Wellness

[Patriot3]

Does anyone else have heart failure?  I was diagnosed last year and find I get more tired "every day". Does it keep getting worse? 

I also have low iron and have had two iron infusions.  It's down again w/my last blood test.

Have cardio appt next week and hematologist the following week.  Getting anxious about all this.   I try to ignore, but it's always there!   85 yo.

[msgb]

My mother had congestive heart failure for the last 9-10 yrs of her life.

I do not know if it gets worse it was in my opinion something that had to be watched.

She wore a pacemaker too during that time.

She was the mother of 7 and the grandmother of 12 and she continued to help each one of us as we were there for her too.

Ftigue and being tired is a hallmark of the health issue. I know that my mother did like to get a nap in --especially on her La-Z-Boy chair--actually it had been my father's and when he passed she sat in it saying she felt closer to him. !

Though she was a nurse she would get nervous about her appts. Please mention the iron being low to your doctor. I do not remember if this was an issue with my mom. 

I know she was on some meds but she liked to get things naturally thru food and supplements if possible.

Prayers and the best for your appt.

[PamfromCT]

@Patriot3, All my prayers and best wishes for you!  Please keep us informed.  All my best.

[BlueFinch]

Try as much as you can to just follow your treatment plan, while controlling your anxiety. Do things that you enjoy that may help distract you from your fears. Worry takes its toll on us and can make health conditions worsen. For the young, or old.  

There have been advances in treating CHF, slowing down progression, while extending life for many. I have a dear family friend who is 94, diagnosed with CHF almost 15 years ago. She's been determined to not let her diagnosis dictate her life. She's a force to be reckoned with. I think how she's attacked CHF mentally has added to keeping her going.  

You may be more tired because your iron level is down again. Also anxiety can be exhausting, as well. The doc's will help determine the cause of your fatigue. Also remember that as we age, we lose energy. We may feel like we need a nice nap to keep going. That's just part of the natural aging process. And, this can begin in middle age for some. 

I know it's hard to face health issues. Ignoring doesn't work very well. Remember to distract and focus on positives as much as possible, instead.  Very best to you. Keep us posted. 

[mrshckynut]

@Patriot3   my husband john was diagnosed with CHF about 2 years ago   also 85

mrshckynut 

[Patriot3]

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@msgb wrote:

My mother had congestive heart failure for the last 9-10 yrs of her life.

I do not know if it gets worse it was in my opinion something that had to be watched.

She wore a pacemaker too during that time.

She was the mother of 7 and the grandmother of 12 and she continued to help each one of us as we were there for her too.

Ftigue and being tired is a hallmark of the health issue. I know that my mother did like to get a nap in --especially on her La-Z-Boy chair--actually it had been my father's and when he passed she sat in it saying she felt closer to him. !

Though she was a nurse she would get nervous about her appts. Please mention the iron being low to your doctor. I do not remember if this was an issue with my mom. 

I know she was on some meds but she liked to get things naturally thru food and supplements if possible.

Prayers and the best for your appt.

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@msgbThank you!!

[Patriot3]

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@PamfromCT wrote:

@Patriot3, All my prayers and best wishes for you!  Please keep us informed.  All my best.

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@PamfromCTThank you!!

[mrshckynut]

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@Patriot3 wrote:

Does anyone else have heart failure?  I was diagnosed last year and find I get more tired "every day". Does it keep getting worse? 

I also have low iron and have had two iron infusions.  It's down again w/my last blood test.

Have cardio appt next week and hematologist the following week.  Getting anxious about all this.   I try to ignore, but it's always there!   85 yo.

@Patriot3       my husband said to ask if you had an ultrasound test on your heart    and if your cardiologist told you your ejection fraction  ef number     said that is how they measure degree of CHF in patient

mrshckynut 

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[on the bay]

@BlueFinch,

Your post was so encouraging.

@Patriot3,

My mother was diagnosed with heart failure and many other things. She lived a few months short of her 99th birthday and died after a fall.

Still she walked at least 1/4 of a mile every day rain or shine.

I couldn't keep up with her!

She faithfully went to all her appointments and was on a lot of different medications. She also did take naps most days too. 

I know it must be scary especially to hear of this and all the appointments can make you worry more.  I know none of us know and start to think a lot about our own lives. I thought @BlueFinch's thoughts were very encouraging and I hope you will have hope too in doing things that give you joy even something each day. A friend and I were just talking about all of this too. I will be thinking of you!

[smoochy]

I was diagnosed with CHF in March 2023. I also had an arrhythmia and abnormally slow heart rate. Four hospitalizations that month, two ambulances rides. I had a pacemaker put in. My heart failure is under control. I'm supposed to be eating much less sodium in my diet bit I find that extremely hard to do. I'm sure you will be ok as long as you take your prescribed meds and follow doctors orders.