Wellness

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

My sister saw a cardologist this morning for her congestive heart failure.  Her heart is fine.

She was in the hospital for blood vessels in her stomach bleeding, it's called watermelon stomach (Gastric antral vascular ectasia).  Had transfusions and endoscopy to repairs bleeding vessels.  Of course, she is anemic.

It seems the the watermelon stomach is caused from a liver issue and that can cause CHF. They are testing her liver next week.  She has gained 10/12 lbs. since she has been home.  Fluid from the CHF.  In addition to leg swelling it accumulates in the stomach and that's usually a liver problem.

She doesn't drink, never has,  so who knows what the problem will be.  At least her heart is good, now to tackle the source of her problems.

Finally, an answer.

[MalteseMomma]

@CrazyKittyLvr2 

I will keep your sister in my prayers.

Try not to worry.

[Mindy D]

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@CrazyKittyLvr2 wrote:

My sister saw a cardologist this morning for her congestive heart failure.  Her heart is fine.

She was in the hospital for blood vessels in her stomach bleeding, it's called watermelon stomach (Gastric antral vascular ectasia).  Had transfusions and endoscopy to repairs bleeding vessels.  Of course, she is anemic.

It seems the the watermelon stomach is caused from a liver issue and that can cause CHF. They are testing her liver next week.  She has gained 10/12 lbs. since she has been home.  Fluid from the CHF.  In addition to leg swelling it accumulates in the stomach and that's usually a liver problem.

She doesn't drink, never has,  so who knows what the problem will be.  At least her heart is good, now to tackle the source of her problems.

Finally, an answer.

@CrazyKittyLvr2 This is a rare disorder. It's associated (not always) with scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder. There are also additional autoimmune disorders seen in most patients (60%). If you want to know more about this condition, I suggest this. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&ved=2ahUKEwjmtvKH4eDnAhVCn-AKHctJBW...

[Travone]

@CrazyKittyLvr2   Thanks for the update.  I hope they figure it out soon.  Is she using her oxygen?

[KingstonsMom]

@CrazyKittyLvr2 

For you and your sister.......

[hckynut]

@CrazyKittyLvr2 

I am glad to read that your sister's CHF is not due to a heart issue. Never knew that the liver could so drastically effect the input/output normal function of a healthy heart. This was never mentioned in any of the 72 Cardiac Rehab Classes I attended. Always like learning more about anything to do with one's heart function.

Hopefully her doctors can pinpoint the source exactly and take whatever steps that are available to help your sister's heart from having to work extra hard to keep her going. Being in a constant state of Anemia takes it's toll on a body's ability to function. I know that from living with it for 7+ years.

Give my best to your sister along with this also giving you a slight relief from your concern and love for her.

hckynut

[CrazyKittyLvr2]

@Travone  As far as I know she is using it at home, all night included.  I'm not sure about when she goes out. I didn't ask because if she said no I didn't have the energy to bite my tongue again.  lol

I'm just glad she has a starting place to look for answers.  Of course, and I didn't say this, had she listened to her DH, her kids and me over a year ago and seen a cardiologist, her heart would have been ruled out.  They would have investigated further and maybe this would have been found  before she got so bad.  But, I kept my mouth shut.

I swear if the devil himself popped up she would argue with him.  She should have been a lawyer.At least she'd get paid to argue.

[2blonde]

@CrazyKittyLvr2   My mother was a heavy drinker and died from cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 48.  She was quite thin, but did have that "watermelon" stomach.  I sincerely hope they can get your sister's problem straightened out quickly.  I know lots of things can cause liver disease.

All I have left in the world is my little sister, so I know how important she is to you.  My prayers are with you both. 

[Lake4]

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@CrazyKittyLvr2 wrote:

My sister saw a cardologist this morning for her congestive heart failure.  Her heart is fine.

She was in the hospital for blood vessels in her stomach bleeding, it's called watermelon stomach (Gastric antral vascular ectasia).  Had transfusions and endoscopy to repairs bleeding vessels.  Of course, she is anemic.

It seems the the watermelon stomach is caused from a liver issue and that can cause CHF. They are testing her liver next week.  She has gained 10/12 lbs. since she has been home.  Fluid from the CHF.  In addition to leg swelling it accumulates in the stomach and that's usually a liver problem.

She doesn't drink, never has,  so who knows what the problem will be.  At least her heart is good, now to tackle the source of her problems.

Finally, an answer.

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Thanks for the update. I will pray for you and your sister.