Congestive Hearrt Failure? What's next?!!

[Lexxtech18]

Over the weekend I went to the ER with chest pain, palpatations, headache, low blood pressure, and a bunch of other symptoms. Keeping in mind that I was born with a pulmonary stenosis that was repaired 25 years ago, I was sure the stenosis was back.

Well, come to find out, I have "chronic right-sided congestive heart failure", according to the ER doc. I was floored. Anytime you hear "heart failure"... it just doesn't sound good. I've done some research and found that congestive heart failure of the right side causes fluid to collect in the peritoneal cavity and legs. I have noticed some distending in my abdomen, but no fluid in my legs. I'm paranoid I'll develope ascites in my stomach and won't be able to go back on peritoneal dialysis. *sigh*  If I can't go back on PD, my BP is just going to stay low in HD and I won't be able to remove fluid, no fluid removal means... I drown in my own body. I'm banging my head against the wall because it's just never ending!

I have an appointment with a real live cardiologist next Monday. But I'm seeing if any of you lovely people are experiencing CHF. How are you coping?

[boswife]

Ok, im not the one with these same issues, but my hubby is.  One thing that he has started to have done occasionally is a thoracentesis.  Now this is for fluid around lungs so im not sure how that relates to you but his heart failure is also right side..  He doesnt even mind it at all.  And as for the fluid on legs, during winter hes much better,, worse in summer.  He's not near what i've seen, so i think it's just something a 'patient' has to work harder on as far as salt intake/fluids.  You'll do ok with it as your 'pro' active and finding out now how to better control it, but!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im sorry your having ONE MORE THING to have to deal with.  God bless you, and keep strong.... 

[galvo]

Shocking news, Lexx! Not the end, though. I also have CHF. I've had 4 heart attacks and have 2 (3)? stents. I'm way older than you and I'm still battling on. Good luck to you, and no despair please. Keep in touch!

[Lexxtech18]

Shocking news, Lexx! Not the end, though. I also have CHF. I've had 4 heart attacks and have 2 (3)? stents. I'm way older than you and I'm still battling on. Good luck to you, and no despair please. Keep in touch!

Oh my goodness! You're lucky to still be here, hun! You're definitely a fighter.  Thanks for the support. I hope nothing but the best for you, too!

Well, my health just keeps going downhill. I had to take off work today because I've been vomiting and have shortness of breath. Went to the walk-in and they sent me to ER again.  ER did nothing as usual. I think the sooner I start on PD the sooner I'll start feeling better. Hemo is just too much on my body anymore.

[dialysis.sucks]

Old post, but I too am in Heart Failure. I've been in the hospital 5 or 6 times in the past three years and have had 8 stents placed during that time. What "reason" did they give you? I literally received the answer of "These things just happen"... As I have always had low cholesterol. Now Im on oxygen. I say do whatever you can. Dialysis is cakewalk compared to this heart stuff

[gothiclovemonkey]

i have it too, and also have issues getting the fluid off at hd, due to cramping so horribly that nothing stops it.
im slowly climbing back up and its scaring me because idk if its fluid or fat.

hopefully this cardo will have some good answers for you

[Jean]

I have it too Lex. For about 6 years now, no problems tho, had 1 heart attack with no stents. Try not to worry about it all the time. I get short of breath from time to time too, usually one water pill will handle it. Make a list of questions for your cardio guy ( I bet you already did that ) And, of course, best of luck to you.

[bjp81757]

4 heart attacks 7 stents, this past July I had  a defibrillator placed. First heart attack in 2001 the last one was in 2014. BP stays around 195/100. I just have to be careful and not exert myself too much. Take two types of nitro. Was told about five years ago that the next heart attack would most likely kill me. Had two since then. I know it's kinda of cliche, but I live by the words of an Avett Brothers song. "if I live the life I'm given i won't be scared to die". So I do the things I love, like tent camping at Inks Lake, football and baseball games, live music. If you can adapt to dialysis then you can certainly adapt to whatever changes you might need to make. Heart attacks are scary, but not nearly as scary as the first night home with your first newborn child, or shopping at the mall the week before Christmas.

[Whamo]

I became disabled because of congestive heart failure.  My ejection fraction was 19.  It sucks.  I fixed it with Cardio pLus by Standard Process.  My last ejection fraction was 75.