heart health

[mebenana]

I was diagnosed with Congestive heart failure last September when I went to the hospital through the emergency room. My symptoms were swollen feet and legs, hard time breathing ( I have COPD and take meds for it, but even after all my meds I still had a hard time breathing) and coughing continuely. I was told to go to a Cardiologist when I got out, which I did. The dr. after seeing me for only 5 minutes told me I did not have CHF. He said that if I needed to see him again I could. So now I am really confused. All of my other drs. (family, pain, and other emergency room visits) said I have CHF. I recently was in the hospital again with the same symptoms and the diagnosis was COPD. Could someone help me with this.

[erely]

I also now have to sleep on an 8 " wedge pillow.  Drs. aren't sure which issue to address.

[erely]

I have COPD and chf.  Never have swollen lower extremities, but my abdomen swells.

[mebenana]

I am working on my weight, I also do a lot of positive thinking, thanks for the info.

[rydersnanna]

this web link will be able to answer most of your questions - i hope
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html -

i dont know much about congestive heart failure but i know alot about weight and what being heavy can cost you - i also know a lot about positve thought and action and would love to help you get in a better frame of mind - ready to tackle your problem -starting may -
if you are up for the challenge - send a post -

[mebenana]

I am overweight, I don't have any other physical reasons for the swelling. I have lost weight since I was first diagnosed, but that does not help ease the swelling. I do have high blood pressure which has gotten better since I have cut down on the sodium.

[rydersnanna]

hey there - you dont say whether or not you are carrying too much weight
or whether you have any other physical reasons for the swelling

not to be personal but i would like to comment on your post but need that information

[Weesy68]

It does sound like CHF more than COPD, because of the swollen feet and legs.  COPD seems to be more the result of something such as smoking or exposure to bad chemicals, etc.  If it were me and I didn't smoke and wasn't exposed to some strange things, I would be more likely to believe the CHF.  The other cause of COPD is genetic and it's rare so not very likely, but that one has a genetic test.  One seems to start in the Lungs and affect the heart while the other starts in the heart.