CHF? Of course he'll have advancing fluid build-up. I assume that he is on an appropriate level of Lasix (Foresemide). Lower the dosage if you suspect that he is losing fluid too quickly. How 'bout the diet? Keep his feet warm with a hot-water bottle or an electric warming pad.

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