Congestive Heart Failure Question - Page 2

Moons in Leo · ‎03-10-2010

My cousin who just turned 68 had two or three heart attacks this past summer. I don't even think the doctors know quite how many.

Her heart was functioning at about 15%. They put stents in and that, coupled with medication, has gotten her heart function up to about 40%.

She has taken many medications over the years that can cause heart damage, she also smoked three packs a day and never ate properly.

As others have said, everyone is different. Hopefully your relative will be one of the lucky ones.

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

Run,

Just checking in to see if you have an update on your relative.

${#emotions_dlg.wub}$

Rununculus · ‎08-12-2013

Hi, and thank you for all of your thoughtful responses and for your prayers for him and Lola for asking.

Doctors are saying his progress is stunning. He went off the respirator and heart machines over the weekend. He took three steps yesterday and is talking (weakly, but still). I did not realize, because we'd lost touch until a few years ago (found each other thru the internet), but he had open heart surgery 8 years ago and had an implanted defibrillator. The docs say he has too much damage to qualify for a transplant. I don't understand that, but trust that it makes sense to those who understand more about medicine and cardiology.

It seems clear he will be unable to work again but his family is thrilled to have him and hopefully he can improve enough to spend some good time at home with them. Thanks again for your concern.

${#emotions_dlg.wub}$

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Maybe he doesn't have good enough circulation to support a transplant.

olive59 · ‎09-25-2011

so glad he is doing better! my late husband died young due to CHF. The damage to his heart and lungs from chemo/radiation to treat hodgekins/lyphoma was too great to overcome. He was evaluated for a heart/lung transplant but didn't pass their qualifying tests. The damage was too extensive and they couldn't risk ""wasting"" a good heart on him. He passed away 10 years ago at the age of 40.

itsmetoo · ‎03-10-2010

My brother has heart failure and was at 20% function. It took a few years but with medication it went to 40%. He tires easily and gets short of breath at times, some days are better than others, but overall he is doing ok. Everyone is different and some people get more function back than others. I have another friend who lived years with it. Best wishes to your relative.

Rununculus · ‎08-12-2013

DoubleL, I'm so sorry for your loss. That is too young to lose someone.

My cousin's family posted a pic of him sitting up partway with a big grin on his face. It's so wonderful to see him come this far, unbelievably in just about 10 days. They've moved him from ICU to another care section of the hospital. He's got the heart of a fighter. I'm optimistic that with his mental strength and will to improve, we can have him around for some time... it's always God willing of course.

Marienkaefer2 · ‎03-09-2010

My grandfather had congestive heart failure at 95. His younger sister, my great-aunt, has it now at 90.

The doc told us that, no, you do not recover from this. But, if you follow doctor's instructions, you can manage it for awhile.

My grandfather did not follow instructions. He was always a very active man, and he kept trying to exert himself physically. He went out in a snowstorm and shoveled snow. He contracted pneumonia and that really accelerated the disease. He died about seven months after his diagnosis.

My great-aunt, on the other hand, is doing reasonably well, all things considered. She follows the protocol for taking care of herself physically.

So, for every person it's different, but if someone follows instructions, they can hopefully

Manage the disease and slow the progression.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.--Marcus Tullius Cicero

Puzzle Piece · ‎06-29-2010

Every case/person is different as what we have inherited is unique from our parents genes. I have had CHF for 15 years. I watch what I eat and drink and I take the meds. Some light exercise is what I do. I live each day thankful for the hours I have been through - I've removed the toxic personalities from my life and I focus on good things. That is what works for me. I've been in IC and the cardiac unit around 7 times but that was at first when I didn't take the diagnosis seriously. I still believed I could bounce back like in my youth. I do what is expected and required of me now. I still have a nice quality of life. My share.

Never Forget the Native American Indian Holocaust

itsmetoo · ‎03-10-2010

On 1/10/2014 Love Roses said:
Every case/person is different as what we have inherited is unique from our parents genes. I have had CHF for 15 years. I watch what I eat and drink and I take the meds. Some light exercise is what I do. I live each day thankful for the hours I have been through - I've removed the toxic personalities from my life and I focus on good things. That is what works for me. I've been in IC and the cardiac unit around 7 times but that was at first when I didn't take the diagnosis seriously. I still believed I could bounce back like in my youth. I do what is expected and required of me now. I still have a nice quality of life. My share.

So glad you are doing well. Would you be willing to share what your EF was back then? Knowing what percent your heart function was might give hope to some of us for our loved ones.