congestive heart failure
By getnbuy
@getnbuy (1312)
United States
November 11, 2006 1:01am CST
Does anybody else have this? I am only 64, too young to have it, they tell me. But I do. I can't walk without getting all out of breath. I would like to correspond with someone that has this.
5 responses
@AyaMiami (95)
• United States
5 Feb 07
I developed cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure at the age of 19. I am now 34. It's always odd to go into a cardiologists office when everyone around me is much older than I am. I'm fortunate to be able to keep it controlled and have only been in the hospital once for over night observation.
@getnbuy (1312)
• United States
5 Feb 07
You are amazingly young to have this! What a burden it must be. I looked at your profile and it looks like you have not let it stop you from having a family. That is good. Keep up the struggle, and don't let it get you down. Be sure to rest when you feel like you need it. Take good care of yourself so you won't be a sick old lady like me!
@tanaclark (570)
• United States
21 Dec 06
I do not have it but my mother who is only 47 has it. She has it pretty bad. Her heart stopped in March. She was on life support for 3 days and the doctor said she was a miracle that she lived. I love my mother and I dont know alot about this condition but I do know that it has changed her alot. My mother has raised 8 children of her own and several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. My family has always said they are so amazed at how strong my mom was. There was nothing she couldnt do. Now she gets out of breath by doing even the simplest things. She has become unable to do most of what she used to do. My mother also has a very bad case of high blood pressure which her doctors said probably led to her congestive heart failure. If you have any insight on this or any advice on how I can help my mother please let me know.
@getnbuy (1312)
• United States
5 Feb 07
I imagine your mother is on direuretics, but if she isn't she should talk to her doctor about it. As I understand it, about the only thing you can do is keep your body from inundating itself with water. I got pneumonia 5 times because my lungs were filling with water. If she could get her blood pressure down, it would help, too. She should ask her doctor for something better to get it down. Losing weight is my goal to getting this under some control. I also exercise in the water a few days a week. It is much easier to move in the water. She might enjoy that. My heart goes out to her, as I know what she is going through. It is good that she has a daughter who recognizes the trouble that she is having. sometimes I think my family would rather pretend I am fit as a fiddle.
@AyaMiami (95)
• United States
5 Feb 07
Controlling fluid is definitely the key. For quite awhile I had to limit my fluid intake. I was allowed 2 liters a day, and that included any fluid in soups, fruits, etc. Controlling sodium has been so helpful as well. It's amazing the amount of sodium you find in things like salad dressing, milk and cheese. I don't use a salt shaker at all any more. I also gave up caffeine.
@naturesgurl (65)
• United States
29 May 07
Hi, i dont have it, i am currently taking care of my grandmother who is just a year older then you who has CHF. along with fibermyalgia, osterarthritis, COPD, among other things. I would be more then happy to correspond with you about this. just a side note, i took care of a women in her 50s when i worked in a personal care home who had CHF. I dont know but i would think it could occur and almost any age
@internetballer (4)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Hey y'all! I know this is a little late, but I have CHF I am 37, I was diagnosed when I was 31. It is difficult to deal with but God is good!
Others have already said the best advise I can give - keep the fluid from building up!!! I am on 8 different meds, and the one that I notice a difference when I don't take it is the diuretic (water pill).
Try to lose weight, as extra weight makes your heart work harder.
God Bless,
Elroy
@getnbuy (1312)
• United States
5 Jun 07
Thanks, Elroy. You are right, water is the key. I am managing to keep it down, but was told recently that I am dehydrated! Evidentally keeping a balance between the two is quite a trick. I have managed to lose 25 lbs. and intend to lose more. That made a difference, too. Best of luck to you and your struggle with this affliction! Lets keep in touch.
@bargaingirl (844)
• United States
24 Oct 07
My mom had it at only 49 due to complications from diabetes, she then had open heart surgery
