Heart Failure in S. FLA & Moving to Denver Area

My mother-in-law,82, living in an ACLF (should be in nursing home but we've tried to keep her out of that!) has CHF,and all assoc. with it. She uses O2 nightly and PRN, and a myriad of medications.  She has ALL the CHF symptoms, +++++, and severe depression, apathy.  The fatigue and weakness (she can't even walk because we believe she didn't get proper PT), has really taken a toll on her attidute, etc..

My husband and I (57 & 59) have taken care of her and her husband (before he died 6 yrs. ago) for over 15 years.  We are exhausted and have our own chronic health problems, and we can't lift/move her anymore. Her other son and daughter (who she really had fun with, etc.) lives near Denver (5,000ft.+/-?).  And we would like her to move there before she dies, so she and her daughter, especially, can try to have a relationship.  But when we brought it up, they said stuff about the altitude not being good for her - I know it wouldn't be best but they're using EXCUSES because they don't want their lives to be disrupted.  

I found out that hot, humid weather was bad for her condition, also!!  So, PLEASE, tell us the effects of higher altitude vs. super high humidity in Ft. Lauderdale, & the hurricanes, tornadoes, high crime, not many good drs. in her HMO; not to mention the high costs of housing(especially w/o ABUSE).  And, my husband's heart and his attitude/depression is overwhelming him because of all her needs.

I really pray that she will be able to move there and enjoy the very little time (it's believed) she has left.  So we can't see how it could hurt her any worse than what she is going through now.  Thank you so much for this service and for your help!!!  You are wonderful.

rsweg

[kenkeith]

Denver has altitude of 5280 feet (mile high) above sea level. It is my understanding almost everyone will experience the effects of high altitude at 17000 feet and above.  Denver is at a minimal level on the scale for possible complication for adverse affects due to rarefied atmosphere (decrease of oxygen) and (having lived there) I know of no person who suffered effects from altitude illness.

With acclimatization (the process of the body adjusting to the decreased availability of oxygen at high altitudes) usually occurs.  It is a slow process, taking place over a period of days to weeks. For reference:

High altitude is defined as:
  - High Altitude: (5000 - 11500 ft)
  - Very High Altitude:  (11500 - 18000 ft)
  - Extreme Altitude: above 18000 ft
"Practically speaking, however, we generally don't worry much about elevations below about (8000 ft) since altitude illness rarely occurs lower than this".

Certain normal physiologic changes occur in EVERY person who goes to altitude:

  - Hyperventilation (breathing faster, deeper, or both)
  - Shortness of breath during exertion
  - Changed breathing pattern at night
  - Awakening frequently at night
  - Increased urination

Hope this gives you some insight.

[rsweg]

Thank you for such a quick reply.  I understand and agree with all you said, but what we're concerned with here is her: breathing problems and lack of O2 caused by congestive heart failure, and of course, the buildup of fluids around the heart and lungs which causes very severe shortness of breath and ER visits to stabilize her, etc.

She also has high B.P., 3 almost blocked coronary arteries also.

If she is having trouble here breathing, you believe her breathing near Denver will not be exacerbated too much?  And, if so, I do hope the doctors tomorrow will agree with you.

Again, thank you evewr so much!

[kenkeith]

Let us know what the doctor has to say, if they know?  It is a very difficult question to answer, but the change isn't that severe!