Brief Answer:
Losing weight little by little is my main recommendation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

- Needing caffeine more and more it is not related with the two medicines you are taking, but more with the addictive effect that caffeine has. You can start tapering it off gradually. It is not easy and needs a strong will but you can do it.
- Caffeine does not give fluid retention (remaining of the fluids more then needed in the body).
- The two medicines you are taking does not work maybe because you have gained weight, or maybe because with the age we lose the elasticity of the tissues in the body and so sometimes we need bigger doses of the medicines. I don't know the specifics of the doses and that of your healh in general because I don't have your full medical records like your doctor has, but what I recommend is first trying to increase the doses of both Lasix and K at the maximum dose (for example can try Lasix with 80mg) and then if still not enough try using some other options from the family if lasix like Hydrochlorthyazide or Spirolactone.
The compression socks will surely help, so I definitely would recommend then.
- I agree that the high levels of sugar may be due to the high-carb diet. Try to avoid the cake and the sweet foods for one month and check the fasting sugar again. A1C is the best indicator of if you have diabetes or not.
- Unfortunately, the intolerance problems do increase with the time. The best way to avid them is by avoiding these products.
- The best thing to do for yourself in this period is by attempting a healthy diet and being more active so you can lose some weight. I know this is one of the most difficult things, but it can be done, little by little.

Hope this is helpful and that I answered all your questions.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

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Brief Answer:
It is not recommended to avoid lactose products completely

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow-up question.

I am glad that I have confirmed what you already know and reassurred you.

About your other question:
In lactose intolerance it is advised to restrict and not eliminate dietary lactose. It is suggested that individuals with lactose intolerance limit their intake of lactose to two cups of milk (or its lactose equivalent) daily in two divided doses with meals. I advise patients who ingest more than two cups of milk (or its lactose equivalent) daily or dairy products without other nutrients to use lactose-reduced products or lactase supplements.
Routine daily consumption of lactose-containing products may be better tolerated than intermittent consumption.
By far the highest concentration of lactose per serving is present in milk and ice cream, but the high fat content and attendant decrease in gastric emptying rate may allow ice cream ingestion without symptoms. Cheeses generally contain much lower quantities of lactose.
Also, you should make sure that you take the needed amounts of calcium and vit D supplements.

I hope this makes sense and clarifies you a bit. Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.

Regards,
Dr.Papaqako

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Brief Answer:
Soy is found in many many foods.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Soy proteins are found in many many foods. It is one of the most difficult allergies to avoid but also it is very rare.
How do you know that you have allergy from soy? Have you been tested? You may undergo a very strict diet unnecessarily if you aren't allergic from it.

Anyway, the best way to find out which foods contain soy is by reading their label.
Also, try to eat as many clean foods as possible like fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Legumes will satisfy your need for protein somehow.
If you are not already taking, I would recommend a multivitamin and calcium supplements.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr.Papaqako

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