Mom has CHF, what questions do I need to ask?

[teenbean65]

She is 71, and this is her third hospitalization for symptoms of CHF.  She lives in a small community where the hospital is smaller than an average grocery store.  She has now been there for two weeks, on her back, no moving or even trying to get her to move.  They had the swelling under control, then within a few days (of still being in bed) it is back and she has gone from "good" kidney function to talk of Dialysis.  My brothers, sister and I all live several states away, but I am flying in to find out what the real story is.  Two weeks stay in a hospital seems to be really excessive, especially when I can talk to her and she seems lucid.  What questions can I ask to get the full story?  And can't we ask for second opinions on treatment?

[Simranjit_Singh]

Congestive heart failure means the efficiency of the heart to pump blood to the body decreases. As a result of this, the abdomen and legs start swelling. Diuretics are given in this scenario to remove excessive water from the body. Usually such patients have to be on diuretics through out their life to prevent water accumulation and swelling. I will suggest, take opinion from other doctors as this condition, if not treated on time may cause permanent damage to the heart. Doctors may advise implant of some devices to undo the damage.