Hi. I'm new here. I found this site after searching for answers over the last week. My Mom has been diagnosed with CHF non- ischemic cardiomyopathy. I'm worried to death. She is home after being in hospital for about 3 days due to fluid. The Dr said she has moderate left systolic dysfunction. Her EF was 37. She's is on metoprolol 25 mg, 81 mg of aspirin, Lasix every other day and 25mg of spironolactone. She has not had any swelling or breathlessness. She sleeps most of the day and doesn't seem to be all there mentally. She talks and is able to walk around the house but seems to not really know what she's doing. Dr said she has to adjust to medication. I'm worried it's too much or the CHF is getting worse. I'm a Momma's boy so this is very emotional for me right now. I really don't want to lose her. Is it normal to sleep like this? She eats but not enough in my opinion. I talked to her cardiologist and he cut down on the spironolactone. Is all of this sleeping and mental slow down due to meds or is her heart getting worse. Dr seems positive but this is not the woman I remember her being. She is only 68! Would really appreciate someone to respond. I'm really worried. I haven't eaten in a week and I'm trying to be there for her as much as possible. I've been staying with her since she was released from hospital. She ate some yogurt, oatmeal and apple and drank some ensure today. I think she needs to eat more. Please give me some advice. Thank you all and hope you and your loved ones are able to recover.
I was a cardiac RN. Give yourself a bit of time. You will research and you will adjust.
My concern firstly for you is that the symptoms of wandering, of forgetfulness--these are not CHF symptoms. If the doctor led you to believe they are I would re-discuss this matter with him. The symptoms of wandering and forgetfulness need further looking into so I am thinking perhaps back to the regular MD for a neuro-psych evaluation. I don't know how long she has experienced this or what else in terms of memory is going on? But something other here for you to explore.
Now back to the heart. CHF or Congestive Heart Failure means just that. Mom is older and her pump is weakening. In the case of left failure the fluid tends to accumulate in the lungs. In right failure in the abdomen and peripheral lower extremities. I have seen many patient with an ejection fraction of 37 go for a good long time. It is important to know that as needs for stronger and more frequent doses of lasix go on board a lot of crucial electrolyte like potassium can be washed away, and need replacement, so lab measurements for these is important. There will be frequency and urgency of urination with the meds in the a.m. hours.
What you want to watch for is distress with the breathing when your Mom is unable to rest flat or slightly raised without distress and shortness of breath. Sometimes problems can come on quickly and in the case there is distress and she cannot breathe you may need to call EMS for a trip to ER. She may need higher doses of diuretics or a different kind.
Take is a day at a time, a step at a time. It is a good thing that she seems not to have fluid in periphery nor mention of right AND left failure.
There is a lot of information online but don't overwhelm yourself at first. Think on it this way, we are all going to get something to deal with if we live long enough. Take care of yourself. Your anxiety will make her more worried. And follow up on whatever the mental changes are. It is end stage, late stage when shortness of breathe causes mental changes; I don't think that is the cause now.
And welcome for Forum.
I know nothing about this condition, but the way she presented was very different from your mom.
My loved one was turning blue, and her pulse ox was quite low. It necessitated a couple of trips to a he ER.
She has had mental confusion since then. But, again, her condition was very different than how your mom is presenting.
Lots of different things can cause fogginess and change of behavior. Best, as Alva said, to get your mom checked out back at her GP, just to be sure.
We’re here to listen. I know you’re scared.
Praying for you, tonight.
Good luck!
When Mom was released from the hospital, was she referred to a CHF clinic? My husband was referred twice and refused each time. The clinic would be such a benefit. The patient visits every other week, numbers (BP, O2, weight etc.) are checked, quick physical, diet is reviewed, lasix can be administered there via IV if needed, labs can be ordered. The goal is to keep the patient out of the hospital by doing everything to prevent the CHF from progressing too quickly. I'd suggest getting mom involved with the clinic. (I'm not happy that dh refused.)
I guess you know to watch mom's weight for the "2-3lbs in a day or 5lbs in a week" indicator for extra Lasix. (Again, my dh refuses to do the extra Lasix, so his weight it back to where it was before he went into the hospital two years ago.) So important to keep that fluid off the body, especially the torso.
As for sleeping, that might be normal. Could be the meds, could be her heart just needs the rest. You can always ask her doctor. Make sure you are listed on all her records as a person that her medical information can be shared with.
My mom was referred to a heart transplant center that managed her CHF the last year or two. It was great. I had medical support 24/7 and they were always able to walk me through whatever was needed. They worked with her home health to keep her blood work going. I think she only had to have IV fluid removal twice the entire time she was ill. She was extremely compliant. We only went in once a year and everything else was over the phone. It was too hard taking my mom in. But your DH is much younger.
DH had two family members eligible for heart transplant. Brothers with heart disease on both sides of their family. One signed up. The other wouldn’t. He said he didn’t want to live what life he had left tethered to the clinic. Sadly they both passed in their 60s.
See if she will go for a ride this weekend or watch a movie with you. That sometimes lifts the spirits. She will quickly lose muscle staying in the bed. Look for a healthy high protein shake.
Fairlife has a chocolate one that has 30 grams.
My Dad went into a depression in his early 50s. His PCP was taking care of his heart desease and Lasix was given. My Dad went to the hospital and a Cardiologist was called in. It was found my Dads potassium levels were very low. They were brought up and the depression was gone.
My Dad had been taking Lasix for years. Every summer he had this rash on his arms even his PCP had no idea what it was. The Cardiologist told Dad it was from the Sun. When taking Lasix you should stay away from the Sun. If you need to go out in it, cover up.
Here is a good article.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/congestive-heart-failure-life-expectancy-prognosis-5089374
Sending hugs your way.
I know you would have cared for her regardless but she is at peace and so should you be. You gave her the best care you could. You were there when she needed you. Take care and come to the forum for support or search for a grief support group. Your experience can help others.