Aa
Seeking Support
I am a 41 year old female recently diagnosed last month with CHF. I am having a hard time trying to digest everything and figure out my next step. I had years of very high uncontrollable BP, I am now on so many meds that it is overwhelming. We have been successfull on them bringing my BP and pulse rate down now we are adjusting them so I can have some quality of life besides sleeping all the time. I feel alone!
At first I would have good days and bad days, now it seems I have nothing but bad days. The way I muddle through is.....I muddle through.
You need to take care of #1, then if there is anything left over you can spend it on your family.......they need to understand.
It's a learning process for everyone. It took my husband about a year, and a heart attack on my part, for him to realize just how ill I am. Now, he's a great helper, and makes sure he gets me out of the house each day, even if it's just for a ride in the car. He allows me to do what I am able to do, and he picks up the slack....of course he's retired, so it makes a bit easier for him. Since I had surgery for my dialysis fistula, he has done every single dish that's been washed, vaccummed, dusted, and even cooks the evening meals. He is a jewel.
My point is, you need to incorporate your family into helping you, and not worry about the rest. They need to understand how ill you are, and help you, instead of putting demands on you.
I know about feeling awful if you just "take care" of you, but it's something you're going to have to do. Your health demands it.
It doesn't happen overnight, but it can be accomplished.....try sitting down with your family and educating them about what is going on with you, and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much they want to help.
I hope the best for you.
You need to take care of #1, then if there is anything left over you can spend it on your family.......they need to understand.
It's a learning process for everyone. It took my husband about a year, and a heart attack on my part, for him to realize just how ill I am. Now, he's a great helper, and makes sure he gets me out of the house each day, even if it's just for a ride in the car. He allows me to do what I am able to do, and he picks up the slack....of course he's retired, so it makes a bit easier for him. Since I had surgery for my dialysis fistula, he has done every single dish that's been washed, vaccummed, dusted, and even cooks the evening meals. He is a jewel.
My point is, you need to incorporate your family into helping you, and not worry about the rest. They need to understand how ill you are, and help you, instead of putting demands on you.
I know about feeling awful if you just "take care" of you, but it's something you're going to have to do. Your health demands it.
It doesn't happen overnight, but it can be accomplished.....try sitting down with your family and educating them about what is going on with you, and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much they want to help.
I hope the best for you.
How do you get thru the bad days? I feel worse if I sleep and ignore my family and then I feel worse if I try to ignore it and smile and try to make everyone happy!
I've done my fair share of venting here. For instance when my cardiologist looked me straight in the eye a few months ago and told me I was going to die. Then I went to see a kidney specialist and he said the same thing, except he added that I was stage 5 renal failure(end stage). They said it was because of poor BP management on my part....you know, it always has to be the patient's fault. The truth of the matter is, I caught a virus and all of this is what it has done to me.
Before the virus I used to spend 16 hour days hiking, without any problem. I spent days on end watching little grandkids and never felt any worse for the wear, but now, like I said, just making it from my recliner to the bathroom is a stretch more often than not.
The virus, intrestingly enough, was contracted in the ER of our local hospital. My husband caught it while being seen for critically low potassium levels. I took care of him for 6 months, not knowing whether he would ever bounce back, or not. Into the 7th month of taking care of him, I came down with it, and it's been a royal battle ever since. He is fine most of the time now, but still has days when he just doesn't have any strength. Me, on the other hand, my heart is at 15-20%, and I'm stage 5 renal failure, so I probably won't get better. So.......I've done a lot of venting here.
I'm glad you're able to do the same.....and congrats on the new puppy....sometimes a new pet can make a world of difference in the way a person feels.
Before the virus I used to spend 16 hour days hiking, without any problem. I spent days on end watching little grandkids and never felt any worse for the wear, but now, like I said, just making it from my recliner to the bathroom is a stretch more often than not.
The virus, intrestingly enough, was contracted in the ER of our local hospital. My husband caught it while being seen for critically low potassium levels. I took care of him for 6 months, not knowing whether he would ever bounce back, or not. Into the 7th month of taking care of him, I came down with it, and it's been a royal battle ever since. He is fine most of the time now, but still has days when he just doesn't have any strength. Me, on the other hand, my heart is at 15-20%, and I'm stage 5 renal failure, so I probably won't get better. So.......I've done a lot of venting here.
I'm glad you're able to do the same.....and congrats on the new puppy....sometimes a new pet can make a world of difference in the way a person feels.
Remember when you said I needed to find something to keep my mind off of the CHF? Well, we got a pitbull puppy. That should keep my mind busy but Thank Goodness I have 4 more people in the house to walk him.
I am meeting with a workcomp attorney Friday, I really want to make sure I do this right. I truly appreciate all of the support you have given me, it has been nice knowing I can vent and share here.
I am meeting with a workcomp attorney Friday, I really want to make sure I do this right. I truly appreciate all of the support you have given me, it has been nice knowing I can vent and share here.
I'm glad to hear you're taking steps to make it better for yourself.....#1 should be the most important person to you, then the rest of the people in your life get what's left over.....it has to be that way.
Workman's Comp should help you a lot, and if you can get a medical retirement out of it, you'll be set for life. I'm not sure about other states, but where I am medical retirement gives you 60% of your gross income, and it's tax free. I'm not sure about medical coverage though. It would seem like they would have to provide something for you, though....maybe medicaid....who knows.
Anyway, hang in there, I think you'll find it's not as scary as you thought it would be. Keep me posted.....
Workman's Comp should help you a lot, and if you can get a medical retirement out of it, you'll be set for life. I'm not sure about other states, but where I am medical retirement gives you 60% of your gross income, and it's tax free. I'm not sure about medical coverage though. It would seem like they would have to provide something for you, though....maybe medicaid....who knows.
Anyway, hang in there, I think you'll find it's not as scary as you thought it would be. Keep me posted.....
I have a work comp claim started after my doc advised me to. I went to my interview yetsterday and I know he was only doing his job but man do they ask private questions. My doc filed it for undue stress and anxiety. I know they will fight it. But I have proof of months of my supervisor denying me help and I was still expected to take calls 24/7 even when I was out sick on FMLA.
I have made my decision to put in my resignation. I gotta say I am nervous but I feel good about it, things will be tight for a while but I need to do this or else I am just gonna get worse. My husband says he can see just in this week that I am a happier person
I have made my decision to put in my resignation. I gotta say I am nervous but I feel good about it, things will be tight for a while but I need to do this or else I am just gonna get worse. My husband says he can see just in this week that I am a happier person
Yes, waking up not being able to breathe, for me, is the worst part of this ailment, and you never know when it's going to happen. I can be sitting, watching TV and find myself gasping for air. Usually I have to breathe with my mouth open to get enough oxygen, and that is while I'm awake or asleep.
Did your doctor take a chest xray to see what shape your lungs were in, or did it clear up on it's own? Did he/she do any kind of treatments?
I still think lasix is your best bet for pulling the excess fluid out of your system, and you can get it 90 days for $10 at Walmart for generic. I take 80 mg in the morning and 40 mg at night, and I can sleep lying down most of the time. I also take Coreg and Diltiazem, all for BP......seven pills a day....3x90 mg diltizem, 2x25 mg Coreg, 1 80 mg of lasix, and 1 40 mg of lasix. I get them all at Walmart, and the only one that costs more than $10 a month is the diltiazem and that is because I have to take 1 1/2 times the normal amount.
So, now you're rethinking your postition on trying to work? I think with the ailments you have that you're not doing yourself any good by trying to work, even part time.
When you see your cardiologist pin him down on where you stand with heart failure. If you are considered stage 3 or 4 then you should be signing up asap for Social Security Disability, and SSI. Usually anyone who helps you at the Social Security office will offer to sign you up for SSI automatically, but if they don't, then ask for them to do so....it's what they get paid for. By the time they get through with you, you will feel like you're trying to take out a huge loan from a bank(from all of the questions), but if you hang in there and play their little game, you should come out on top.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Did your doctor take a chest xray to see what shape your lungs were in, or did it clear up on it's own? Did he/she do any kind of treatments?
I still think lasix is your best bet for pulling the excess fluid out of your system, and you can get it 90 days for $10 at Walmart for generic. I take 80 mg in the morning and 40 mg at night, and I can sleep lying down most of the time. I also take Coreg and Diltiazem, all for BP......seven pills a day....3x90 mg diltizem, 2x25 mg Coreg, 1 80 mg of lasix, and 1 40 mg of lasix. I get them all at Walmart, and the only one that costs more than $10 a month is the diltiazem and that is because I have to take 1 1/2 times the normal amount.
So, now you're rethinking your postition on trying to work? I think with the ailments you have that you're not doing yourself any good by trying to work, even part time.
When you see your cardiologist pin him down on where you stand with heart failure. If you are considered stage 3 or 4 then you should be signing up asap for Social Security Disability, and SSI. Usually anyone who helps you at the Social Security office will offer to sign you up for SSI automatically, but if they don't, then ask for them to do so....it's what they get paid for. By the time they get through with you, you will feel like you're trying to take out a huge loan from a bank(from all of the questions), but if you hang in there and play their little game, you should come out on top.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
How are you doing? I ended up in the ER this morning, I had trouble breathing yesterday so just had one of those days of lying around. I woke up at 3 a.m. with chest pain and couldn't breathe, I shot straight up gasping for air. It was the most horrifying thing I have experienced. My husband said he couldn't sleep cause he thought my breathing was shallow so he was awake when I woke up gasping. The ER doc said it wasn't a heart attack and gave me pain meds and said it was peurisy. I see my cardiologist in the morning for follow up.
So much for trying to work a few days a week. This is hard, you never know what the next days holds.
So much for trying to work a few days a week. This is hard, you never know what the next days holds.
First of all, you need to get out of the habit of compromising yourself to keep everyone else happy. With your medical problems you need to be concerned about #1 first(you), and then whatever is left over you can give to others.
However, I could have written what you wrote about myself, so I know where you're coming from, except I don't work, and have no plans to do so.
When I first became ill, my husband tried to push me all of the time, telling me that I wasn't going to die, that I just felt awful, and if I would get up and move I would start to feel better. Then one day he went into see the doctor with me, and the doctor told him how ill I am, and he now does all of the vaccuming, cooks the dinner meal, does the dishes, and "asks" me if I would like to try going fishing, etc. Some days I dump up in my recliner and just kind of "lay" there. Some days I get a couple of hours where I feel pretty good, then wham, I hit a wall and I'm down for a couple of days.
I can sleep laying down now days, but it wasn't always that way. I have to take 120 mg. of lasix everyday just to keep the swelling down enough to keep breathing. At last count I think I was up to 20 meds a day, some of which are supplements, ie: COQ10, iron, etc.
In any event, if you're having a lot of trouble with breathing, then I would think the next step would be for your doctor to give you a breathing treatment, like albuterol, to clear your lungs. It works real well for the time you're receiving the treatment, but then it could be followed up with the lasix and it might help you to be able to do a little more.
I find that if I eat several small meals a day, instead of trying to fill my stomach 3 times a day, that I have an easier time, also. I believe it's because the swelling takes up so much space that there isn't much left for food.
I still swell, now days, but it's managable, and I rarely have breathing problems to the extent that I end up on the hospital, so I think I've improved.
I think one reason a person gets so exhausted with this ailment is, it would be like carrying a 40-50 pound bag of spuds(gross swelling) on your back all day, while trying to do a job that tires you out when you're feeling good.
I hope some of this helps. I'm not a doctor, so my hands are tied other than to tell you what has worked for me.....good luck, and keep us posted, okay?
However, I could have written what you wrote about myself, so I know where you're coming from, except I don't work, and have no plans to do so.
When I first became ill, my husband tried to push me all of the time, telling me that I wasn't going to die, that I just felt awful, and if I would get up and move I would start to feel better. Then one day he went into see the doctor with me, and the doctor told him how ill I am, and he now does all of the vaccuming, cooks the dinner meal, does the dishes, and "asks" me if I would like to try going fishing, etc. Some days I dump up in my recliner and just kind of "lay" there. Some days I get a couple of hours where I feel pretty good, then wham, I hit a wall and I'm down for a couple of days.
I can sleep laying down now days, but it wasn't always that way. I have to take 120 mg. of lasix everyday just to keep the swelling down enough to keep breathing. At last count I think I was up to 20 meds a day, some of which are supplements, ie: COQ10, iron, etc.
In any event, if you're having a lot of trouble with breathing, then I would think the next step would be for your doctor to give you a breathing treatment, like albuterol, to clear your lungs. It works real well for the time you're receiving the treatment, but then it could be followed up with the lasix and it might help you to be able to do a little more.
I find that if I eat several small meals a day, instead of trying to fill my stomach 3 times a day, that I have an easier time, also. I believe it's because the swelling takes up so much space that there isn't much left for food.
I still swell, now days, but it's managable, and I rarely have breathing problems to the extent that I end up on the hospital, so I think I've improved.
I think one reason a person gets so exhausted with this ailment is, it would be like carrying a 40-50 pound bag of spuds(gross swelling) on your back all day, while trying to do a job that tires you out when you're feeling good.
I hope some of this helps. I'm not a doctor, so my hands are tied other than to tell you what has worked for me.....good luck, and keep us posted, okay?
My job does allow me to put my feet up when I am at my desk but my first few days back were spent running from meeting to meeting. I really need to get away from this job and its stress and high demands.
My swelling does move to my abdomen, it's nothing for me to put on 10 lbs in a day from all the swelling. Then I am really miserable and can't catch my breath. I have found that I have a hard time lying flat now, I prop myself up with pillows or sleep in the recliner.
I have good days and you are right there are days where you wish the bathroom wasn't so far away. I don't even go upstairs during the day now, its a feeling that I can't stand. Even taking a shower some days is a difficult task. Thank god I have a bathroom downstairs.
Today was kind of depressing, my 16 year old wanted to spend time just her and I so we went to Walmart........I had such a hard time but I kept a smile on my face and trudged on because it made her happy!
My swelling does move to my abdomen, it's nothing for me to put on 10 lbs in a day from all the swelling. Then I am really miserable and can't catch my breath. I have found that I have a hard time lying flat now, I prop myself up with pillows or sleep in the recliner.
I have good days and you are right there are days where you wish the bathroom wasn't so far away. I don't even go upstairs during the day now, its a feeling that I can't stand. Even taking a shower some days is a difficult task. Thank god I have a bathroom downstairs.
Today was kind of depressing, my 16 year old wanted to spend time just her and I so we went to Walmart........I had such a hard time but I kept a smile on my face and trudged on because it made her happy!
Yes, I do have days when it's a chore just to breathe. My legs and feet swell on these days too.
When you have CHF life becomes a moment by moment process. One moment you feel half way normal and can do almost anything you want to accomplish, then the next moment you're wishing that the bathroom wasn't so far away, or that your clothes weren't so hard to get on, etc.
CHF gives exhausted a whole new meaning, I think.
Take it easy and try not to overdo. Would you be able to do a desk job? Something where you could keep your feet up while you work? It's just a thought.
Just keep in mind that when your legs swell and put them up, you should be taking note of whether the swelling goes down, or whether it just relocates to the backside of your legs. As long as the swelling is in your legs, it has the ability to steal your breath away at anytime, so it's important to keep a close eye on what is happening....also be mindful of how high on your body the swelling is. ie: is it's just in the legs, or is it also in your abdomen? Usually when it's getting to the point of needing help your liver area becomes swollen and tender, so that's something to keep in mind also.
Hope this helps........take care.
When you have CHF life becomes a moment by moment process. One moment you feel half way normal and can do almost anything you want to accomplish, then the next moment you're wishing that the bathroom wasn't so far away, or that your clothes weren't so hard to get on, etc.
CHF gives exhausted a whole new meaning, I think.
Take it easy and try not to overdo. Would you be able to do a desk job? Something where you could keep your feet up while you work? It's just a thought.
Just keep in mind that when your legs swell and put them up, you should be taking note of whether the swelling goes down, or whether it just relocates to the backside of your legs. As long as the swelling is in your legs, it has the ability to steal your breath away at anytime, so it's important to keep a close eye on what is happening....also be mindful of how high on your body the swelling is. ie: is it's just in the legs, or is it also in your abdomen? Usually when it's getting to the point of needing help your liver area becomes swollen and tender, so that's something to keep in mind also.
Hope this helps........take care.
Holy Cow......I am exhausted. I wasn't at work my first day for 3 hours and my feet and ankles swelled so bad. I can barely get from my office to the Emergency room and if I do make it that far I can't breath. Good thing I work in a hospital I guess. I did put in a transfer request today so maybe I can get away from being on call 24/7 and the high demands I am under now.
Today was bad, I felt so sick and hard to catch my breath. I could hardly carry a conversation with someone. Does that happen to anyone else?
Today was bad, I felt so sick and hard to catch my breath. I could hardly carry a conversation with someone. Does that happen to anyone else?
I believe the rules for medicaid would be different for someone who is getting it through SSI.
In my situation I don't qualify for medicare, but when I start dialysis it will be automatic. So the point is, IF you're disabled it puts you into a whole new category, with a whole new set of rules. Of course your employer would have to let you go and there would be some real lean times until you receive your first check, but the time wouldn't be very long.
As I have already mentioned, SSI takes care of you until SSD kicks in. It's less money than you would get on SSD, but you get foodstamps, and medical. You would also qualify for low income housing I think. Your kids would get benefits too, in most cases, so that's something to think about too.
My heart goes out to you, as I know how you feel, and one thing is for sure, you don't feel like working. I know I couldn't work 4 days a week, much less support an entire household.
Just FYI, I worked for Social Security Disability Determination Services in Oregon and the information I gave you is what I learned from working there.
I can't tell you whether it would work for you to quit your job or not, because I know so little about you, and I'm not an analyst(determines disability at SSDDS.) However, with CHF, I believe the decision will, at some point, no longer by yours.....I just hope you're able to deal with it at that point.
Good luck to you, and please take care of #1, if for no other reason, then for your kids.
Let us all know how you're doing, okay?
In my situation I don't qualify for medicare, but when I start dialysis it will be automatic. So the point is, IF you're disabled it puts you into a whole new category, with a whole new set of rules. Of course your employer would have to let you go and there would be some real lean times until you receive your first check, but the time wouldn't be very long.
As I have already mentioned, SSI takes care of you until SSD kicks in. It's less money than you would get on SSD, but you get foodstamps, and medical. You would also qualify for low income housing I think. Your kids would get benefits too, in most cases, so that's something to think about too.
My heart goes out to you, as I know how you feel, and one thing is for sure, you don't feel like working. I know I couldn't work 4 days a week, much less support an entire household.
Just FYI, I worked for Social Security Disability Determination Services in Oregon and the information I gave you is what I learned from working there.
I can't tell you whether it would work for you to quit your job or not, because I know so little about you, and I'm not an analyst(determines disability at SSDDS.) However, with CHF, I believe the decision will, at some point, no longer by yours.....I just hope you're able to deal with it at that point.
Good luck to you, and please take care of #1, if for no other reason, then for your kids.
Let us all know how you're doing, okay?
Hi Neil,
I weighed my options and against my docs advice I have to return to work. I live in Oregon and they are not accepting any adults on the Medicaid program right now(they have a reservation list that they draw from periodically and our state has 72,000 names on it, and if I leave I won't be eligible for Unemployment. This state is difficult I think. I am the only income in my family so it would be impossible to live without an income and we have no family here. Soooo.......I am going back 4 days a week with restrictions and my doc said she won't hesitate to put me off the minute I start to swell up again. I guess my best chance is to work until kids are out of school and then pack up and move back east. My cardiologist wants to repeat my testing in October to see if my EF has changed any, earlier if I feel I am getting worse. The thought of moving again is stressful, and then having to find new doctors. Can you tell I obsess over my decisions, all part of my anxiety I guess. :)
Thanks for the website, I can't wait to check it out!
I weighed my options and against my docs advice I have to return to work. I live in Oregon and they are not accepting any adults on the Medicaid program right now(they have a reservation list that they draw from periodically and our state has 72,000 names on it, and if I leave I won't be eligible for Unemployment. This state is difficult I think. I am the only income in my family so it would be impossible to live without an income and we have no family here. Soooo.......I am going back 4 days a week with restrictions and my doc said she won't hesitate to put me off the minute I start to swell up again. I guess my best chance is to work until kids are out of school and then pack up and move back east. My cardiologist wants to repeat my testing in October to see if my EF has changed any, earlier if I feel I am getting worse. The thought of moving again is stressful, and then having to find new doctors. Can you tell I obsess over my decisions, all part of my anxiety I guess. :)
Thanks for the website, I can't wait to check it out!
Hi gr8full_me,
Well yesterday was the day that you were going to learn about the status of your job. What decisions were made?
You asked about: success in getting Disability?
Yes - I was able to get disability. Who knows why after all the stories of people having to re-apply. Maybe I was lucky. Maybe the Doctors filled out the forms properly. Perhaps - given that I had a 15% Ejection Fraction at the time - 2003 - and the prospect of improvement didn't exist - might have been the major factors of acceptance. It took 10 months for it to go through.
Congratulations on your weight loss efforts. I am a diabetic too and enjoy what I learn at this website that I'll put here because I believe in low carb: http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/
Let us know how you are doing.
Regards,
Neil
Well yesterday was the day that you were going to learn about the status of your job. What decisions were made?
You asked about: success in getting Disability?
Yes - I was able to get disability. Who knows why after all the stories of people having to re-apply. Maybe I was lucky. Maybe the Doctors filled out the forms properly. Perhaps - given that I had a 15% Ejection Fraction at the time - 2003 - and the prospect of improvement didn't exist - might have been the major factors of acceptance. It took 10 months for it to go through.
Congratulations on your weight loss efforts. I am a diabetic too and enjoy what I learn at this website that I'll put here because I believe in low carb: http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/
Let us know how you are doing.
Regards,
Neil
I believe it would depend on what stage of CHF you are in, as to whether you would qualify for disability. I know that if you are in stage 3 or 4 that you qualify for a free parking placard for disabled parking spots, but Social Security is another can of worms. The fact that you work for a hospital, and most likely have a doctor telling you that you can not work will definately help.
I used to work for Social Security Disability Determination Services, and most of the time the first time you sign up they will automatically disqualify you, so if that happens don't give up, it's just their way of buying themselves time to put you through all of the steps.
It used to really mess with my head when we would get an application from someone who was in end stage cancer and even though the file was flagged to be expedited, it was still disqualified the first time. A lot of the time the applicant would pass away before they ever saw a dime, and I've never felt like that was right.
I have stage 4 CHF, and end stage renal disease, and until I start dialysis I don't qualify. I do have State subsidized insurance, with a $5,000 oop per year, and it costs me $631 per month. Right now, and for the rest of this year they will be paying 100%, so I feel pretty fortunate.
Medicare isn't the "only" option you have. If you're not working, and your household income is at a certain level, then you would qualify for Medicaid until you can get Medicare. When you sign up for Social Security Disability, they will also sign you up for SSI, which comes with medicaid and a monthly check, I think foodstamps also. SSI is meant to fill the gap between the time you sign up for disability and the time you actually qualify.
I hope this information helps.
Now, should you quit your job? ONLY if that is what you want to do. If your job makes you happy, and you feel like you can do it, then by all means hang in there. If you want to do something else that migh seem crazy to the rest of the world, then do it. It's your life, and doing what makes YOU happy is what's important.
I've gotten a bit self-centered in the last couple of years. I started the first time I was told I was going to die and I'm still doing it....and...I think it's helping me to live longer....and...if not...well at least I'm happy.
My next adventure is going on a Moose hunt. I haven't worked out all of the details yet, but I have a pretty good handle on it, and it gives me something to look forward to.....this type of thing, for me, is what I'm talking about. It may seems crazy to everyone else, but it's something I want to do.
So get busy and find out what it will take to make and keep you happy and do it.
I used to work for Social Security Disability Determination Services, and most of the time the first time you sign up they will automatically disqualify you, so if that happens don't give up, it's just their way of buying themselves time to put you through all of the steps.
It used to really mess with my head when we would get an application from someone who was in end stage cancer and even though the file was flagged to be expedited, it was still disqualified the first time. A lot of the time the applicant would pass away before they ever saw a dime, and I've never felt like that was right.
I have stage 4 CHF, and end stage renal disease, and until I start dialysis I don't qualify. I do have State subsidized insurance, with a $5,000 oop per year, and it costs me $631 per month. Right now, and for the rest of this year they will be paying 100%, so I feel pretty fortunate.
Medicare isn't the "only" option you have. If you're not working, and your household income is at a certain level, then you would qualify for Medicaid until you can get Medicare. When you sign up for Social Security Disability, they will also sign you up for SSI, which comes with medicaid and a monthly check, I think foodstamps also. SSI is meant to fill the gap between the time you sign up for disability and the time you actually qualify.
I hope this information helps.
Now, should you quit your job? ONLY if that is what you want to do. If your job makes you happy, and you feel like you can do it, then by all means hang in there. If you want to do something else that migh seem crazy to the rest of the world, then do it. It's your life, and doing what makes YOU happy is what's important.
I've gotten a bit self-centered in the last couple of years. I started the first time I was told I was going to die and I'm still doing it....and...I think it's helping me to live longer....and...if not...well at least I'm happy.
My next adventure is going on a Moose hunt. I haven't worked out all of the details yet, but I have a pretty good handle on it, and it gives me something to look forward to.....this type of thing, for me, is what I'm talking about. It may seems crazy to everyone else, but it's something I want to do.
So get busy and find out what it will take to make and keep you happy and do it.
My function is at 35% right now( In Jan.). Thank you for the encouragement and you are right, I need to find something to keep my mind off it. I try to occupy my mind with crossword puzzles cause it takes my thoughts away. I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement. I can't imagine how hard it was to quit smoking. Coffee is my addiction and switching to half decaf is hard enough. Congrats on the accomplishment
I just joined this site and i will tell you like the other members to keep going and smile for
every little victory you achieve in your battles because getting up every day and doing something or anything is better then just thinking about what you had and were it went.I now write a lot even what I am feeling at that moment. keep going just do that.
I went through a cardiac arrest last year l spent three weeks in the hospital after 6 bypasses and a defibrillator.3/2009. I went through rehab and back to work in july.
I worked construction heavy commercial and i was a biker HARLEYS. I was told that my heart would bounce back so I worked right through the winter tell jan of 2010. my heart never got better it got worse. my echo on 2/8/2009 was ef 20-25% on 2/52010 ef of 19%
the doctor told me to stop working or it would be the end not what i had expected. I am on union disability and applied for ssdisability. they giveing me 2 years than transplant with a max of drugs and so many have changed in one year i can't imagine what 2 years will mean. thats if i don't get worse. I quit smokeing on march 23/2009
changed eating habits. I still ride my bike the one thing that clears my head so find that one thing and do that when ever possible.I am not near the strength i had before.
so there are days i am very tired.
every little victory you achieve in your battles because getting up every day and doing something or anything is better then just thinking about what you had and were it went.I now write a lot even what I am feeling at that moment. keep going just do that.
I went through a cardiac arrest last year l spent three weeks in the hospital after 6 bypasses and a defibrillator.3/2009. I went through rehab and back to work in july.
I worked construction heavy commercial and i was a biker HARLEYS. I was told that my heart would bounce back so I worked right through the winter tell jan of 2010. my heart never got better it got worse. my echo on 2/8/2009 was ef 20-25% on 2/52010 ef of 19%
the doctor told me to stop working or it would be the end not what i had expected. I am on union disability and applied for ssdisability. they giveing me 2 years than transplant with a max of drugs and so many have changed in one year i can't imagine what 2 years will mean. thats if i don't get worse. I quit smokeing on march 23/2009
changed eating habits. I still ride my bike the one thing that clears my head so find that one thing and do that when ever possible.I am not near the strength i had before.
so there are days i am very tired.
Thank you both for the support. I have been trying to work 4 hours a day and my company (a hospital none the less) responded by putting me on administrative leave stating that I am not "fit for duty". The job isn't worth my health. I need to give them a decision Monday as to if I will come back or resign. It's hard, if I leave I will lose my insurance. Have either of you been succesful in getting Disability?
Neil, I take Diltiazem, Coreg, Nifedical, Benical HCT, Lasix, Clonodine to name a few and thos are just for the BP, I take others for the Anxiety and depression and Insulin for Diabetes. I don't have the energy to exercise, if I am on my feet for more than an hour my feet ankles and legs swell. I have made changes in my lifestyle, I have lost 20 lbs so far since Jan when I was diagnosed, I watch what I eat and portion sizes.
I just feel so low after my job put me in the position to choose, I feel like I am letting my family down. My husband says I am too "doom and gloom" but I am exhausted from walking around with smile on my face and pretending to be happy for everyones sake when I am hurting so much inside!
Neil, I take Diltiazem, Coreg, Nifedical, Benical HCT, Lasix, Clonodine to name a few and thos are just for the BP, I take others for the Anxiety and depression and Insulin for Diabetes. I don't have the energy to exercise, if I am on my feet for more than an hour my feet ankles and legs swell. I have made changes in my lifestyle, I have lost 20 lbs so far since Jan when I was diagnosed, I watch what I eat and portion sizes.
I just feel so low after my job put me in the position to choose, I feel like I am letting my family down. My husband says I am too "doom and gloom" but I am exhausted from walking around with smile on my face and pretending to be happy for everyones sake when I am hurting so much inside!
You are not alone, as Neil has said. This board is a great place to ask questions and get someone else's perspective.
I had a day, last week, where I felt lower than I ever have before. I was in the hospital, it was after surgery(my dialysis fistula is finally finished, now I just have to heal.) One of the nurses came in and stated that upon reading my chart she figured she would walk into the room and find a 56 year old crack addict, and she was surprized when she found me....saying that my heart condition is a death warrant, etc. Just what I needed to hear as I was trying to start recovery.
I know I'm dying, but I sure don't need to hear it all of the time...and so, I come here looking for someone to talk to......This board has been great for me. I think you'll find comfort in it too, as CHF doesn't always mean your life is over....it just means you need to change a few things, and keep living. Don't let it get you down, and if it does, come on here and unload. There's an old saying that goes: "Misery loves company"....I totally agree.
Good luck to you, and keep us posted about your progress.
I had a day, last week, where I felt lower than I ever have before. I was in the hospital, it was after surgery(my dialysis fistula is finally finished, now I just have to heal.) One of the nurses came in and stated that upon reading my chart she figured she would walk into the room and find a 56 year old crack addict, and she was surprized when she found me....saying that my heart condition is a death warrant, etc. Just what I needed to hear as I was trying to start recovery.
I know I'm dying, but I sure don't need to hear it all of the time...and so, I come here looking for someone to talk to......This board has been great for me. I think you'll find comfort in it too, as CHF doesn't always mean your life is over....it just means you need to change a few things, and keep living. Don't let it get you down, and if it does, come on here and unload. There's an old saying that goes: "Misery loves company"....I totally agree.
Good luck to you, and keep us posted about your progress.
You need not feel alone - any longer. There are those of us - who feel alone - looking out for you.
And we all get periods of feeling lonely - so when it happens - don't hesitate to reach out.
To help you learn more about CHF - try going to: http://chfpatients.com/
Tell us about the medications that you are on - and what are you able to do - at present? How long have you been ill? Are you able to work? Can you walk - for exercise?
That's about the most I can do......walk.
So - do some research and come back with questions and write anytime if you feel alone.
Neil
And we all get periods of feeling lonely - so when it happens - don't hesitate to reach out.
To help you learn more about CHF - try going to: http://chfpatients.com/
Tell us about the medications that you are on - and what are you able to do - at present? How long have you been ill? Are you able to work? Can you walk - for exercise?
That's about the most I can do......walk.
So - do some research and come back with questions and write anytime if you feel alone.
Neil
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