Shortness of breath w/out CHF?

[MelissaM]

Oh Wise Ones. . .question for you. Has anyone experienced severe shortness of breath w/out displaying the symptoms of CHF?

The past couple of days, I've felt an increased pressure in my chest when trying to breathe (kind of like trying to further inflate an already-inflated balloon), and intermittent shortness of breath doing different activities - just sitting, doing housework, walking, etc My cardiologist has been treating me for CHF with 40 mg of Lasix and 25 mg of Aldactone, but yesterday, he took a chest X-ray because I felt extremely short of breath, listened to my lungs and found no evidence of congestion or CHF. It kind of makes me wonder if my shortness of breath is really CHF related. Can this type of shortness of breath occur w/out CHF? Is it just a sign that my valve continues to deteriorate? Or do CHF and shortness of breath always go hand-in-hand? I wonder if I am just on diuretics for preventative kicks and giggles, or if there really is a reason for draining my body of excess fluids.

This is for a 4+ leaky, prolapsing mitral valve. . .

Thanks,

Melissa

 

[bvdr]

Melissa,

Shortness of Breath does not necessarily mean CHF. Sometimes the Shortness of breath is literally because your heart is not transporting enough oxygen by way of blood to all the tissues that need it.

I don't read much about the feeling of pressure in the chest but I too feel over-filled. I notice it alot more after eating....I feel so very very full. I think you will feel a whole lot better when you get your mitral valve replaced.

 

[Nancy]

This is a good link that shows the different valves and their conditions and the symptoms which are the most common. You will see that shortness of breath is part of the mitral valve problems.

http://www.tmc.edu/thi/valvetype.html

 

[MelissaM]

Thanks, Betty & Nancy. I am sure it will all be better post-surgery. Just a little nervous that this sudden shortness of breath means that I blew a chord or something like that, if it is not worsening CHF.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Melissa-

Only a couple weeks to go. Help is on the way. It's tough when your heart can't do the job it's supposed to. You'll be OK until surgery. Just take it easy.

If your cardiologist wants you on diuretics for now, don't fight it. It is probably helping you to prevent additional CHF. Without them things might be uncomfortable. I think your cardiologist doesn't want to rock the boat and make any changes, since surgery is imminent. 40 mg of Lasix isn't a big dose and the combination with Aldactone works nicely. It's a pain to keep going to the bathroom all the time. Joe's on 80 mg of Lasix twice a day each day and has been for a long time. Just a drag. But whatever works to keep things together.

You'll do OK, kiddo.

 

[MelissaM]

Only a couple weeks to go. Help is on the way. It's tough when your heart can't do the job it's supposed to. You'll be OK until surgery. Just take it easy.

That's the part that's missing - taking it easy. I've been running around like crazy trying to wrap up business projects, get the place packed, put stuff in storage, shut off the phone, etc, when my heart can't do the job it is supposed to. Where is the magic make-my-heart-work-today pill when I need it? =)

Thanks for your support.

Melissa

 

[Nancy]

I sure would make a bundle if I could invent a pill like that.

Do you have anyone that can help you do any of those things right now?

Maybe you've mentioned, I didn't take the time to look at earlier posts, and I can't remember, but do you have anyone who is going to be with you for your surgery? And is there someone who can post for you and let us know how things went?

 

[MelissaM]

Hi Nancy,

I will be well-supported during my surgery, as friends and family are flying in from Boston, Fargo, Arizona, and Pennsylvania to be there. It will be a cross-country event! There are a handful of people who can help me move and pack, although I am finding there is a bunch of stuff that isn't really delagate-able (closing accounts, bills, business-related stuff, sorting out stuff to be packed, shipped stored).

Plus, I pretty much want to do everything and see everyone before going. Dinners, lunches, good-byes, etc. Have you figured out I have a tough time saying "no" yet? I swear I would be out socializing, even on my deathbed. . .just bring the party to the hospital!!

As for posting, I have delegated that task - my VR.com family will be one of the first to know how things went!

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Melissa,

I am sorry you are not feeling your best. My mitral valve was at 4+ reguirgitation as well. Tell you the honest truth. I had no symptoms until they told me about my valve. They stated I should be exhibiting shortness of breath, etc. I beleive it was all anixety driven. May be the case for you. There is medication they can prescibe to help you relax.

 

[MelissaM]

Hi Gina,

Thanks for your post. Some of it may be anxiety, although I have been fairly good with meditation, yoga, and listening to my relaxation tapes before going to bed. That has helped a ton. The Ativan my doc prescribed is nice, too.

Mostly, I think it is probably doing things like washing my car out in 90 degree weather, trying to take hikes, and running non-stop all day on "good" days that gets me into trouble. I feel great, overextend, then will have a few days of stuff (like yesterday's shortness of breath) that make me realize I am not Wonder Woman, and my heart is not quite up to the task.
I do silly things like hike up to 10,500 feet and then wonder why the next day sucks. . .

It just kind of surprised me that the cardio was treating me for CHF when lungs were clear, etc. It felt like he assumed I needed more diuretics when all I might have needed was to s l o w d o w n.

I am glad to have you all help me consider the possibilities.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

whoa nellie

whoa nellie

Probably wanna drop it into 2nd gear and slow down a bit. I got exhausted just reading about how much you're doing! Working hard in the heat - hiking at 10K feet when you're only 2 weeks from surgery - Listen to your body - the shortness of breath is a symptom not to be trivialized. Being active within reason is good, but unless I missed something, it seems to me like you are pushing too hard. Realize too, that you're probably on a diuretic to lighten the load on your heart whether you're technically in CHF or not.

I hope I don't come off as harsh, but I really care and want to see you have as few problems as possible

 

[Nancy]

I agree with Johnny. There are some things you could and probably should cut back on, for now. Hiking at high altitudes, washing your car in 90 degree weather, and heavy lifting. Your system is most likely, very short on oxygen right now because your heart isn't pumping that well. It would be best not to tax your system more than it is able to handle.

Remember, you are going into surgery, for a good reason. After you heal from your surgery, then you can rev up those jets again. But for now, slow down and take it easy.

And certainly, don't go too far away from populated areas, i.e. hiking, without someone with you, and a cell phone.

I'm sure you know of the A, B, C list concept. Take a little time to write that list up and designate letters to each task. Those that are a C, can wait until after your surgery. And stick to it.

Take care and stay well.

 

[MelissaM]

. . . .revvin down the jets. . .vrrrrrrppth. (how does that sound go, anyway?). I hereby promise to keep my activities more realistic, let the big boys carry my sofas to the moving truck, and otherwise behave. Well, maybe there's some wiggle room on that last one. . .

Johnny, good point on the diruretic taking the load off the heart, reducing the volume it has to deal with. You guys are so smart! What would I do without you guys (besides get myself in even more trouble)?

Have a GREAT Saturday! Friends are coming over to help pack. . .a small army. Time to go organize - in low gear, of course!
Melissa

 

[Ross]

Low gear my ***, you don't know what low gear is. Your still doing too much. I know you don't have much of a choice, so I'll not pick on you to the end of time over it.

Be good because I can't.

 

[MelissaM]

lol.. .You've got me pegged, Ross. . . I claim to be a "recovering type A" personality - some days more recovered than others. Thanks for understanding.

 

[Lorraine]

Hi Melissa,

I ditto what everyone else has written. You need to take it easy!

I was deteriorating in September of 2000. Was actually being treated for asthma(which of course I didn't have) at the time. By October 31 of 2000 I ended up taking a medical leave until I found out was wrong with me. I take a train to Chicago everyday and then a bus. I couldn't keep up with the normal everyday pace of commuting without gasping for breathe. At that time I didn't even know I had valve problems. I just knew my body wasn't right and I knew not to push the envelope or I might have just croaked.

All the things you need to get done, try to delegate to your friends and family. Don't put so much strain on yourself. You'll be in better condition for surgery if you take things easy for now.

After all my testing and a chance to have non-invasive surgery(which didn't work out) I finally had OHS in March 2001. I did take it easy all that time before though. I even had a friend of mine come over and do my laundry because my washer was in the basement. Friends and relatives helped out with groceries, cleaning kitty litter boxes, buying and filling water softener because I knew I couldn't do it and I knew not to push myself.

I think you'll be a lot better off if you aren't all worn out by the time you get to surgery in two weeks. Meditation, yoga, and listening to your relaxation tapes is good but not if you're pushing yourself to the limits during the day. Please heed what we all have told you here. I'll keep you in my prayers.

 

[bvdr]

Hi Melissa,

I've been told that my physical limitations would be self imposed by symptoms and I am finding that is true. I eat no breakfast since I am so short of breath about an hour after eating that I am about useless for any type of physical work. Unfortunately my job involves decorating model homes that do not have air-conditioning. I have severely cut my hours and divide my day into working and resting segments. Somehow I am caught up at work and am only leaving my assistant with one home that she will be doing solo.

We moved into our current house the end of May. My sisters flew down from Michigan to help me with the last minute packing and my good friends from church unpacked all my kitchen stuff and got my kitchen in working condition. I am one that detests asking for any assistance and it has been very hard to admit that right now I can't do what I usually can.

Are you driving east or flying? Take it easy either way. I am fitting in a week to Cancun between now and surgery and am planning how I will do this with the least amount of physical stress. We have a place in Mexico and spend several weeks each winter there and sometimes a trip in the summer as well. Once I get there I have NOTHING I have to do and have gone there before to recovery after surgeries. I am debating whether or not to request wheelchair assistance to be on the safe side. Last January I found the standing in line for customs almost too much.
Cancun is hot and humid, not unlike what it is like here in N.C. but at least it is at sea level. I wonder if you will notice a change for the better at a lower altitude.

Anyway, take good care of yourself and do let others help you out. I want you to do really well with your surgery and I'm glad you have someone to post for you.

 

[alicia]

Hello Melissa,
Sorry to hear of your increased shortness of breath. When I got to the point that I couldnt walk from one room to another without getting SOB I knew it was time for the surgery. I was so fatigued as well. I can relate when you say on good days you overdo it without thinking about it and then you pay the price the next few days, Thats me too!! I've had 2 open heart surgeries and now have cardiomyopathy and had CHF 3 times. Im 42 years old and have had heart problems since I was 38 years old. This was all contributed to me taking Redux back in 1997 for only 2 months.

Please take it easy and try to get some much deserved rest these next few weeks. Youre going to need it for the bif surgery ahead of you. Take care my friend.

Alicia

 

[nadi]

SOB

SOB

Melissa,
I agree with all the others, you do need to take it easy until surgery time. You need to pamper yourself and store up all the energy you can! You will need it after surgery to breathe and walk, breathe and walk.

I remember feeling great one day and going out to dinner with some friends. It was great being out socially! Boy, did I pay for it I was wiped out and SOB for about 2 days after,

I know how hard it is to let someone else do the things that need to be done (No one does it better than yourself) and on top of that I "was" a workaholic! The Dr's had me off work from the time I was diagnosed until surgery. Granted surgery was suppose to be 2 weeks earlier, but since it wasn't the surgeon wanted me walking 20-30 minutes at least 2 times a day but nothing strenuous no hills or stairs, He didn't want me warn out before surgery. So please try to take it easy.

 

[MelissaM]

You all would be so proud! A team of five came into my place at 1:00 and by 4:00, had 80% of my place packed. My place looks a bit like a tornado hit it, but most everything is in boxes. Pretty amazing, really. I will continue to let friends and the community help me through this - the moving and cleaning crew comes next weekend!

Many hands (and hearts!) makes for light work. . .