Anybody in here diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure?

[Dueller]

Tell me something positive.


Just got the initial news....lifestyle change in line for me Off to cardiac specialist Friday.....

[vash]

schit!!

my friend had the same thing..he is a pretty positive guy. he said, " better to find out now, than the hard way..know any great salad recipes?"

wish you the best.

smoker? drinker?

[KFC911]

Oh man...I was hoping you were posting about someone other than yourself . Sending positive thoughts your way Jim...take care of yourself and don't be a stranger here!

[Dueller]

Former smoker...social drinker. Really weird onset. Healthy as a horse my whole life....althought I didn't get regualar physicals. Knew my BP was a bit high. Started feeling fatigued....begain to gain a lot of water weight....edema in legs/feet....shortnes of breath and pressure on chest/abdomen. Got really chest congestion. In a matter of 3 weeks couldnt walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded. Heart appears to be enlarged.

But I'll make it thru fine....thanks for your well wishes. Maybe I should start that salad recipe thread

[jyl]

I suspect you'll be undertaking some major lifestyle changes. Sodium, weight, alcohol, maybe exercise. Educate yourself and then hurl yourself 100% into the needed behaviour.

[vash]

some of the healthiest people i know are living well BECAUSE of a heart (or diabetes) problem. they really rally and get it together..

the real challenge is to do it before there is a problem.

i'm rooting for you Jim!!

[KFC911]

How's the stress level in your life these days? Reduce/eliminate it if you're carrying around more than a "normal" amount imo...good luck!

[Dueller]

Well I guess I'm fortunate that genetically I'm not predisposed to HBP or heart disease...my BP has been brought into line by using diuretics (Lasix....diuretic mo fo). Potassium a bit low....cholesterol at 140, triglycerides, salt sugar etc well within normal range. Probably somewhere between Stage II and Stage III CHF is my guess.

[nostatic]

No more sisters!

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by nostatic

no more sisters!

But they were low sodium

[9dreizig]

PM sent

[Rikao4]

well the ladies should ride on top henceforth..
not good news...
so no sugar from me..
you either change the way you live..
or you die..
how...
it feel's like your drowning..

you can buy time & have fun..
but you have to change...
good luck D..

Rika

[genrex]

Thank you for seeing the doctor, instead of ignoring the symptoms. You are getting excellent advice here, and you're already a step ahead of us!

I've had CHF for two years, made the necessary lifestyle changes, and am happy and enjoying life. I have a great primary-care doctor, and a great cardiologist (probably the best in Seattle). By the way, my cardiologist and urologist understand the importance of a good sex life, 'nough said.

As part of the diagnosis process, I was going to take the treadmill test, but they gave me an injection that basically does the same thing, so you might want to talk with the cardiologist about doing that. Also, please have an overnight sleep apnea test done, to make sure you're getting a good night's sleep.

And last but not least, make sure your "affairs" are in order.

_

[sammyg2]

One time I..............












Cerial, we all die. Every one of us.
I get annoyed when people claim they saved someone's life. All they did was pospone a death.
I've never feared death or have even been bothered at the prospect.
In some ways I look forward to it because I know what's next.

[72doug2,2S]

I'm praying for you Jim.

Follow the docs orders and make the changes. A long life is a blessing.

[944Larry]

Positive.....OK, don't lose any sleep over it. I got a virus in my heart while working in Africa. Idiot doctor over here misdiagnosed me. Treated me for COPD. Nothing wrong with my lungs. Got a good doctor and found it was my heart. They said I was so bad I could get disability. They put me on some drugs and I never quit working. Had a recent checkup to include blood work and a sonogram and my heart had improved so much they took me off several of the drugs. I go back every 6 months for a check-up and try to avoid a lot of salt. Other than that I haven't changed anything else. Still drink beer and whiskey every now and then. Don't try to fly anymore but I work as a heavy equipment operator so obviously I get worked pretty hard. I'm now working 12 hour days, 12 days on and 2 off. I can outwork all the youngsters on the job by a wide margin. Do what they say and keep active and you'll be fine.

[LakeCleElum]

Good friend of my diagnosed for this 8 months ago.......Sent a long email basically saying "Goodbye"....Thought he was "done" within 6 months....Recent fires burnt his house down 2 weeks ago......I was touring the area on my dirt bike after the fires.....Pulled up to his former place to pay my respects.....He comes racing in his his SUV to check out the "looter".......Looked in better shape than he has in 20 years...Even after losing his home.

there is hope?

[porsche4life]

So no more bars and greasy food the next time I'm in Jackson? Guess we better find a salad buffet.

Seriously though, get well soon buddy!

I may be up that way next week, I'll give you a shout.

[Zeke]

Grab a brass ring, Jim. I know the youngin's won't understand that one.

[Evans, Marv]

I've had friends who have had congestive heart failure for years & years and lived seemingly normal lives with normal life expectancies. Here's hoping you sort things out and come out on top. Roll your sleeves up & dive in.