Joe's going back into the hospital

[Nancy]

We just returned from an appt. with the heart failure cardiology specialist. Joe has been having periods of increasing instability with his CHF, mainly presenting as ascites with liver and spleen enlargement. Even though his weight gain is modest, only 4 pounds, the ascites, in his case is highly indicative of worsening right sided heart failure. Could be worsening pulmonary hypertension, could also be other cardiac problems. His heart is not relaxing between beats, and he has been getting increasingly short of breath, nauseous, and light-headed.

So, on Monday, he will be admitted to the hospital in the Heart Transplant Unit, not because he needs a transplant, but because this is where they diagnose and stabilize serious CHF. He'll be having a right heart cath (which will diagnose worsening pulmonary hypertension), and additional testing, looking for other heart problems. He could be in there for a while depending on what new medications he needs to be on and how long it takes to get things turned around.

They upped his Imdur today and took him off Lasix, and onto Demedex.

The doctor said this could all be helped. I feel we stayed on top of things and got him in before things became critical.

Just didn't like the "trend" of what was happening to him, fatigue, nausea, light-headedness, shortness of breath, and fluid retention which was mostly presenting as ascites, with organ involvement, instead of foot and ankle edema, plus high magnesium levels possible indicating kidney stress. His platelets are also low. Just in case any of you recognize these symptoms in your own situation. Don't let it go on and on.

 

[Yaps]

Nancy, I will be praying for Joe, and you. Praying all will be ok,please let us know. love the pup

 

[PJmomrunner]

Hi Nancy:

It sounds like you are on top of things, as usual. All the best to both of you.

P. J.

 

[Phyllis]

Wishing you and Joe the best- I know you will take good care of him and hope that you take the time to care for yourself as well!

 

[geebee]

Hugs and prayers coming your way. I hope all turns out well.

 

[Granbonny]

Nancy

Nancy

So sorry to hear this news. I will be praying for you and Joe....Bonnie

 

[Jean]

Ah, Nancy, not the news we want to hear, but are glad you let us know so we can send our prayers and hugs for both of you! Keep us posted, please.

 

[M&M]

Nancy, It sounds like they're going to take good care of him and nip this in the bud before it gets out of hand.. I wish him the best and if you get a chance keep us posted. I certainly can empathize with Joe - I hate it when I can't breath and I always tell my husband - its a wonderful feeling to be able to breath.. you just can't fully appreciate it until you can't do it !!!

Tell Joe we'll be thinking of him..

Best Wishes
Marilyn (runner)

 

[catwoman]

Nancy:
I'll be praying for Joe and you, too. Glad that you're staying on top of his symptoms.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Nancy, You and Joe have my utmost prayers..

Nancy, You and Joe have my utmost prayers..

Thanks for informing us...and me, because I am going in and out of CHF on a more regular basis, and the doctor doesn't want me lifting or exherting myself in any way until I have my next echo, which is on June 20th. I do want to ask you though, does Joe ever have trouble sleeping? It seems like more and more, I am losing the ability to sleep a full night (I was up all night last night), and I have read that this is a symptom of CHF as well. Anyway, just want to offer my nonstop support and prayers and hope that you will speed through this bump in the road quickly. Take Care, Harrybaby666

 

[Ross]

Oh please, lets not start another competition this year between our families. I'm at my breaking point now.

 

[Yaps]

Harry , you may be waking up from choking from chf, John does this and he suspects(but never wakes lol, but Solomon wakes me) that I do as well. Too much fluid..you drown..literally,try propping up on several pillows. It helps me...love the pup

 

[John Cochran]

Sending a giant hug

Sending a giant hug

Nancy,
I'm sorry to hear Joe is having new problems, and I'm hoping it can be quickly diagnosed and corrected. Just in case no one has mentioned it lately, you are one amazing woman/wife/advocate/partner. Joe is blessed in many ways.

All my best wishes,
--John

 

[Mb]

Oh crap, crap crap. Gosh Nancy. I am SO sorry you guys are going through this again. I just can't believe it. He seemed to be doing so well. I will keep my fingers crossed that they are able to stabilize him quickly, and that this is just a short visit. - Marybeth

 

[Mary]

Joe and Nancy,
I am so sorry that you are faced with another health complication. I am confident that you will clear this hurdle, but I wish you didn't have to make the jump!
God Bless,
Mary

 

[Marge]

I was so sorry to read this. Nancy, you were such a help to me all during the pre and post surgery period, I can't express how much. I hope & pray you and Joe get through all this.

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Nancy and Joe - you will be in my thoughts, as well. Hope they can get things back in line real soon.

Take care.

 

[INRtest]

Nancy,
Good luck to Joe! My step-mother spent many an angusihed day and night over a 20 year period, taking care of my father with his many ailments, mostly related to his heart. Having been on both sides of this issue I think it is more difficult for the caregiver than it is for the patient.

Best wishes to both of you on Joe's speedy and complete recovery.

 

[Karlynn]

Add one more person to the long list of those praying for Joe and you.

 

[fyrfytr]

Nancy,
I will keep you and Joe in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Take Care