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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
prognosis
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
prognosis
by dff0227, Mar 31, 2002 12:00AM
you have helped me before regarding my brother who is 47 an alcoholic and has chf. 3 weeks ago he fell ill and finally went to a doctor, he told him to go to the hospital because he was close to death. they ran test on him and found the following. end stage heart, liver and renal failure. he had 25% kidney function. he also has ef of 10left and 12% right. also has artial fib and myocardial infarction. when i spoke to the doctors they said all they can to is stabilize his heart. and send him home with meds. also i saw an xray of his heart and it is 4 times bigger than a normal heart, the doctors said it is close to the size of a basket ball. his blood pressure is usually around 85/60. they said his creatine is 2% when he was discharged. he also has had laringitis for 3 weeks now and when i spoke to the doctors about it they just ignored it, what could be causing that. when i asked about his prognosis they said look to him in the short term not long term. we would like to get power of attorney set up just in case, but in your opinion what is the prognosis for someone with these conditions even if he does not drink again. all they really would say is his liver is shot, heart barely pumping and kidneys failing. also they are sending him to a family practioner for check ups, is that normal? this doctor only saw my brother once. i thought the cardiologists would see him afterwards. any info would be very helpful to me. thanks
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-CRC, Apr 01, 2002 12:00AM
Dear dff,
I'm sorry (but not surprised) to hear that your brother has taken a turn for the worst. When multiple organ systems fail individuals usually die within weeks to months if not sooner. A family doctor should be able to handle end-of-life issues. In addition I would contact a hospice service which will be very helpful in this time. My thoughts go out to you and your brother as you go through this difficult time.
I'm sorry (but not surprised) to hear that your brother has taken a turn for the worst. When multiple organ systems fail individuals usually die within weeks to months if not sooner. A family doctor should be able to handle end-of-life issues. In addition I would contact a hospice service which will be very helpful in this time. My thoughts go out to you and your brother as you go through this difficult time.
