What is Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF), also called congestive cardiac failure (CCF) or just heart failure, is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorde...
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Diagnosed..Now what?
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Here's the very basic of what we know: DH, 31y/o, 5'10, 165-170lbs. NO previous chronic illness known. Previous Blood Transfusion 02'(after car accident), and surgery for Congenital Cataracts in 99'-00'. Spontaneous Left Lung Collapse 12/07, Diagnosis of IDCM followed in 5/08. Smoked 96'-12/07,no street drugs. Presents will most of HF symptoms, edema, persistant dry hacky cough, chest pains, shortness of breath, frequent moderate-severe headaches, waking at night coughing trying to catch breath, moderate short term memory loss, spells of dizziness, nausea, lethargy, mood swings, lack of appetite, lack of energy. A leg ultra-sound was performed after his feet turned blue and swelled. Negative result, however occasional bluing and swelling of feet continues, with elevation as temporary relief. At times, he seems well though a half hour low key amateur tennis play, or a 30 minute bike ride; and yet, at some times, the simplest tasks such as but not limited to, manually pencil sharpening a 20pk of pencils, straightening the bed covers, or even just trying to get through the emotion of anger bring about a moderate to high moderate level of shortness of breath,chest pains, and/or coughing. Meds have included: ACE-Inhibitor, BETA Blocker, 81mgAspirin, Provental Inhaler, Heartburn meds, and on steroid 6day pack. ACE was discontinued Oct. 08' after a "spell" involving his heartrate(averaging 30-36) and BP (also too low), and extreme difficulty keeping him awake and alert. He was hospitalized for 7days and for night 1 he was on a nitro-pack which DID alleviate the chest pains he was having at that time. His EF is 40-45%. Under Doctor's orders, he must sleep with his upper body elevated (to stave off the trouble at night with episodes of breathlessness(Sleep study revealed NO APNEA). He cannot sleep under or in the line of direct pressurized air flow (floor/ceiling fans, or forced air floor heaters), must avoid Chemicals even those for cleaning ( unless using a face mask), avoid air borne irritants such as the dust outside on very windy days unless protected, must rest frequently, monitor sodium intake, and must try and remain as stress free as possible. His heart rate AND B.P. have ALWAYS been on the low side of normal, so we MUST monitor his vitals AT HOME daily, because the meds lower those more. From Tue. this week @1P.M.-Wed.@4P.M., his weight increased from 164lb to 172lb, his weight have leveled at 170lb ( his highest sustained weight EVER, with his average pre-IDCM weight ranging from 145lb-160lb).
Dr. says "I don't believe the severity of your symptoms is caused be your DCM because all the tests show that you have a mild form of DCM. He wants Dh to see 3 OTHER specialists (we have no insurance and are tired of the run around). Says that DH CANNOT take anything for the depression/anxiety because those meds will lower an already low H.B, and B.P. I have lost two people in the last 7 months to DCM. My best friend, female, pregnancy induced DCM, 36 years old VERY UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE. And a family member, hereditary DCM, 36 year old male, VERY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE! This DOES worry me so! Am I worrying too much, or not enough? Posted on 03/22/09, 04:03 pm |
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If your friend's Ef is 40-45% he/she should not be having these other awful symptoms. I think something else is going on. Good luck.... 
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I had all of the above...but elevated blood pressure. Never smoked...and ended up with diastolic dysfunction and fluid overload. I lived on fast food and Pepsi. After 6 months of NO caffeine...almost no fast food..and severely limiting sodium and eating "healthy"...have almost all of my strength back, do not have to sleep elevated...and even my asthma symptoms have improved. I had to find the right doctor. When I was diagnosed I was on that state insurance and it was a GOOD emergency room that found the problem. Also, had decreased kidney function. Know you don't want to run around..but that is what I had to do or die. I'm now 48 pounds lighter and getting better every day. I have 65% EF
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Almost forgot. My kidney specialist would have flipped with that kind of weight gain that quickly. What about lasix? I was on that at first. Limiting sodium is harder than most people think. almost EVERY food has sodium. My dietician told me she knew of a woman who was eating pickles because she thought they were healthy...and frozen "health" choice meals and she died. An egg has 75 mg of sodium. 2% milk has 130 mg of sodium as does a slice of bread. I also had to retrict fluid intake.
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"Am I worrying too much, or not enough?"
I'd just like to throw out there the possibility that worrying isn't helping the situation, no matter how good or bad the situation is. Try investing the energy in things that are productive, even if they're as simple as spending time with this person and letting them talk about it... As a guy who's going through a similar experience at a similar age, there's a lot of emotional baggage that goes with being this sick this young. And a lot of people, no matter how much they love you, aren't really up to talking about it as much as you might need to. Being willing to be there for your friend's darker moods is going to be a lot more helpful than worrying... They're both really taxing activities, but at least one of them is productive.
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It sounds like you are giving your friend a lot of support that is very important. I think my family and friends worry to much and even myself at times, A positive outlook or attitude does help.
Some of your friends symptoms could be coming from his meds. Beta Blockers can cause breathing problems for some people and make you feel drained. Heart failure and depression seem to go together at times and make you feel worse. Try not to worry to much , Easier said than done. Wish you all the best of luck.
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DH, is my husband. I took him by "surprise" to his primary care doctor yesterday. I figure they are the best place to start. She looked at my hubby's test from the hospital and the cardiologist. She said his EF was 50-55%, with very very slight enlargment/weakening. She said she believes everything seems to point to CHF. She said the Enalipril, just isn't gonne work for him, and asked that he discontinue that med and begin taking Coreg(*sp). He has to take VERY SMALL doses so that he doesn't end up in the hospital again. He was officially 171.8 llbs, when last Wed. he was 164, and he's DEFINATELY retaining fluid. And for the VERY FIRST TIME that we are aware of, she is doing blood tests geared toward NOT treating DCM, but getting to the root of the problem. Hubby's pharmacists said that they were a bit confused by how the cardiologist was prescribing meds, but overall, I think we did the right thing yesterday. We should know, no later than Friday, the results of his blood tests. fingers crossedX
We are moving forward, getting the right medical care (hopefully second times a charm),and this is allowing me to work toward aquiring insurance, and plan our lifestyle a bit easier. Because I am a care taker of 2.5(two kids and my hubby on his bad days/nights), and my youngest is special needs(ADHD,OCD,Autistic/SID,Dislexic,pre-diabetic) it helps to KNOW the direction you'll need to "turn" before you "crank the car". Thanks to each of you for your advice. As much as I try to understand what ya'll and my hubby are going through, I know I may never know, so I won't pretend. Having seen two close people fight that battle, I'd like to say I have never had the privalege of knowing a stronger group of people! Thanks Again
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