Waiting for the Fat Lady

[Breezecoan]

Hello sorry if my title seems a bit flippant but I need to keep a sense of humor.
I'm 52 years old and have been diagnosed with Congestive heart failure. My EF is 10 - 15 % and I've recently had an IDC installed which has gone off twice during a single event (4jules then 40jules)
That was in november, in december I came down with a case of pneumonia and spent a week in the VA.
I'm out now and for the past 4 days have been feeling as if I'm at the top of Pike's peak when I lay down to sleep. I have strange chest pain because it's less internal and more external, my chest hurts when it's touched as if I'd been bruised.
So my question is "Is this normal?"

[Jonathan D. Rich, MD]

I am really sorry for all that you have and are going through.  If I can be of any help (which would prob require you to find your way to chicago), pls let me know.

Best wishes,

Dr. Rich

[Breezecoan]

94/70..77, 1-14-14

92/67..80, 1-15-14

106/74..76, 1-16-14

That's about average for me lately But in the VA My BP dropping too low was a concern a couple of months back
Frankly I think I'm not going to be on any donor list as I'm just not important enough. But that's okay because I don't have much in the way of quality of life.
I'm unable to work and so broke that bums help me out. I've been turned down 3 times for SSI an don't have any recourse for Medical care Outside of the VA because I don't qualify for Medicade or Medicare. I'm a loss leader as far as medicine is concerned. The only reason I have a phone with internet is my next to youngest brother who's crushed by student debt pays my bill.
Dec, 4, 13 I watched as over 6 days my youngest brother died of liver failure after being on Dialysis since he was 17, he was 41
I was just curious if my symptoms were normal because it's kind of important
I lay down an it's as if the room I'm in has lost pressure an the air is as thin as 15,000 ft.
My hands feel as if they are Constantly trying to go to sleep an I have a metallic tasting but irregular cough an was curious if this is normal

Well that's about it an I really thank you for the advice Doctor

[Jonathan D. Rich, MD]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I'm not sure what the cause of your external/superficial pain and tenderness is.  Broken rib? Zoster?  Prob should discuss with your PCP or cardiologist.

However, I am concerned about your heart failure and your family history. There is no reason that you should have to suffer the same fate.  Are you being cared for my a heart failure cardiologist who specializes in heart transplantation?  If not, you need to see one.  I'm not saying that you need a transplant today but you likely will.  And it is what will allow you to become old, gray, and with achy joints!

Do you have low blood pressure and dizziness?  If not, you should try to get the doses of your medications increased.  But PLEASE PLEASE be sure you that you have a heart failure specialist overseeing your care.

Best,

Dr. Rich

[Breezecoan]

I forgot to mention that my heart condition is inherited, my Mother died at 47 of heart failure and she was only 1 of 3 siblings out of 12 to reach beyond the age of 25.
I am also suffering from Graves thyroid condition.
I'm not able to be Stinted because the lower left part of my heart is too far gone.
My meds list is as follows
Pravastatin 1 a day 20 mg
Isosorbide mononitrate 30 mg a day
Digoxin(Lanoxin) 0.125mg a day
Lisinopril 2.5 mg a day
Carvedilol 6.25mg a day
Furosemide 40mg a day
Spironolactone 25mg a day
Cholecalciferol (Vit D-3) a day
Methimazole 10mg a day
And an Asprin