Congestive Heart Failure - I probably haz it

[Jainarayan]

Lately, past month or two, maybe three, I've been swelling up more than usual. I always did have a bit of a water retention problem. My mother did too. Ok, I do eat pizza, occasional subs and cold cuts, some chips here and there. And I've gotten fat.

1. I can't get my boots on without a long-handled shoehorn, and even then it's a tight fit.
   
   
2. I get winded and no longer take the stairs.
   
   
3. I get short of breath even just sitting.
   
   
4. Lying in the recliner is a better sleep than lying flat.
   
   
5. B.P. today was 140/106.
   
   
6. I wake up at night feeling like I'm suffocating. I have to get up and walk around or even just stand and catch my breath.

Those are just the highlights. I thought this was all due to having gained weight and gotten out of shape. I was a power lifter until about 6 years ago when my back required a lumbar fusion. I was still taking 3-3.5 mph road walks and weight training. My diet was pretty good. Maybe around last December my diet and exercise took a jog to the left. I've put on about 30 lbs. I don't know how much of it is water, but I do have a "bear belly". Btw, I'll be 62 years old in 2 weeks.

So I go to Urgent Care because it's a near impossibility to get in to see my regular doctor. The UC doctor examines me, questions me and says he's reasonably sure it's CHF. He drew blood and will get the results in a few days. He gave me Lasix 20 mg and told me to see my own dr. and/or a cardiologist. My dr. gives me an appt. next week! I have the name of a cardiologist that I may just go to, bypassing my dr. He's only going to tell me to see a cardiologist.

I think I caught this early but I'm reading some pretty dismal outlooks for this disease:

50% of patients having an average life expectancy of less than five years. For those with advanced forms of heart failure, nearly 90% die within one year

I don't fear death or dying, for myself... I'm Hindu and have great faith in my beliefs. Rather I worry for those I leave behind. I don't plan to give up, in fact I'll probably go kicking and howling if it ever comes to that. Maybe it won't.

 

[Vinayaka]

Lately, past month or two, maybe three, I've been swelling up more than usual. I always did have a bit of a water retention problem. My mother did too. Ok, I do eat pizza, occasional subs and cold cuts, some chips here and there. And I've gotten fat.

1. I can't get my boots on without a long-handled shoehorn, and even then it's a tight fit.
   
   
2. I get winded and no longer take the stairs.
   
   
3. I get short of breath even just sitting.
   
   
4. Lying in the recliner is a better sleep than lying flat.
   
   
5. B.P. today was 140/106.
   
   
6. I wake up at night feeling like I'm suffocating. I have to get up and walk around or even just stand and catch my breath.

Those are just the highlights. I thought this was all due to having gained weight and gotten out of shape. I was a power lifter until about 6 years ago when my back required a lumbar fusion. I was still taking 3-3.5 mph road walks and weight training. My diet was pretty good. Maybe around last December my diet and exercise took a jog to the left. I've put on about 30 lbs. I don't know how much of it is water, but I do have a "bear belly". Btw, I'll be 62 years old in 2 weeks.

So I go to Urgent Care because it's a near impossibility to get in to see my regular doctor. The UC doctor examines me, questions me and says he's reasonably sure it's CHF. He drew blood and will get the results in a few days. He gave me Lasix 20 mg and told me to see my own dr. and/or a cardiologist. My dr. gives me an appt. next week! I have the name of a cardiologist that I may just go to, bypassing my dr. He's only going to tell me to see a cardiologist.

I think I caught this early but I'm reading some pretty dismal outlooks for this disease: I don't fear death or dying, for myself... I'm Hindu and have great faith in my beliefs. Rather I worry for those I leave behind. I don't plan to give up, in fact I'll probably go kicking and howling if it ever comes to that. Maybe it won't.

Sorry to hear that, young man. My body's heart attack was 6 years ago this September. Not the same condition as yours, but yeah. If you still feel you have some karma before the next time around, I hope you can lurk awhile longer in that there body. Take care, and best wishes.

 

[Estro Felino]

Take care...Compatriot

 

[Jainarayan]

Sorry to hear that, young man. My body's heart attack was 6 years ago this September. Not the same condition as yours, but yeah. If you still feel you have some karma before the next time around, I hope you can lurk awhile longer in that there body. Take care, and best wishes.

Thanks. I didn't know you had a heart attack, I'm sorry to hear that. My nephew was in his late 30s and had one. He's doing fine now, lost a ton of weight. That's my first order of business I guess. I know my doc is going to shake his finger at me... again.

 

[Jainarayan]

Take care...Compatriot

Thanks.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Lately, past month or two, maybe three, I've been swelling up more than usual. I always did have a bit of a water retention problem. My mother did too. Ok, I do eat pizza, occasional subs and cold cuts, some chips here and there. And I've gotten fat.

1. I can't get my boots on without a long-handled shoehorn, and even then it's a tight fit.
   
   
2. I get winded and no longer take the stairs.
   
   
3. I get short of breath even just sitting.
   
   
4. Lying in the recliner is a better sleep than lying flat.
   
   
5. B.P. today was 140/106.
   
   
6. I wake up at night feeling like I'm suffocating. I have to get up and walk around or even just stand and catch my breath.

Those are just the highlights. I thought this was all due to having gained weight and gotten out of shape. I was a power lifter until about 6 years ago when my back required a lumbar fusion. I was still taking 3-3.5 mph road walks and weight training. My diet was pretty good. Maybe around last December my diet and exercise took a jog to the left. I've put on about 30 lbs. I don't know how much of it is water, but I do have a "bear belly". Btw, I'll be 62 years old in 2 weeks.

So I go to Urgent Care because it's a near impossibility to get in to see my regular doctor. The UC doctor examines me, questions me and says he's reasonably sure it's CHF. He drew blood and will get the results in a few days. He gave me Lasix 20 mg and told me to see my own dr. and/or a cardiologist. My dr. gives me an appt. next week! I have the name of a cardiologist that I may just go to, bypassing my dr. He's only going to tell me to see a cardiologist.

I think I caught this early but I'm reading some pretty dismal outlooks for this disease: I don't fear death or dying, for myself... I'm Hindu and have great faith in my beliefs. Rather I worry for those I leave behind. I don't plan to give up, in fact I'll probably go kicking and howling if it ever comes to that. Maybe it won't.

Glad you caught it. Hope it was early. My advice would be to do your best to make positive changes in your diet and level of exercise. Do what you can to reverse the damage, but don't overdo it. Best wishes to you and good health.

 

[Jainarayan]

Glad you caught it. Hope it was early. My advice would be to do your best to make positive changes in your diet and level of exercise. Do what you can to reverse the damage, but don't overdo it. Best wishes to you and good health.

Thanks. I'm definitely pulling the plug on the dietary debauchery. The "Chubby Guys Cuddle Better" t-shirts are getting put away. Although they do.

 

[Jainarayan]

Just made an appointment with a cardiologist for next Wed. afternoon. I may still go to my internist that morning. I need a checkup anyway.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Thanks. I'm definitely pulling the plug on the dietary debauchery. The "Chubby Guys Cuddle Better" t-shirts are getting put away. Although they do.

I feel your pain. I just put my Bear Pride flag up last night.

 

[sun rise]

Fingers crossed for unexpected positive news.

 

[Erebus]

Very sorry to hear that. I hope things turn out alright for you.

 

[crossfire]

I'm glad you are getting the needed medical attention! Let's hope it works!

 

[Jainarayan]

I'm glad you are getting the needed medical attention! Let's hope it works!

Me too!

 

[Jainarayan]

Thanks folks.

 

[ChristineM]

Lately, past month or two, maybe three, I've been swelling up more than usual. I always did have a bit of a water retention problem. My mother did too. Ok, I do eat pizza, occasional subs and cold cuts, some chips here and there. And I've gotten fat.

1. I can't get my boots on without a long-handled shoehorn, and even then it's a tight fit.
   
   
2. I get winded and no longer take the stairs.
   
   
3. I get short of breath even just sitting.
   
   
4. Lying in the recliner is a better sleep than lying flat.
   
   
5. B.P. today was 140/106.
   
   
6. I wake up at night feeling like I'm suffocating. I have to get up and walk around or even just stand and catch my breath.

Those are just the highlights. I thought this was all due to having gained weight and gotten out of shape. I was a power lifter until about 6 years ago when my back required a lumbar fusion. I was still taking 3-3.5 mph road walks and weight training. My diet was pretty good. Maybe around last December my diet and exercise took a jog to the left. I've put on about 30 lbs. I don't know how much of it is water, but I do have a "bear belly". Btw, I'll be 62 years old in 2 weeks.

So I go to Urgent Care because it's a near impossibility to get in to see my regular doctor. The UC doctor examines me, questions me and says he's reasonably sure it's CHF. He drew blood and will get the results in a few days. He gave me Lasix 20 mg and told me to see my own dr. and/or a cardiologist. My dr. gives me an appt. next week! I have the name of a cardiologist that I may just go to, bypassing my dr. He's only going to tell me to see a cardiologist.

I think I caught this early but I'm reading some pretty dismal outlooks for this disease: I don't fear death or dying, for myself... I'm Hindu and have great faith in my beliefs. Rather I worry for those I leave behind. I don't plan to give up, in fact I'll probably go kicking and howling if it ever comes to that. Maybe it won't.

Look after yourself, forget the junk food and cut the salt (its in just about all ready meals and junk), nice leisurely walks and take on board what the cardiologist tells you. That was the advice to my father in law 8 years ago. Hes still bugging us, no reason why you cant hang around for a few more years yet.

 

[Jainarayan]

Look after yourself, forget the junk food and cut the salt (its in just about all ready meals and junk), nice leisurely walks and take on board what the cardiologist tells you. That was the advice to my father in law 8 years ago. Hes still bugging us, no reason why you cant hang around for a few more years yet.

Thanks. I'm already on-board with cleaning up the diet. It was funny for a while, but it's not. I don't think that was the cause. My mother's family was rife with heart disease. My grandfather and 4 uncles all had some form. My uncles had multiple bypasses. My grandmother, 2 aunts and mother had some form of cancer. My father's family was too nasty to get anything. My father used to say even the devil wouldn't want him.

 

[SugarOcean]

Lately, past month or two, maybe three, I've been swelling up more than usual. I always did have a bit of a water retention problem. My mother did too. Ok, I do eat pizza, occasional subs and cold cuts, some chips here and there. And I've gotten fat.

1. I can't get my boots on without a long-handled shoehorn, and even then it's a tight fit.
   
   
2. I get winded and no longer take the stairs.
   
   
3. I get short of breath even just sitting.
   
   
4. Lying in the recliner is a better sleep than lying flat.
   
   
5. B.P. today was 140/106.
   
   
6. I wake up at night feeling like I'm suffocating. I have to get up and walk around or even just stand and catch my breath.

Those are just the highlights. I thought this was all due to having gained weight and gotten out of shape. I was a power lifter until about 6 years ago when my back required a lumbar fusion. I was still taking 3-3.5 mph road walks and weight training. My diet was pretty good. Maybe around last December my diet and exercise took a jog to the left. I've put on about 30 lbs. I don't know how much of it is water, but I do have a "bear belly". Btw, I'll be 62 years old in 2 weeks.

So I go to Urgent Care because it's a near impossibility to get in to see my regular doctor. The UC doctor examines me, questions me and says he's reasonably sure it's CHF. He drew blood and will get the results in a few days. He gave me Lasix 20 mg and told me to see my own dr. and/or a cardiologist. My dr. gives me an appt. next week! I have the name of a cardiologist that I may just go to, bypassing my dr. He's only going to tell me to see a cardiologist.

I think I caught this early but I'm reading some pretty dismal outlooks for this disease: I don't fear death or dying, for myself... I'm Hindu and have great faith in my beliefs. Rather I worry for those I leave behind. I don't plan to give up, in fact I'll probably go kicking and howling if it ever comes to that. Maybe it won't.

First of all, Do not let yourself think negatively. There's a Buddhist wisdom that says, what you think you become.
Think positive. Like, "I am going to overcome this. My heart is strong and I'll be fine." Like that. Do not go negative. You want to live and you caught this early which is a very good thing. CHF is not only treatable but it can be reversible.
(*happy dance*)
The new CHF: It’s treatable

Maybe go to a health food store and speak with a counselor there. (Not GNC) Tell them what you've been told by your doctor and see if there are any teas you might drink to help with the edema (water retention in tissues of your extremities)
This is the Google link for teas for CHF. There are herbs to stay away from and teas that are very helpful in healing.
I always go the natural remedy route which is why I make this offer.
https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=herbal+teas+CHF&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Praying for you. I look forward to your update after you get your blood test results back. Think positive! I am. You're going to be just fine.

 

[oldbadger]

Lately, past month or two, maybe three, I've been swelling up more than usual. I always did have a bit of a water retention problem. My mother did too. Ok, I do eat pizza, occasional subs and cold cuts, some chips here and there. And I've gotten fat.

1. I can't get my boots on without a long-handled shoehorn, and even then it's a tight fit.
   
   
2. I get winded and no longer take the stairs.
   
   
3. I get short of breath even just sitting.
   
   
4. Lying in the recliner is a better sleep than lying flat.
   
   
5. B.P. today was 140/106.
   
   
6. I wake up at night feeling like I'm suffocating. I have to get up and walk around or even just stand and catch my breath.

Those are just the highlights. I thought this was all due to having gained weight and gotten out of shape. I was a power lifter until about 6 years ago when my back required a lumbar fusion. I was still taking 3-3.5 mph road walks and weight training. My diet was pretty good. Maybe around last December my diet and exercise took a jog to the left. I've put on about 30 lbs. I don't know how much of it is water, but I do have a "bear belly". Btw, I'll be 62 years old in 2 weeks.

Sorry to read your news.
On reading about your BP I just took my BP and it is 162/108 and 2nd reading 155/102 so you're ahead of the game compared to me on that. My BP has been high since 2003 despite medication and now if it drops to anything near normal I get all light headed. So as far as I'm concerned BP is just a pair of numbers.

All I can do is to wish you well and hope that the quacks can sort you out OK.

I think I caught this early but I'm reading some pretty dismal outlooks for this disease: I don't fear death or dying, for myself... I'm Hindu and have great faith in my beliefs. Rather I worry for those I leave behind. I don't plan to give up, in fact I'll probably go kicking and howling if it ever comes to that. Maybe it won't.

A good way of handling all those IT reports and stuff is to ignore the whole friggin' lot.
After my heart attack in 2003 and with ridiculously high BP the statatistics reckoned I was toast. I just bought an electric bike to help with hills (or get me home if I got tired) and went roaming about each early morning ........ I still go cycling and swimming most mornings.

Ah..... do you like swimming? Is there a pool near you? That's one way of exercising when a bit overweight.

One other thing. Is there anything that you really really want now which you are able to acquire? Whatever it is, please do get it.

All the very best to you, and I'll keep an eye out for this thread.

 

[Quagmire]

Hope things turn out OK, Frank. Sounds like you caught it early whatever it is.

 

[Darkforbid]