Question regarding mothers CHF condition/stage

[gdeann]

My mother suffers from CHF and is 83 years old.  Over the past month or two she is complaining of nausea and dizziness.  If not dizzy, she will tell me she has a light headed feeling.  Her breathing is more labored, even while sitting at rest and visiting.  The metal sharpness also seems to be dulling a bit.  ALL of her blood work is coming out well, is this just part of the progression of the disease?  We keep daily blood pressure and weight logs, I am not noticing a change in either as far as extra fluid, etc.  She just looks like is isn't well and if there is something we could do for her, I would like to.  She still lives at home alone, assisted with use of a walker.  We check on her throughout the day.  Thank you for any input possible.

[chris626]

Try to ask her Dr. about supplementation of Co Enzyme Q10. My Dad is 82 and was in the same condition. I did some research regarding this and found out that the reason the elderly suffer with CHF is due to the depletion of the enzyme that is found in our hearts. If she had been on medications they can rob our hearts of this enzyme to the point that our hearts cannot function properly. The human heart needs Q10 to make if function, if there is not enough CHF is the result. I checked with the cardiologist after reading about case studies that have improved the patients condition dramatically. After seeing my Dad suffer I decided to do something about it. I checked with the Doctor to see if it would'nt clash with any meds he was taking. In about a week he was up walking, had no more shortness of breath, no apnea, was feeling like his old self. He has been on this and the cardiologists are amazed, they actually are taking him off some of the powerful drugs he was on. A lot of the drugs they give to patients have alot of side effects if you supplement with 200 - 300 mg per day of Q10; no less because if the depletion is alot you have to put back a greater amount to see any results. People who are waiting for transplants and people who medical science has given up on have taken this. It has actually extended their lives. Go on the internet and research Co Enzyme Q10 and Congestive heart failure. Talk to your Doctor about this. I hope that you see the results that I have with my Dad.

[Yvette BG]

Does your Mom have a history of atrial fibrillation? Have they checked her heart out lately with an EKG and/or echocardiogram? Do you think there is a possibility she might have pneumonia? I'm not a doctor, just a daughter with two parents also in their 80s who've had heart problems the past 2-3 years, and these are a few things that came to mind while reading your post. Let us know how she's doing.

  

[jwolf80]

My mother will be doing her 2nd cystoseal surgery and was told she has scar tissue from 1st surgery. Will her atrial fibrillations be controlled during surgery? Does scar tissue have any effect on this surgery?

[Yvette BG]

I'm not a doctor, but from what I understand, when a person has atrial fibrillation, they are monitored closely during surgery with a heart monitor. I would definitely make sure to ask the surgeon if your Mom will be monitored. Also, if she sees a cardiologist for her atrial fibrillation and this cystoseal is at a hospital where her  cardiologist doesn't practice, I would ask her doctor ahead of time if he/she can have a cardiologist lined up or in mind in case there is a problem.

Maybe that's going too far, but I always feel better safe than sorry. This is what we've done with my parents, both of whom have heart problems, when they've had to have non-heart surgery. Good luck!