Guest guest Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 ALrighty ... time to check in and get some feedback: As many know, I've had a rough couple of months. I saw my pulmonologist yesterday and he said that my breathing problems are not all asthma. I've gained about 25 pounds since Christmas, most of it in my lower legs and around my mid section. He feels that my breathing issues currently are related to too much retained fluid. He's doubled my Lasix. Also, he has diagnosed me as having Heart Failure. We've suspected this for some time, now it's in writing. I'll see my cardiologist in 2 weeks. The pulmo also wants me to undergo some form of bariatric surgery. He feels that my diabetes, heart issues and even my asthma would benefit from major weight loss. I usually run around 245, now over 270. They want me under 200. Does this plan sound logical? I LOVE food but I am at a point where I will do the surgery willingly. Diets are not working (thank you Pred, which I am back on) and I can hardly walk 200 feet before I get very short of breath, so exercise is out. What do you folks think? Am I missing options here? Thanks all! Madeline -- You are just laying around being pampered, so I expect a well thought our and complete response! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 They think you have heart failure, and you have to wait 2 weeks to see your cardiologist? Just wondering why.To: asthma Sent: Wed, March 30, 2011 5:51:05 PMSubject: Checking in ALrighty ... time to check in and get some feedback: As many know, I've had a rough couple of months. I saw my pulmonologist yesterday and he said that my breathing problems are not all asthma. I've gained about 25 pounds since Christmas, most of it in my lower legs and around my mid section. He feels that my breathing issues currently are related to too much retained fluid. He's doubled my Lasix. Also, he has diagnosed me as having Heart Failure. We've suspected this for some time, now it's in writing. I'll see my cardiologist in 2 weeks. The pulmo also wants me to undergo some form of bariatric surgery. He feels that my diabetes, heart issues and even my asthma would benefit from major weight loss. I usually run around 245, now over 270. They want me under 200. Does this plan sound logical? I LOVE food but I am at a point where I will do the surgery willingly. Diets are not working (thank you Pred, which I am back on) and I can hardly walk 200 feet before I get very short of breath, so exercise is out. What do you folks think? Am I missing options here? Thanks all! Madeline -- You are just laying around being pampered, so I expect a well thought our and complete response! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Ok, that is very understandable, I hope things go well, for you. Sometimes it is so hard for me to read of the trials of fellow asthma sufferers on this website. We all have our trials and tribulations, but, by being on this website, it helps to know that I am not alone in this, sickness. Not that I want to know other people are sick, but makes things a little easier to bear. So good luck, and God Bless. willothewispl@...From: McBride To: asthma Sent: Wed, March 30, 2011 6:29:22 PMSubject: Re: Checking in I live about 3 hours away from the nearest cardiologist ... I could take the time off for an earlier appointment but don't have the money for a hotel and meals. Two weeks from today is the best for my wife and I to make the trip in 1 day. Also, as I've been dealing with this for several months, a few more days should not add to the problem. It also allows for the lasix to get rid of some of the excess fluid. This, in turn, will make any echocardiogram they are likely to do to be that much more clear. Mike McBrideLike the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations. St. Ephraim the SyrianTo: asthma Sent: Wed, March 30, 2011 1:53:24 PMSubject: Re: Checking in They think you have heart failure, and you have to wait 2 weeks to see your cardiologist? Just wondering why.To: asthma Sent: Wed, March 30, 2011 5:51:05 PMSubject: Checking in ALrighty ... time to check in and get some feedback: As many know, I've had a rough couple of months. I saw my pulmonologist yesterday and he said that my breathing problems are not all asthma. I've gained about 25 pounds since Christmas, most of it in my lower legs and around my mid section. He feels that my breathing issues currently are related to too much retained fluid. He's doubled my Lasix. Also, he has diagnosed me as having Heart Failure. We've suspected this for some time, now it's in writing. I'll see my cardiologist in 2 weeks. The pulmo also wants me to undergo some form of bariatric surgery. He feels that my diabetes, heart issues and even my asthma would benefit from major weight loss. I usually run around 245, now over 270. They want me under 200. Does this plan sound logical? I LOVE food but I am at a point where I will do the surgery willingly. Diets are not working (thank you Pred, which I am back on) and I can hardly walk 200 feet before I get very short of breath, so exercise is out. What do you folks think? Am I missing options here? Thanks all! Madeline -- You are just laying around being pampered, so I expect a well thought our and complete response! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 Thank you Ann, and everyone else. I am getting 'this is the best thing I've ever done' to 'no how! no way!' should I do this. I guess this is one reason why so many bariatric surgeons have a 6 month wait where the patient has to see a doc every month to monitor weight, diet and exercise before they can undergo the procedure. It is all about commitment! I have to ask myself though, if I can do it after the surgery, why not do it before and without the procedure? Mike McBrideLike the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations. St. Ephraim the SyrianTo: asthma Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 11:54:58 AMSubject: RE: Checking in Bariatric surgery is a major life change and my own feelings are that this is a sugery that should be used for situations where other options have definitely failed or are not feasible. I definitely think in your case Mike, that it could really be beneficial for you. It is a huge commitment though and it will take a lot of will power. If you go this route, make sure your doc offers some type of a) nutritional counseling and a support group would be helpful too. See if you cant talk to another person who has already undergone the surgery to hear what their experiences are. Alot of advances have been made regarding bariatric surgery..check out your options (which Im sure you will.) I know 2 people who have had some success with lap band surgery. A 10% weight loss can make a major difference in your health...my asthma has improved since Ive started to try and lose weight earlier this year and Im not even at 10% loss yet. Im sorry you are in heart failure Mike. It must be a scary situation for you. Good luck.Ann Checking in ALrighty ... time to check in and get some feedback: As many know, I've had a rough couple of months. I saw my pulmonologist yesterday and he said that my breathing problems are not all asthma. I've gained about 25 pounds since Christmas, most of it in my lower legs and around my mid section. He feels that my breathing issues currently are related to too much retained fluid. He's doubled my Lasix. Also, he has diagnosed me as having Heart Failure. We've suspected this for some time, now it's in writing. I'll see my cardiologist in 2 weeks. The pulmo also wants me to undergo some form of bariatric surgery. He feels that my diabetes, heart issues and even my asthma would benefit from major weight loss. I usually run around 245, now over 270. They want me under 200. Does this plan sound logical? I LOVE food but I am at a point where I will do the surgery willingly. Diets are not working (thank you Pred, which I am back on) and I can hardly walk 200 feet before I get very short of breath, so exercise is out. What do you folks think? Am I missing options here? Thanks all! Madeline -- You are just laying around being pampered, so I expect a well thought our and complete response! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 WOW ... thanks again Ann. The diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension has not been fully ruled out. My right sided heart cath revealed normal pressures ... at rest. There is a version where the pulmonary pressures are increased only during exercise. My pulmonologist and I spoke about this last Tuesday. He told me that the course of treatment we are now pursuing would be the same if I had been diagnosed with this variety. We are not looking at anything but diuretics being increased, Singulair being tried again, Pred and a visit to the cardiologist in 2 weeks. I'll bet my bottom dollar that he has a nice long list designed to check out my heart and empty my wallet. In the end, it will probably be worth it.My BIGGEST fear just now is based on my being the sole provider for my wife. I turn 53 at the end of this month and don't have a penny in retirement (thank you medical bills), don't own a home, drive an old car, etc. I don't mind these as I currently am paying off medical debt and there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I worry, though, that should things go sour for my health, I have no idea how and I will make it on less than $2000 per month if/when SSI/Disability is started. I guess I need to try harder to not worry and just cross that bridge when I get there. Mike McBrideLike the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations. St. Ephraim the SyrianTo: asthma Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 12:39:02 PMSubject: Re: Checking in Just some stuff from my book to give others a clearer insight about heart failure...It is defined as a state when the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to sustain the body's metabolic needs. There are basically 2 classifications of heart failure...pulmonary and systemic which are further described by the symptoms a person displays. There is some evidence that chronic release of epinephrines and norepinephrine produces negative effects. Some risk factors include diabetes, heart attack, hypertension, or inflammatory heart disease.From what your symptoms appear to be, it seems like you have right sided heart failure. Did your doc mention right or left???? If I remember right, you had mentioned some time ago that you were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and right sided heart failure can be due to that. Right sided heart failure results in edema of the lower extremities b/c the right ventricle cannot pump effectively against increased pressure in the circulation between the heart and lungs. (Blood goes from the right ventricle to the lungs to get oxygen and then back to the left atrium which pumps it to the left ventricle where it goes out to the body). When pulmonary circulation gets congested, the blood coming back to your heart (it goes into the right atrium) gets backed up and eventually the backup results in edema. Mike some suggestions in my text are to lower oxygen requirements of your body. One way to do this is to sleep with your head elevated to 45 degrees. The edema and congestion are treated with diuretics, which is what the Lasix does. Try to limit your sodium intake since that will cause fluid retention and if your doc hasnt mentioned it, you might want to ask him about fluid restrictions. If your body already has too much fluid, adding too much more can create added stress on your kidneys and lead to other issues.The activity intolerance and fatigue are typical of heart failure.As for medical management, in my book it mentions that digoxin, vasodilators, loop diuretics (Lasix is one), and ACE inhibitors are a common treatment. Some things they tell us to teach patients include: -avoidance of meds with a high sodium content (some laxatives and antacids are high in sodium) -try to limit your sodium intake to 2gm/day (2000mg) -eat several smaller more frequent meals vs 3 meals per day -weigh yourself daily at the same time, ideally in the same clothes. report gains over 2-3lb in 2 days (indicates fluid retention. 1lb = 1L of body fluid) -eat foods high in potassium and low in sodium (oranges, bananas) Lasix depletes your potassium- low potassium (hypokalemia) can cause cardiac arrhythmias -once your heart failure is stabilized, regular exercise is importantOf course, this is only stuff from our text book....your doc is the ultimate authority and is the one guiding your specific treatment. I hope I didnt scare anyone to death, and Mike I hope this may give you some insight....Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 Mike,Don't worry too much about the finances. As you know, has been unemployed for the last year (he did find a job - starts Monday). We have been surviving on less than 2000/mo. It is tight. Very tight, but doable. God always provides for our needs as he will for yours.Ann,You are totally awesome woman! This is great information for all of us. Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge.... never know when this may affect us.MadelineTo: asthma Sent: Sat, April 2, 2011 12:45:59 AMSubject: Re: Checking in WOW ... thanks again Ann. The diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension has not been fully ruled out. My right sided heart cath revealed normal pressures ... at rest. There is a version where the pulmonary pressures are increased only during exercise. My pulmonologist and I spoke about this last Tuesday. He told me that the course of treatment we are now pursuing would be the same if I had been diagnosed with this variety. We are not looking at anything but diuretics being increased, Singulair being tried again, Pred and a visit to the cardiologist in 2 weeks. I'll bet my bottom dollar that he has a nice long list designed to check out my heart and empty my wallet. In the end, it will probably be worth it.My BIGGEST fear just now is based on my being the sole provider for my wife. I turn 53 at the end of this month and don't have a penny in retirement (thank you medical bills), don't own a home, drive an old car, etc. I don't mind these as I currently am paying off medical debt and there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I worry, though, that should things go sour for my health, I have no idea how and I will make it on less than $2000 per month if/when SSI/Disability is started. I guess I need to try harder to not worry and just cross that bridge when I get there. Mike McBrideLike the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations. St. Ephraim the SyrianTo: asthma Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 12:39:02 PMSubject: Re: Checking in Just some stuff from my book to give others a clearer insight about heart failure...It is defined as a state when the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to sustain the body's metabolic needs. There are basically 2 classifications of heart failure...pulmonary and systemic which are further described by the symptoms a person displays. There is some evidence that chronic release of epinephrines and norepinephrine produces negative effects. Some risk factors include diabetes, heart attack, hypertension, or inflammatory heart disease.From what your symptoms appear to be, it seems like you have right sided heart failure. Did your doc mention right or left???? If I remember right, you had mentioned some time ago that you were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and right sided heart failure can be due to that. Right sided heart failure results in edema of the lower extremities b/c the right ventricle cannot pump effectively against increased pressure in the circulation between the heart and lungs. (Blood goes from the right ventricle to the lungs to get oxygen and then back to the left atrium which pumps it to the left ventricle where it goes out to the body). When pulmonary circulation gets congested, the blood coming back to your heart (it goes into the right atrium) gets backed up and eventually the backup results in edema. Mike some suggestions in my text are to lower oxygen requirements of your body. One way to do this is to sleep with your head elevated to 45 degrees. The edema and congestion are treated with diuretics, which is what the Lasix does. Try to limit your sodium intake since that will cause fluid retention and if your doc hasnt mentioned it, you might want to ask him about fluid restrictions. If your body already has too much fluid, adding too much more can create added stress on your kidneys and lead to other issues.The activity intolerance and fatigue are typical of heart failure.As for medical management, in my book it mentions that digoxin, vasodilators, loop diuretics (Lasix is one), and ACE inhibitors are a common treatment. Some things they tell us to teach patients include: -avoidance of meds with a high sodium content (some laxatives and antacids are high in sodium) -try to limit your sodium intake to 2gm/day (2000mg) -eat several smaller more frequent meals vs 3 meals per day -weigh yourself daily at the same time, ideally in the same clothes. report gains over 2-3lb in 2 days (indicates fluid retention. 1lb = 1L of body fluid) -eat foods high in potassium and low in sodium (oranges, bananas) Lasix depletes your potassium- low potassium (hypokalemia) can cause cardiac arrhythmias -once your heart failure is stabilized, regular exercise is importantOf course, this is only stuff from our text book....your doc is the ultimate authority and is the one guiding your specific treatment. I hope I didnt scare anyone to death, and Mike I hope this may give you some insight....Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2011 Report Share Posted April 2, 2011 Mike I cannot even begin to help you in the ways others here have but I can relate completely on the financial burden medical issues bring. I just wanted to second the idea that it will work out. Money is nothing compared to health. We do what we have to do to be healthy and trust that the financial burden will lift too. I am in no way making light of it (I have lost sleep many nights about our $35,000 medical debt) but I try to tell myself now is a good time to be broke, most of us are Have faith and stay strong. > > WOW ... thanks again Ann. > > The diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension has not been fully ruled out. My right > sided heart cath revealed normal pressures ... at rest. There is a version > where the pulmonary pressures are increased only during exercise. My > pulmonologist and I spoke about this last Tuesday. He told me that the course > of treatment we are now pursuing would be the same if I had been diagnosed with > this variety. We are not looking at anything but diuretics being increased, > Singulair being tried again, Pred and a visit to the cardiologist in 2 weeks. > I'll bet my bottom dollar that he has a nice long list designed to check out my > heart and empty my wallet. In the end, it will probably be worth it. > > My BIGGEST fear just now is based on my being the sole provider for my wife. I > turn 53 at the end of this month and don't have a penny in retirement (thank you > medical bills), don't own a home, drive an old car, etc. I don't mind these as > I currently am paying off medical debt and there is a light at the end of this > tunnel. I worry, though, that should things go sour for my health, I have no > idea how and I will make it on less than $2000 per month if/when > SSI/Disability is started. I guess I need to try harder to not worry and just > cross that bridge when I get there. > > Mike McBride > > > Like the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy > wings shelter me from temptations. > > St. Ephraim the Syrian > > > > > ________________________________ > > To: asthma > Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 12:39:02 PM > Subject: Re: Checking in > > > Just some stuff from my book to give others a clearer insight about heart > failure... > It is defined as a state when the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood > to sustain the body's metabolic needs. There are basically 2 classifications of > heart failure...pulmonary and systemic which are further described by the > symptoms a person displays. There is some evidence that chronic release of > epinephrines and norepinephrine produces negative effects. Some risk factors > include diabetes, heart attack, hypertension, or inflammatory heart disease. > > From what your symptoms appear to be, it seems like you have right sided heart > failure. Did your doc mention right or left???? If I remember right, you had > mentioned some time ago that you were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and > right sided heart failure can be due to that. Right sided heart failure results > in edema of the lower extremities b/c the right ventricle cannot pump > effectively against increased pressure in the circulation between the heart and > lungs. (Blood goes from the right ventricle to the lungs to get oxygen and then > back to the left atrium which pumps it to the left ventricle where it goes out > to the body). When pulmonary circulation gets congested, the blood coming back > to your heart (it goes into the right atrium) gets backed up and eventually the > backup results in edema. > > Mike some suggestions in my text are to lower oxygen requirements of your body. > One way to do this is to sleep with your head elevated to 45 degrees. The > edema and congestion are treated with diuretics, which is what the Lasix does. > Try to limit your sodium intake since that will cause fluid retention and if > your doc hasnt mentioned it, you might want to ask him about fluid restrictions. > If your body already has too much fluid, adding too much more can create added > stress on your kidneys and lead to other issues. > > The activity intolerance and fatigue are typical of heart failure. > > As for medical management, in my book it mentions that digoxin, vasodilators, > loop diuretics (Lasix is one), and ACE inhibitors are a common treatment. Some > things they tell us to teach patients include: > -avoidance of meds with a high sodium content (some laxatives and antacids > are high in sodium) > -try to limit your sodium intake to 2gm/day (2000mg) > -eat several smaller more frequent meals vs 3 meals per day > -weigh yourself daily at the same time, ideally in the same clothes. report > gains over 2-3lb in 2 days (indicates fluid retention. 1lb = 1L of body fluid) > -eat foods high in potassium and low in sodium (oranges, bananas) Lasix > depletes your potassium- low potassium (hypokalemia) can cause cardiac > arrhythmias > -once your heart failure is stabilized, regular exercise is important > Of course, this is only stuff from our text book....your doc is the ultimate > authority and is the one guiding your specific treatment. > > I hope I didnt scare anyone to death, and Mike I hope this may give you some > insight.... > Ann > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2011 Report Share Posted April 2, 2011 Mike, you are very welcome. Like I said, I hope it helps give you some insight on some things you might see/experience. Madeline is right about not worrying too much about finances....put it into Gods hands. Somehow people always seem to find a way to make it. I dont know if they have this up your way or not, but in the contiguous states & Canada, there is a ministry called Angel Food Ministries. Anyone can use this service. Basically you can order a box of food and it will have the essentials needed for one or two weeks. I think it used to cost 30.00. This includes meat, fruit etc. Heres the website for anyone who wants to check it out.http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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