• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Congestive heart failure .

Whoa that sucks! 🙁

Good friend of mine had the same. (no idea about the "stage" she had tho sorry)

Good news is that she came through okay but she did require open-heart surgery w/valve replacements.
 
I have had a very fortunate life. I have few regrets and have family that loves me. What else could I ask for.
I have road raced for fun and taught my daughters to be better people than me. My girls have exceeded my expectation.
 
Wow that doesn't sound good. I'm familar with coronary heart disease/angina where there are blockages as my dad has it and has had many angioplasty procedures to clear the blockages, but this sounds like it's the heart itself that is just not pumping enough? That does sound more serious as there is probably not much that can be done I imagine. Or is there something they can do to somehow boost it? Like a pace maker or something like that?
 
Drach said:
I think it's beyond that.
I am going to buy a KTM 1290 super duke r to have fun. I feel great and have no regerts. :tearsofjoy:
Click to expand...
If you "feel great" and can sit on a motorcycle for extended periods, you're not extremely far gone.

My dad had CHF for quite a few years. He ignored it for several years, not taking his medications, which led to his legs swelling and leaking fluid, until he finally had to go to the ER. Once on medications his legs got better, and the doctor said his heart was actually improving up to a few months before he died. (He had a lot of health problems by that point.) My point is, take the meds your doctor prescribes!

My dad did fall asleep a lot, especially after - or during - meals. I'm not sure if that was the CHF or the narcolepsy or some combination, but he wasn't safe to drive. So be really careful riding that thing!
 
I have no idea what the diff stages are but the fact that you're still ambulatory I would think is a good sign.

As I've mentioned many times before, I watch a lot of cable news so I see the all of the ads for the "hot" new geriatric drugs and I know I've seen a few for congestive heart failure.

That's what mom had but it was from a stenotic heart valve - a parting gift from the scarlet fever she had as an adolescent.

But there are drugs that can coax the most out of your healthy cardiac tissue. Atenolol causes your heart to contract with more force and that appears to lower my BP. When I don't take it, I do get winded much more easily but I'm what they call extremely "deconditioned."

In the worst case, you can try what Dick Cheney did. He has no heartbeat because his "heart" consists of (I think this is correct) 2 ventricle assist pumps. And if the price of doing that is too high in the US, look for a good medical center in South or SE Asia. They do have some world class centers which seem to be primarily for Westerners.
 
skyking said:
Drach take care of yourself, you can get many years of quality time yet.
They have a whole toolbox of drugs to help out.
Click to expand...
Drach, can you walk? I'd think that would help your heart. My mom had it, her walks became tougher and tougher and eventually I think she stopped. At 98 1/2 one morning she simply didn't wake up.
Drach said:
I just recently stopped walking my dog because it took too much out of me.
Click to expand...
Walking some dogs looks like quite a challenge. Going solo lets you go at your own pace.
 
My right leg is extra swollen and leaking fluid pretty badly. My 13 year old Labrador can out walk me now.
It's been a good life. No regerts. :tearsofjoy: Sorry wrong forum. Please don't reply.
 
Last edited:
Got diagnosed the same a few years back, up to and including the leg swollen and leaking. Went on some rough diuretics and dropped a lot of water weight which helped with that. Past that maybe grab a treadmill or recumbent bike and just do a bit every day (especially during winter). Don't give away time with your family for free.
 
Don't give up ..... nearly THIRTY FIVE years ago surgery 90% cured my friend Claudia. (if you need the surgery go for it but my bet is things are not as grim as they seem)

The longer you go without proper treatment the more serious it gets.... I agree that if you can still ride a motorcycle AT ALL the time has come to FIGHT, not to give up.

So don't quit okay? Please? 🙂


My A1c was through the roof from type II diabetes and I had serious AFIB plus high BP myself .... 1.5 years later thanks to CLOSELY FOLLOWING my MD and cardiologists advice I'm vastly better.
 
Last edited:
Thanks everyone. I will never give up and still try to swing a hammer for at least 2 hours a day at work. I'm the foreman on the job and get paid for pointing my finger. I'll die before I quit swinging my hammer.

The diuretics I take suck but they help with the leaking leg. I don't have to wear gauze with an ace bandages to contain the fluids atm.
 
Drach said:
Thanks everyone. I will never give up and still try to swing a hammer for at least 2 hours a day at work. I'm the foreman on the job and get paid for pointing my finger. I'll die before I quit swinging my hammer.

The diuretics I take suck but they help with the leaking leg. I don't have to wear gauze with an ace bandages to contain the fluids atm.
Click to expand...
one handed... had carpal tunnel surgery today...

use a light hammer.
 
Drach said:
Thanks everyone. I will never give up and still try to swing a hammer for at least 2 hours a day at work. I'm the foreman on the job and get paid for pointing my finger. I'll die before I quit swinging my hammer.

The diuretics I take suck but they help with the leaking leg. I don't have to wear gauze with an ace bandages to contain the fluids atm.
Click to expand...
Somebody has to show those young whippersnappers how to do it.
 
Charmonium said:
.. the price of doing that is too high in the US, look for a good medical center in South or SE Asia. They do have some world class centers which seem to be primarily for Westerners.
Click to expand...
Bangkok. I'll look up the recommended facility for cardiology when i'm next on my work PC, Sunday.
You can expect to spend 1/3 of the cost of having it in the states, and they are very very modern hospitals with excellent quality of care and highly trained physicians.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top