COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Exacerbation and CHF

cakeeater54
cakeeater54

I was hospitalized for the second time in two years with an emphysema exacerbation. They said I had fluid in my lungs and gave me heavyduty Torsemide which kept me passing urine frequently. I have three doctors -- pulmonary, cardiology, and GP -- and not one of them has ever told me I had Congestive Heart Failure that could cause exacerbation or what I could do to deal with it.


 


I was told I should cut back on sodium but I still don’t know if I should cut down on fluids. The Torsemide is making me dizzy. I have had a message into my GP for two days with no answer. I am annoyed that I am not getting information I need about my condition.


 



Does anyone here have CHF? How do you treat it? 

Bettyrunge
Bettyrunge
Lots a luck with your doctors. Last year, I went thru 2 GPS, 2 orthopedic surgeons , one PAD specialist, 4 PAs and a neurologist. Had 4 x rays, 4 blood tests and and MRI. Learned absolutely nothing, got absolutely no help.Am 88, have decided the shell with them, will just do best I can and die in peace at home.
TopazKate
TopazKate
cakeeater54, the Internet is the most marvelous research tool you could find! It would help tremendously if you could educate yourself about your health conditions. Once you learn all you can, then you will be able to maximize your visits with your doctors, by preparing a list of pertenate questions about your personal illness only your doctors can fill in.

Start with your favorite search engine and do searches for these sites:

The Merck Manual - Layman's Version - Which will give you descriptions of every physical condition you can imagine, practically.

MedlinePlus - which provides a lookup service for all prescription and over-the-counter [otc] drugs, what they're prescribed for, what their side effects are, and so on.

Wikipedia - most people don't realize that this website also includes a lot of medical information.

WebMD - This website is a fabulous source for health and medical information.

And maximize your doctor visits. Let your doctor know that you intend to be an active member of your personal health care team. And be sure to ask questions! Nurse checking your vitals? Write down what they are, and what the "normal" range is, and start tracking your progress over time. Getting an x-ray or ct scan or other test? Ask what it provides as diagnostic info. They won't tell your data, but they can tell you its function. And always, always treat nurses, aids, technicians, doctors, and more, with the utmost respect and courtesy, thanking them each time. Always remember: It's not their fault you're sick, but they must often deal with some depressing and difficult cases, mostly without thanks. Every kindness will ease everyone's burden.

Hope this will help you to realize that you are not without resources. Best wishes.