Congestive Heart Failure

[trailangel]

my dad who is 71 suffers from both of these, today at an office visit his cardiologist said his heart production was at 20. I do not have an understanding of what this really means, his meds were raised because his heart in beating 90 to 150 times for approx. 8-15 seconds 4 or5 times aday. Its basically staying at 90 and they say it should be 60 for his weakened heart. I am trying to deal with this, but it becomes very diffucult when you dont understand. he is starting to have kidney failure, edema, he was diagnosed about 4.5 years ago. I feel his time is getting short as to maybe months, and there are thing we need to get taken care of, but I dont want to upset him sooner than necessary. I love him with all my heart and I have never experienced so much hurt at the thought of not talking to him daily. I need answers to how critical his condition is. He cant lay down and sleep anymore, he has to be somewhat elevated. and his air now looks as though he is belly breathing, Please someone help me find the answers I need. How much longer can he survive this way. I know it hurts me to see him this way, I can only imagine what he feels. He has went from a man that worked 10 to12 hours aday to barely being able to do basic stuff for himself.

[heartdoc]

' heart production was at 20 ' : What you are describing is, ejection fraction of 20 %. With each heart beat, 50% to 55% of volume should come out of heart for normal body function. Your dad's heart has become too weak causing heart failure. It difficult to treat person with low EF of 20% and COPD.

Prognosis is limited which is sad for family members. Medications are to keep him comforatable. His heart rate is difficult to controll because of COPD and CHF. It is difficult for you but necessary for him to know that time is limited. It is my experience that people who are sick at this level they do handle bad news well than family members. Have physician or nurse talk to him about his prognosis with you at side. This way, it will be easier on you.

Also, make sure he is on appropriate medications for his symptoms and CHF which can be done by youy local cardiologist.

[trailangel]

Thank-You for your answer, I only know I want him to be comfortable and not in pain, I don't want him to pass, but I also don't want him to keep suffering, there has already been to much of that for him. He is afraid, but he won't allow us to ask questions in front of him, and the doctors will only say so much to us, without him being present. I guess that is Doctor/patient confidentionality, but I need to know for myself what is going on, and so again I thank you for your input on his condition.
trailangel

[Shay]

Dear one, I am 63 a few years younger but there is so much that they can do for these medical conditions now days. Have you discussed oxygen for your dad. There are medications that can slow the heart down and also reduce the adema. I have the same problems and I have been very fortunate. Maybe your dad has told them not to do anything else. Belly breathing is good. It helps to strengthen the diaphramn muscles. My ejection fraction is about 30 % and my lung capacity is about the same. Is there any local groups that could teach your dad how to breath and move with out to much physical activity. I went to Pulmonary Rehab Therapy and that helped tremendously.

[patriciaforman2]

They have now told us , that their goal is to keep him comfortable, his chf has progressed beyond what they can help him with. So, he and I have talked, and all his funeral arrangements have been made. His cardiologist is a very wonderful man , and he is explaining everything as it happens. My daddy has had this apparantly longer than I knew about. His doctor said he has had this for approx. 14 years, ever since he has had his heart attack. We are dealing with this, but I am having a hard time, I was a single mother of 4, and my dad helped me raise my children. I have never been without him, and I don't know what it is going to be like not to hear him say I love you, or see his smile. He has always been so strong, and now it is up to me to be strong for him, but with the help of God we all will be alright. Thank you for your reply.