@CrazyKittyLvr2 Get her to a cardiologist, even if you have to drag her there! As I’ve noted in previous posts, my (now) 94 year old aunt has CHF. Her primary care physician had been treating her, but not very effectively. She was taken to the ER this time last year because she had fallen and couldn’t get up. I honestly think that fall saved her life. She was diagnosed with chronic CHF and pneumonia in both lungs. She was in the hospital for almost 2 weeks so they could stabilize her, then sent to rehab for another 2 weeks.
My aunt had had always been active and in good shape. She was also a very independent and private person. Her legs were about twice their normal size when she went to the ER. I don’t think she had fluid seeping from her legs, but she had some sores that had scabbed over and were very itchy, so she had been scratching them. She was sent to a nurse practitioner who’s a wound specialist. In addition to treating her scabby legs, she told my aunt to stop wearing her traditional nylon compression stockings and use cotton compression tubes that allowed her legs to breathe, but were easier to put on than cotton compression stockings. They come on a roll that we order from Amazon for her. You cut them to size and they can be washed and air dried, so she can reuse them multiple times.
Even after they get your sister’s CHF under control, it’s very important for her to keep her legs elevated. Also, if she’s able, she should walk as much as she can. This may not be very far at first, but walking also helps reduce the water retention. At first, my aunt could only walk around in her house, then she was walking to the top of her street, and now she walks for about a half-hour everyday.
If your sister’s taking Lasix for her fluid retention, she needs to eat properly and drink fluids (I know, it doesn’t sound right) to guard against dehydration. My aunt caught colds a couple of times last winter. When she had a cold, she became very lethargic and wouldn’t eat or drink unless we told her she was going to end up in the hospital again. This weakened state, combined with her Lasix, caused her to become very confused. Her cardiologist told her to drink 3 Ensures a day, in addition to her meals, and Gatorade or a similar low sodium electrolyte drink. Also, she had to get back to a low sodium diet.
The sooner you can get your sister to a cardiologist, the better. She can’t allow herself to get to the point of no return. She also can’t assume her primary care physician would refer her to a cardiologist if she doesn’t request a referral. If possible, enlist her pastor and anyone else who might be able to convince her to go to a cardiologist.
It took my aunt’s cardiologist a good 6 months to get her CHF under control. She was literally at death’s door this time last year. She had a checkup with him Monday and he was thrilled with her progress. She’s been able to resume many of her former activities, with the exception of driving and bowling. Her quality of life is almost as good as it was before her trip to the ER. I hope your sister will listen to you - good luck!
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