Congestive Heart Failure refers to a condition that renders the heart unable to efficiently pump blood to the body’s organs. The condition itself can be caused by a number of pre-existing issues. These include:
• High blood pressure
• Previous heart attack
• Coronary disease of the arteries
• Congenital heart defects
• Diseased or damaged heart valves
Congestive heart failure can typically be identified by swollen legs or ankles, swelling of the abdomen or shortness of breath. Due to the heart’s inability to pump blood properly the blood tends to pool in certain areas of the body which leads to swelling. While it generally occurs in the legs, other parts of the body can be affected. The shortness of breath comes about when fluid collects in the lungs, which tends to worsen when the person is lying down.
Methods for the treatment of congestive failure have improved over the years, but in many cases, without a heart transplant the patient eventually dies. Depending on the severity of the condition some patients respond to drugs or operations such as valve replacement. With proper medical supervision some people can live with congestive heart failure for years. For some people however, the disease becomes progressively worse which leads to changes in the course of treatment and more intense medical supervision. However, death results rather quickly.
Stages of Congestive Heart Failure
Typically, the stages of congestive heart failure are as follows:
1. Initially, patients may display no symptoms of the disease. While they may feel a bit more tired than usual during physical activity, it is not usually enough to cause alarm. 2. Over time there is pronounced fatigue during physical activity. Heart palpitations may be experenced even during limited exercise. On the other hand, resting may cause the symptoms to lessen or to go away. 3. At this stage the person may be fine while rest, but some everyday tasks may lead to tiredness and shortness of breath. Clearly, at this point physical activity and exercise become severely limited. 4. During the final stages of the illness the person’s day to day life becomes severely affected. Any form of physical activity will lead to tiredness and put additional strain on the heart. Even when at rest there may be symptoms which signal the heart’s inability to function properly, in addition to difficulty breathing.
According to website wrongdiagnosis.com roughly 1.76% of Americans are suffering from congestive heart failure. Naturally the figures are higher for people over 65. While some people may be more prone to heart failure due to circumstances like defects at birth, lifestyle changes can make a big difference in preventing the disease. However, end stage congestive heart failure ultimately leads t death as the body shuts down.
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52 Responses to “The Stages of Dying From Congestive Heart Failure”
My husband had a heart attack at 37. He’s now 47 but hasn’t exactly changed his lifestyle enough satisfy his doctor. He recently had a DOT physical and was told to lose 50 lbs. But, he continues to eat a high-fat and high-salt diet and gets little or no exercise. He has severe sleep apnea and can only sleep with a CPAP machine. His breathing is very labored and I can hear him breathing from across the room. However, his blood pressure and cholesterol checked out okay. He also has a slight vitamin D deficiency which he is taking a prescription tablet for. I’m concerned that he’s setting him self up for another heart attack. He thinks because his blood pressure and cholo are alright that he’s just fine. Should I worry? Also, as a side note, he’s suffering from some ED problems. What should I do to get him back on the right track?
Comment by jc — March 3, 2009
Hopefully your husband will listen and start losing weight to protect his heart and improve his overall health. We will be posting articles on natural ways to help with ED problems soon.
Comment by Jessica — March 13, 2009
My mother is 74 and since 1999 suffered from 3 heart attacks. The first resulted in a double by pass. The second was mild but the third shut down pretty much the whole left side of her heart. She’s not exactly followed Drs orders by changing her diet and it took her alot longer to quit smoking than it should have. She recently (last year) had to have an above the knee amputation due to PAD, and she also suffers from CHF. I am worried that she is in the final stages of this, because her doctor has basically said that there is nothing more they can do for her. She’s on 160 mg of lasix a day and is starting to sleep alot and become short of breath when she is just sitting in her chair. Is this a painful death, and what can I expect to happen.
Comment by Shelia — March 26, 2009
Shelia, I lost my mom on Feburary 14, 2009. She died of congestive heart failure. She sounds much like your mom.
Honey, your mom is dying. Please make her comfortable and get her 24 hour care. Love her. Love her. Embrace her, hold her, kiss her. Tell her how much you care and how much she means to you. Stay with her as much as you can. She’s scared and needs to know that there is life after death and you’ll all see each other again.
Just pour out the love.
Comment by Susie — April 18, 2009
My father died of Congestive heart failure on April 30th. I was with him his final hours as he slipped into a coma and died. He lived with this condition for at least five years..They will become tired more. Eventually he had trouble breathing even sitting down. he refused to lay down and would sleep sitting up. The day before he died he told me that “things were going in but not going out”. I sat with him until he passed..just showered him with love..that is all I could suggest..tell them you love them and give a bit of morphine to calm them..
I understand the sadness..
Comment by Lucille Bert — May 6, 2009
My grandmother is suffering with CHF. She is 89 years old and recently had to be taken to the hospital because she couldnt breath and they found fluid in her lungs with the beginning stages of pneumonia. She is refusing to eat anymore and says she isnt hungry. She is wanting to sleep alot more and still not breathing good. She also deals with a painful bakers cyst behind her knee. Im so scared im going to get the phone call from my mother telling me the bad news. I live 45 min away and im so confused as what to do. I want to be by her side and my mother keeps telling me she wants to see me all the time but its so hard with my job. Im so scared and I dont know how much longer she has. She just repeats the same thing over and over again saying she isnt going to be here much longer. Im terrified…….
Comment by Brandi — June 26, 2009
My mother is 92….has chf with ef of 25%. and started falling when standing..doctor took her off of 25mg coreg to 12-1/2mg coreg twice a day because of orthostatic hypotension. He said she needed the larger dose for her heart and hated to decrease it but didn’t want her fallling.
What symptoms or events will I encounter with this lower dose? Will this shorten her life?
Comment by Sandra — July 26, 2009
my grandmother is suffering from congestive heart failure. She has been on kidney dialysis for about a year now. She is starting to turn a gray color and can hardly get around. She moves very slowly. She get dialysis every monday, wednesday, and friday. This past wednesday they took 18 pounds of fluid off of her. She is also a bad diabetic. This past week she is also starting to have angina attacks. How long do you think I have with her. I live 4 and a half hours away from here and she has yet to see my youngest son. Should I hurry and take him up there or do i have time to save some money??
Comment by Leslie — September 26, 2009
I Understand how u all feel. Number One lots love and patience. I’m 45 have had problems X’s 3 since 03′ CHF. Tachycardia, Cardiomyopathy. 3 Death warrants– my EF rate using nuclear rating is less than 20% I also have a pacemaker and Defibrillator– No bad colestral numbers also take 28 kinds of meds and supplements a day. Prognosis i should have been gone three years ago. I wouldn’t be able to make it without my wife and the lord Jehovah..I have peace and know that i can try and help others with the removal of stress and thoughts of happiness. thought of the night–Psalms 34:18-Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart, And those who are crushed in spirit he save’s……I am at moosemoose97@msn.com
Comment by Kevin H — October 14, 2009
My Grandma, 94 has CHF and is in the end stage. She is my Mom, the one who raised me. I am the only one she wants to take care of her. I baby her and make her time as pleasant as possible. She is a minister so she knows where she is going, but it doesnt make it any easier for me. She is the matriarc of our family. Give of yourself freely and be there and let them know they are loved and touch and kiss them as much as u can. Its hard, but make a memory while they are still here with u. Record your loved one telling stories or singing or just talking to u. This is one way that is a blessing to me.
Comment by tamara perry — January 30, 2010
My husband,36 passed from CHF on 11/09. We have 3 children and it’s very hard.He was diagnosed about 6yrs ago, ang got progressively worse over the years although he didn’t want us to know just how tired and sick he really was. We didn’t get those last moments with him, because it happend so quickly, but we do cherish all the other precious moments we had with him over the years..
Comment by marvis flloyd — February 19, 2010
I am main caregiver for my 91 year old mother in law. She is in final stage of CHF. It is reassuring to read some of the posts here. In the hospital again now, we are at the point to decide if we will re-hospitalize her when she gets worse again. Her EF is 10%, and has lots of consolidated fluid in both lungs. It’s 1 step forward 2 steps back. I do hope the she goes peacefully.
Comment by mona — February 24, 2010
my 91 year old mother has had a pace maker for 20 yrs.
with one bad side on her heart. about 10 years ago we learned she had congestive heart failure. one year ago she was told the good side of her heart was no longer good. she has been able to do less and less and for the past month sleeps 22 hrs a day. gets up to eat and then right back to bed. it seems like an eternity to me.
not a day goes by that she doesn’t say she wishes she were dead 5—10 per day. i don’t wish her dead but i don’t want her in the obvious anguish she’s in. oxygen
is not helping i don’t think. how much longer can this go on ?
Comment by rick — February 28, 2010
im 19 and am currently living with chf. i developed it about two years ago and was told last tuesday that i have about 2 weeks or less to go. it kills me reading all of these and knowing that all of you are twice my age and know someone who is suffering from it, but yet im the one lving with it. i speak for all of us with chf when i say thank you for being by our side though the rough and unbearable times. thanks for everything you guys do.
Comment by nathan — March 3, 2010
My mom is almost 50 and was diagnosed with heart disease last year. She works 15 hour shifts everyday and sometimes a 36 hour shift. She can’t sleep anymore, shes very pail in the face, chest pains, high blood pressure shortness of breath, can’t breathe if shes laying down and has a arrhythmia of the heart. My mom is wasting away in front of me and won’t go to the doctors or take her medications or change her lifestyle. I’m 18 and now both of my parents are dieing in front of my eyes.. she has already had mini strokes and is treating it as if its ok to die. How can I get her to fight for her life I cant save my dad I know that but is their a way to save my mom. She has no health insurance and she won’t cooperate with me to get help. what can I do for her? Do i just make her comfortable? Please Help me!
Comment by Ash — March 14, 2010
My mother just turned 60. She is at the endstage of chf.
She has had 6 heart attacks and 4 strokes. I have signed so many DNR’s. I want to say this to Ash, You may not know everything that the doctors have told your mom. Be helpful, kind, loving. I have found that pushing my mom pushes her the other way. Her medications, you might make breakfast and have her medicines waiting with the meal and just talk thru it. If she presist not to take the meds, just keep doing the same routine. Never argue about the meds. She needs support, but helping her this way also shows her your not giving up on her. She also doesn’t want to show you that she is weak. She is your mom and wants to be strong for you. There is ways to help her without stressing her or yourself as much. She will respect and appreciate your efforts with the meds, she will eventually take them but it may take time. Presistence, patience, and prayer. My mom is in the final stage and I am the parent now and she is the child. Unfortunatly, your only 18. I am so sorry. I am 45 and I too am not ready. Remember you may not know all the Doctor has told
her and what she is able to emotionally deal with right now. We do come to a place that even if with medication or not, we except our future that is placed before us. Don”t worry about the bills. That can be dealt with later. She has to be willing to change her lifestyle. She is fighting to continue to be independent. She doesn’t want to show weakness. If you are religous, have your minister just drop by and visit when she is home and you have an erron to run so they can visit. Also contact Hospice, they are great place to learn on how patients deal with this type of illness. GodBless!
Comment by Kim — March 23, 2010
my mother is 60yrs old, has one valve of her heart functioning. She has survived one more year than expected. The panic attacks are starting again, shortness of breath triggers them, and any exertion weakens her. I know that only god knows when he will take her home. with one valve left I dont when the end will come. Any comments would help.
Kim
Comment by Kim — March 23, 2010
my Daddy has congestive heart failure for some years now. But I fear he is in the final stage now, he has been in the hospital four times this year so far for pneumonia, he has been coughing up mucus with some blood in it so the past 3 months but for the past 3 days in the hospital he is coughing up about 2 i/2 cups of bright red mucus and his memory seems to be diminishing very rapidly and he is so severly short of breath and has no energy to even stand on his own or even feed himself. He is only 71yrs old. And for the past 3 days he cannot even remember where he is or who I am.
IS MY DADDY IN THE FINAL STAGE OF DYING FROM CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE ?
SINCERELY, DEBBIE ( HIS ONLY DAUGHTER ) IN DESPERATE NEED OF SOME ANSWERS.
Comment by Debbie — March 26, 2010
Debbie, my dad is going through the same process. He has now been in hospital for over 4wks now and they have now just transfered him down to the hospice.
My dad is 63 had contracted chf through a heart attack he had may 26 last year. He is now be-bound and experiencing similar symptoms as yours, but has yet to not recognise me but I have read that is a common outcome through the lack of blood being distributed to the brain.
I’m sorry to say but as your dad sounds very much to be in the same condition as mine your dad has not got long left. My family arranged a meeting with his doctor and the (dreaded) question was asked and my dad was give just one month. Doctors dont tend to inform you of this fact unless you ask the question.
All I can advise you to do is be there for your dad, be at his side and although he may not recognise you speak to him and talk about strong memories he may still have that may give him some comfort.
I hope I have given you the answers you were after.
Be strong, and be strong for your daddy
Take care
Comment by Martin — April 7, 2010
Thank you for this site and everyone’s comments. I thougth I was all alone with this disease -watching it take my father. He continues to smoke unfiltered Pall Mall cigs, just got out of the hospital, kicked another round of pneumonia, has edema of legs, sleeps sitting up, wishes to die, cannot get around without being severely winded but bless his heart eats when I bring him food. I give him a 1/4 xanex to ease his fears and assist with sleep but feel guilty I am drugging him. His doctor did not think he would still be alive this week. I cherish my time with him and hope he goes quietly and quickly (anything else would scare the bejesus out of him). I am currently on leave of absence and am worried about what will happen when I have to return to work. The unknown has to be the most unsettling. I offer prayers of comfort to all who have shared their fears and feelings. Thank you for allowing me to express mine too.
Comment by Amy — April 15, 2010
Im 45 aand just finished reading your coments,tears fill my eyes to the point of not being able to see.I want all of you to know that weather your alone or with some one,there are people that you will never know that love you!Death can be a hard thing,but our lord Jesus has given us a way home! REMEMBER death is not the end of life,but just the beginning of life.My prayers an hopes for all of you! JIL
Comment by doug nail — April 16, 2010
Just read your comments and can completely empathise with you all. I am 70 and was diagnosed with CHF three years ago. Having been, and am on endless medication and had many different proceedures carried out but I am doing O.K. I know that the ultimate prognosis is death but Hey! I’ve had a good life am almost 50 years married have wonderful children and grandchildren(all healthy tak God) and my husband is still alive and wonderful.DG.Iam so grateful for the life I’ve had and have. Relatives of CHF suferers please don’t worry they are mostly fine and happy everyone has to die sometime. For young sufferers please try to be positive and only remember the goodtimes ad that someoneyou do not know is thinking of you and praying for you. Love to all.
Comment by Breda Quinn — April 23, 2010
After reading all this I see I am not alone in the care of my 74 year old mom but yet it still feels that way when my siblings refuse to help me with her care. Everyday I hear her cry in pain and beg God to let her die. They say there is nothing else they can do and it could be an hour a day a mont 10 years they just don’t know so I don’t know how to cope or to help her. We were never close but 3 years ago her husband died and she had no one left so she is with me now. I don’t know how to hug her or kiss her or even touch her as I was never allowed to do that. She is angry and bitter and curses me daily no matter how I try and my 17 year old catches the worst of it. Feels like I always have to be on guard and referee and I don’t know how much more I can cope with so I am really lost. She can’t walk around the house without feeling faint or not being able to breathe I don’t know what to expect or look for and she won’t cooperate to help herself she seems to have a need to prove she is invinsible. Cupiedoll64@yahoo.com – Help please
Comment by Debby — April 23, 2010
I’m 51 and was just diagnosed with stage 2 1/2 – 3 heart failure. I’m scared and don’t know what to do. I’m taking my meds religiously and am now on a no salt diet. I’m doing all I can to try to get better, but I have a feeling that this is going to be “it” for me. I just hope I have many more years to go…I’m really not ready to meet my maker just yet! Thank you for letting me vent…I’m just a wreck!
Comment by Roni — April 24, 2010
Roni, I am 37 and was diagnosed with stage 3 CHF four years ago. You are doing the exact right thing, taking meds religiously and limiting sodium intake. Good luck to you. Feel free to vent anytime.
Comment by Steve — May 1, 2010
my grandpa(87)is suffereing from a severe heart failure condition and the doctors tell us that he will not live long.
I try to stay as much as i can with him, try to make him happy but unfotunately he feels depressed whenever he remembers how he were years ago. He used to walk long distances and speak so loudly, now he can barely walk 5 meters or speak continuously. He sufferes each minute or 2 from a sever breathless period.
I hope he can live longer and become better, I pray for God to stay with him.
Reading all the comments made me sad, especially for all the young people.
May God Bless Us All, in this life or in the other.
Comment by Sebastian — May 1, 2010
Unlike most of you I am watching my 36 y/o daughter die with end stage cardiomyopathy. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. Heartbreaking to see her body waste away.She is so precious and I tell her many times each day how much I love her. God is my strength. My family and church are great support. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Comment by Gloria — May 3, 2010
Can anyone tell me when someone has chf and kidney failure do they sleep alot. My Dad has had 5 heartattacks and a stroke and was diagnosed with chf 3 years ago. thats all he has been doing is sleeping and falls alot now.
Comment by Stacey Bigelow — May 6, 2010
My father is 87 and dying with CHF and kidney failure.
He cannot sleep unless sitting up in the chair. His feet are so swollen they look like they will explode. Now he gets up this morning and chases a cow in his pickup behind the house. Comes back says he feels great.
This is driving me insane! They wanted to call hospice in and he said no. He wants no one. They put a cath on him. I’m exhausted. Is all this normal?
Comment by Cindy Snyder — May 7, 2010
I WRITE THIS BARELY ABLE TO SEE THE PAGE AS MY EYES ARE FILLED WITH TEARS THAT DO NOT WANT TO STOP.I TOO HAVE CHF AND MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH IT AND THEIR LOVED ONES. MY TEARS ARE FOR MY GRANDBABIES {8 & 4} WHOSE LITTLE HEARTS WILL BE SO SAD AND BROKEN WHEN THEIR NANA GOES AWAY FOREVER. HOWEVER I DO TELL THEM WE WILL BE TOGETHER ONE DAY AGAIN AND JUST HOLD THAT CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS.MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Comment by Jaydee — May 14, 2010
my husband has chf, copd, sleep apnea, smokes 3 packs cigarettes aday and weighs 320 ibs. will nor sleep with his machine, and eats a lot of fatty foods, was diagonosed 5 years ago. how long can he survive with this life style J. smith
Comment by j . smith — June 10, 2010
My father passed away Jan 8th of CHF. I was the one who was with him when he passed. I have never lost anyone in my lifetime. I loved him so much and went through 2 yrs of therapy to prepare myself for his passing. His last day he was very weak yet very much of clear mind. His body was just shutting down. He got up out of his chair went to a chair in the bathroom and went unconscience. I watched it happen. It couldnt have been more peaceful and quick. I never saw his body react or struggle. It was as if he just left his body. I am so thankful I was with him and he was not alone. If I could encourage anyone going through this and thinking what will it be like. You will get through it. Its a process. Ive been grieving 5 mths now. But I get breaks. Its important to have your time alone to grieve and also to talk with people close at heart to you. I just remember, what would my father want me to do. That gives me strength, but I also allow myself to feel what I feel. Its terribly painful and Im not through it yet. I wish you all the best. I just say if the person is still alive with CHF love em love em love em. Thats the only thing they need. Be strong….
Comment by Myra Moran — June 14, 2010
I have had all of my major organs fighting over which one would get to “take me out” Heart attacks began at 32. Now diabetes going for the kidneys…chf going after my heart, copd taking over the lungs and hyperlipodemia
ripping at my liver. I’m 54. I never expected to live past 40…but here I am. I hate to leave my youngest granddaughter as she has been with me since she was a week old. Her parents are idiots but she’s only 10, So my goal is to stick around until she’s at least 18. It can be very sad and depressing, however, I choose to be happy and to find something humerous every single day. Lucky for me that I’ve lost enough brain cells that I am able to create my own comedy just trying to get through the day. Keep funny people around you. LAUGH at yourself and others and whatever you can find. I don’t let my boys know how bad it is, or anyone else in my family either. They will just sit around crying and I don’t need that. Iv’e been with 2 loved ones as they died. Dying is easier than watching someone else die. So take care of yourselves and let your loved one do what they want with whatever time they have left. Prayers to all of you.
Comment by Cindy — June 14, 2010
My dad is 77. He was diagnosed about 8 yrs ago with the need for a valve fix and he refused surgery. He was given a 3 yr lifespan w/o the surgery. Now my dads heart failure is in the final stage. I agree w/what so many have written. I live 1300 miles away & feel so helpless in relation to when to travel..I am grateful to my husband who has helped me w/2 x a year legnthy visits. I am leaving this weekend to go home again w/my oldest son, hoping they get to visit some. CHF is so hard on all involved. My spirit is staying strong..love is all there is in my opinion..let go of everything & love all I can..& I am choosing to be positive..God Bless us all..om both sides of the fence..take care & thanks for your words.
Comment by sheguay — June 15, 2010
My mother I beleive is in end stage chf. In the last 3 years she has had 4 ablations and a pacemaker. The most recent attempt to attempt another ablasion the doctor closed her up and told us there is nothing else he can do. Mom goes into the hospital about every 3 to 4 weeks to have the fluid removed as best as they can from her body. Most recently her doctor reported that her kidney and liver are enlarged as well as her heart. She is hardly eating, due to the high levels of digoxin probably due to the fact that she is so full of fluid. Each time she goes into the hospital she loses anywhere from 10 to 20 lbs of fluid. Her color is now turning gray and her memory is starting to go. Even things we just talked about she does not remember. One thing my mother always had was her mind and now I think that is in jepordy. My father is her main caretaker and I try so hard to assist them as best I can but Dad will not leave her for more than one hour or so. My mother is 79 and I feel as though she will not make it till the end of the summer. I is torture to watch her failing. My mother was so vibrant, mother to 9 children, over 28 grand children and I h ave lost count on the great grand children. My heart is breaking and so is my parents. How can I help, I feel helpless watching my mother die. Any words would help. If I could put a timeframe as to how long, 1 month 2 months, 3 months…. The day to day deterioration is mentally killing my mother and dad. Any comments would help. Thanks everyone for your help.
Comment by Vickie — June 22, 2010
My 93-year-old father passed away last Tuesday from CHF. He had been treated for years, had a pacemaker, but refused heart surgery at a younger age until it was too late.
Two days before he died, he became bed-ridden, refused to eat, and did not even have enough breath to speak. My father lived in an upscale assisted living home. His condition was such that caring for him at home was no longer possible. The hospital told us that there was nothing else they could do for him. Yet, he recovered from near-death several times.
For those of you who have witnessed the death of your loved one, I have questions. My father struggled to breathe up until his last breath. Even though Hospice gave him morphine and other drugs to surpress fluids in his chest cavity, he fought so hard and I have no doubt he knew what was going on. While dying, he made horrible gurgling sounds and was fighting so hard to take a breath that his head lifted off the pillow (he was elevated). Prior to his death, I begged the Hospice nurse to give him more morphine because I felt his struggling, gurgling must be painful for him. She gave him another dose after I’d begged for over an hour. 3 min. after the final dose, he took his last breath.
My major question: is this a typical death experience for a very elderly CHF patient? I’m struggling with the fact that perhaps he died in pain.
My father was a WWII hero and a fighter. He was one of the most determined individuals I’ve ever known and his model has served me well throughout my life.
I would appreciate feedback.
Comment by Leigh — June 22, 2010
Interesting reading! i was diagnosed with CHF 7 months ago. I’m 46, with no medical aid and zero chance of a heart transplant so statistically that gives me at the very most another 15 years of life -providing of course that I take take my meds (Aldactone, Atenelol, Enap, Puresis, Metformin, Disprin). Surreal – because the rent must still be paid so i go to work each day like nothing’s changed and handle the normal run of the mill stuff that one has to deal with and I feel healthy and function well. I look the same, (ok maybe a little bloated some days), and yet, yet underneath it all…. so i’m wondering is there anyone out there who can identify? heatharose@gmail.com
Comment by Heatharose — July 1, 2010
Vickie, my dad passed away from CHF April 12, 2010, at the age of 99, having had minimal heart problems for 30 years. He lived in an assisted living facility, suffered a few small strokes within the past 3 years and his memory was starting to slide. In the last year he became winded after walking several blocks, but he could sleep in his bed, get himself dancing once a week, get himself to meals, etc. Because he kept being taken to the ER for re-hydration, whatever, we got him on hospice. In our state, if an assisted living resident complains of chest pains and shortness of breath, the facility MUST call 911. If the EMTs decide he goes to the ER, that’s where he winds up….for 8 hours on a gurney! This trumps those those POLST and DNR papers we signed. He had been near death several times (my opinion), and it was hard seeing him wait in the ER. Being on Hospice meant no more trips to the ER (his desire). The last week of his life, he was too winded to get up, stayed in bed, too weak to eat, and hospice gave him a morphine suppository on the 4th day. He went into a coma shortly afterwards and passed peacefully in 2 days in his own bed with all his family around him on Skype or by his bedside. Actual death was peaceful..he just stopped his labored breath..and it was over. He didn’t seem to be in any pain. Hope this helps.
Comment by Jan — July 7, 2010
I’m 34 had heart failure 2 years ago almost…don’t know what to say about all this. had amazing doctors and stuck to the script. i had idiopathic cardiomyopathy. my ef was 13% i think. Last time i went, it was 52%. my meds worked along with the low sodium and i made a statistical full recovery. i’ve been “celebrating” a bit too much for the past year though and am so appreciative of this site…for smacking me upside the head with some reality. i’m “lucky” in that my CHF kicked in while my body was strong enough to fight it…
Comment by ken — July 11, 2010
I’m reading your posts and trying hard not to be scared. My husband had edema of his feet and ankles and the got cellulitis. Took him to urgent care on Friday and they admitted him. When the dr came in yesterday she said my husband has CHF, kidney problems, liver problems and of course the cellulitis. I am scared out of my mind. He is 64 years old and retired two years ago so he has no health insurance. He was hospitalized on Friday night and how they say he may not be released until Saturday. Tomorrow he is supposed to have an echocardiogram. Thank you for the encouragement that you give each other on this site. God bless you all.
Comment by Carla — July 12, 2010
These posts are so touching and I can relate so much to many of you. I have had chf for 7yr’s and I believe I’m nearing the end stages of it. I’m staying in the fight for my family’s sake to the end. At 40yr’s of age, I get depressed because I don’t foresee much of a future for me. I try not to dwell on it and Thank God for today and yesterday. I see things in hd (high definition). Tree’s are greener, the sky is bluer, and air is fresher. I take nothing for granted. I see from these posts that I am not alone. We are not alone. God Bless You All.
Comment by Rhonda — July 16, 2010
Our family is relatively new to the CHF world, my mother who will be 88 years old on Wednesday, is at the end stages of this disease( diagnosed in february), we have been very fortunate to have good care and in managing it.. up until now. She has been in the hospital for over a week and the last 5 evening have been such a struggle in terms of sleep, she is just beside herself, does anyone have any suggestions re a sleep aid that lets you sleep at night and is still “safe” in terms of dangerously lowering the blood pressure.
All comments are appreciated, God Bless
Comment by Randy — July 17, 2010
I JUST LOST MY AUNT LAST NIGHT OF CHF.SHE HAD SOME TEST DONE AND HAD A HEART ATTACK AFTERWARDS.SHE STOPPED BREATHING AND WAS GIVING CPR.SHE ENDED UP IN CCU AND HAD BREATHING AND FEEDING TUBE.DOCTORS STATED SHE WAS AT HER LAST STAGE.SHE WAS ABLE TO BREATH ON HER OWN AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS.THAN 2DAYS AGO THEY PUT HER A REGULAR HOSPITAL FLOOR.SHE SEEM LIKE SHE WAS GETTING BETTER AND ALL OF SUDDEN HEALTH WENT DOWN HILL AND WE GOT THE CALL TO COME TO THE HOSPITAL.MY AUNT PASSED AWAY BEFORE THE FAMILY MADE IT THERE.
Comment by linda — July 18, 2010
I was diagnosed with CHF and cardiomyopathy in 2000. This after a trip to Walmart to buy groceries and then on to the ER, as I was so short of breath. They gave me a shot of Lasex, sent me home and I was back three days later with the same symptoms. This time they kept me and did testing which included a hearth cath. My ejection fraction was 18. EVERYONE who has CHF should know their current ejection fraction. It is “the fraction of blood pumped out of ventricles with each heart beat. Healthy individuals typically have ejection fractions between 50% and 65%.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ejection_fraction
From that time on I was put on medications including: Coreg, Digoxin, Bumex and Lisinopril. They helped the symptoms improve somewhat. COREG has saved my life!
In 2003, I went on infusion therapy, which is where you are injected, through a port for five hours a day, three days a week, with medications to hopefully improve heart performance. At this time, I went on disability. After seven months of this and two different types of medicine (Milrinone and Debutamine), I asked my cardiologist if I could discontinue as I didn’t feel any better and every time I was in clinic the heart monitors going off would make the nurses crazy.
So, we continued oral meds and they have been successful in keeping the CHF at bay. I have to watch my salt intake and I am also Type 2 diabetic.
At my check-up yesterday, my newer cardio dr., told me my EF is 45 and I am in Stage 3 of CHF, Stage 4 being the worst.
I don’t do a lot and rest a lot. Rest is SO important with CHF. I cannot stress that enough. And, rest may come at 2 PM, but not at 2 AM. ie. Last night I crashed at 9:30 PM and was up 3:30 AM, with visits to the bathroom every two hours.
There is life after CHF diagnosis, but it may require some adjustments and, by all means, let people help you when they ask. Simple tasks such as changing the sheets or vacuuming can become tiring.
Make sure you keep your feet up, salt down and if you smoke or drink alcohol, STOP NOW!
Comment by Paula — July 20, 2010
Randy, make sure her head is elevated. I use two pillows and fold the top one over and sleep on my side. Otherwise, the fluid builds up and you feel like you are drowning and coughing becomes horrible. I take an otc antihistamine to keep fluid at bay for my sinus drainage and noticed this helps CHF fluid too. Walmart has their brand called Chloratab which is wonderful and cheap.
Comment by Paula — July 20, 2010
I do not have CHF at least not ye. My only biological daughter was born with it and is now almost 13. She was not promised 15 minutes yet she continues to survive. I read many of your stories and my heart aches for all of you. Continue to pray for strength and ask others to pray for you when you just can’t . Remember God is the author of life……
Comment by Deb L Gordils — July 21, 2010
I have chf and know I am failing. When I read the notes above I feel like I don’t have a worry in the world. Knowing what will kill me is comnforting. My dad died the same way as we found him one morning afyer slipping into a coma. May it happen to me.It makes me ask profound questions abpout the meaning of my life to which I have no answers. i want more than just to get thorugh it I want to enjoy every moment leading to the final passing. In the mean time I will make my loved ones as comfortable as possible as it is they not me who have the difficult task of seeing me die. I have a 10 YERA OLD DAUGHTER AND SHE IS SUCH A TREASURE. i WILL TRULY MISS HER BUT I KNOW SHE WILL BE JSUT FINE. LIVE LIFE TILL THE FULLEST THEN SURRENDER I SAY.
LOVE TO ALL
RIC
Comment by Ric Miller — July 29, 2010
My 87 year old mom has VHF and the last 2 months has gotten very bad. She’s in hospice, bad edema in legs, lots of hallucinations, couldn’t lie down to sleep, can’t walk. 2 days ago she became much more clear headed, able to feed herself with a little help,edema in legs 90percent better, and breathing easier. What happened? I know her heart hasn’t improved but does anyone have an idea how such severe symptoms have gotten better?I can’t believe she is able to have a conversation with us after what we’ve been through.
Comment by Debby — July 31, 2010
My good friend passed away February 19, 2010 from Congestive Heart Failure. She was 23yrs old. I wouldnt assume just older people get this, because I found out first hand that no matter what the age, you can die within the next second, from almost anything. Appreciate your family and friends, love till the end and never give up hope. RIP Tina, Miss you and love you <3
Comment by AMM — August 1, 2010
I am a 55 year old mother/grandma and am suffering from CHF. I have had it for almost 20+ years now and the right side of my heart is effected. I want to ask if anyone else suffers from pain up into their neck when their breathing becomes difficult or they are in heart failure. I have told the doctors about it and they have all said that it is nothing.
I read what I can about this disease but must admit that I am frightened when I read about the end stages of CHF. I don’t have the stamina to do my gardening anymore and even sitting down to sew has become a harder chore to accomplish. I am tired most of the day and without sleeping med from the doc, I just can’t sleep. One thing that I was glad to find out was that anxiety is one of the symtoms of CHF. I thought I was just going crazy for no reason inparticular!!! I have no one on whom I can rely on for support. My husband tries but I think that he just doesn’t want to deal with it. I truely feel as though my life is just about over and I am afraid. I know that there is life after death but the fear is there nonetheless. Sometimes I pray for life to continue but then on a bad day when getting a breathe is difficult and I am alone, I pray for death to come soonest. I am also angry that because of passed health issues (such as blood clots) the CHF developed when I was still in my 30s. I am angry that because I am poor, a heart transplant is never going to happen. I think I am just plain angry!!! The feeling of powerlessness gets so overwhelming at times all I can do is cry. I want to know why this is happening!! I think that a society that can send men to the moon should be able to cure CHF. I want to see my grandchildren growup. I want to do things with and for my own children that I was never able to do as a finacially straped single mother. I suppose these days I would just be glad to be able to take a breath without pain. Well I have rattled on and so will close now.
Comment by Anneymay — August 7, 2010
My father, 63, has had at least 4 heart attacks, never treated. Smokes, drinks and was admitted in May due to fluid in the lungs. Congestive Heart Failure. His heart is at a 9% capacity. He’s not strong enough for any surgery. Including pacemaker, angiogram, etc. He will not even consider a transplant, nor would he make the surgery. He takes his meds….I see him declining. He has the phlegmy cough, he is weaker, aged considerably, his hands shake. He continues to smoke, drink and bowl. In all seriousness, how much longer does he have. He will not go back to a doctor.
Thank you.
Comment by Bella — August 23, 2010
I have a question – my mother is 78 years old with CHF and COPD years ago. Currently she is short of breath, on 3 liters of O2, 160 mg lasix, diabetic, weight fluctuates daily, pulse rate fluctuates and is currently going up, (92 at last check), on antibiotics for bronchitis. Are the any ideas for general expectations? We have her at home and want to keep her there as long as possible.
My husband had a heart attack at 37. He’s now 47 but hasn’t exactly changed his lifestyle enough satisfy his doctor. He recently had a DOT physical and was told to lose 50 lbs. But, he continues to eat a high-fat and high-salt diet and gets little or no exercise. He has severe sleep apnea and can only sleep with a CPAP machine. His breathing is very labored and I can hear him breathing from across the room. However, his blood pressure and cholesterol checked out okay. He also has a slight vitamin D deficiency which he is taking a prescription tablet for. I’m concerned that he’s setting him self up for another heart attack. He thinks because his blood pressure and cholo are alright that he’s just fine. Should I worry? Also, as a side note, he’s suffering from some ED problems. What should I do to get him back on the right track?
Hopefully your husband will listen and start losing weight to protect his heart and improve his overall health. We will be posting articles on natural ways to help with ED problems soon.
My mother is 74 and since 1999 suffered from 3 heart attacks. The first resulted in a double by pass. The second was mild but the third shut down pretty much the whole left side of her heart. She’s not exactly followed Drs orders by changing her diet and it took her alot longer to quit smoking than it should have. She recently (last year) had to have an above the knee amputation due to PAD, and she also suffers from CHF. I am worried that she is in the final stages of this, because her doctor has basically said that there is nothing more they can do for her. She’s on 160 mg of lasix a day and is starting to sleep alot and become short of breath when she is just sitting in her chair. Is this a painful death, and what can I expect to happen.
Shelia, I lost my mom on Feburary 14, 2009. She died of congestive heart failure. She sounds much like your mom.
Honey, your mom is dying. Please make her comfortable and get her 24 hour care. Love her. Love her. Embrace her, hold her, kiss her. Tell her how much you care and how much she means to you. Stay with her as much as you can. She’s scared and needs to know that there is life after death and you’ll all see each other again.
Just pour out the love.
My father died of Congestive heart failure on April 30th. I was with him his final hours as he slipped into a coma and died. He lived with this condition for at least five years..They will become tired more. Eventually he had trouble breathing even sitting down. he refused to lay down and would sleep sitting up. The day before he died he told me that “things were going in but not going out”. I sat with him until he passed..just showered him with love..that is all I could suggest..tell them you love them and give a bit of morphine to calm them..
I understand the sadness..
My grandmother is suffering with CHF. She is 89 years old and recently had to be taken to the hospital because she couldnt breath and they found fluid in her lungs with the beginning stages of pneumonia. She is refusing to eat anymore and says she isnt hungry. She is wanting to sleep alot more and still not breathing good. She also deals with a painful bakers cyst behind her knee. Im so scared im going to get the phone call from my mother telling me the bad news. I live 45 min away and im so confused as what to do. I want to be by her side and my mother keeps telling me she wants to see me all the time but its so hard with my job. Im so scared and I dont know how much longer she has. She just repeats the same thing over and over again saying she isnt going to be here much longer. Im terrified…….
My mother is 92….has chf with ef of 25%. and started falling when standing..doctor took her off of 25mg coreg to 12-1/2mg coreg twice a day because of orthostatic hypotension. He said she needed the larger dose for her heart and hated to decrease it but didn’t want her fallling.
What symptoms or events will I encounter with this lower dose? Will this shorten her life?
my grandmother is suffering from congestive heart failure. She has been on kidney dialysis for about a year now. She is starting to turn a gray color and can hardly get around. She moves very slowly. She get dialysis every monday, wednesday, and friday. This past wednesday they took 18 pounds of fluid off of her. She is also a bad diabetic. This past week she is also starting to have angina attacks. How long do you think I have with her. I live 4 and a half hours away from here and she has yet to see my youngest son. Should I hurry and take him up there or do i have time to save some money??
I Understand how u all feel. Number One lots love and patience. I’m 45 have had problems X’s 3 since 03′ CHF. Tachycardia, Cardiomyopathy. 3 Death warrants– my EF rate using nuclear rating is less than 20% I also have a pacemaker and Defibrillator– No bad colestral numbers also take 28 kinds of meds and supplements a day. Prognosis i should have been gone three years ago. I wouldn’t be able to make it without my wife and the lord Jehovah..I have peace and know that i can try and help others with the removal of stress and thoughts of happiness. thought of the night–Psalms 34:18-Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart, And those who are crushed in spirit he save’s……I am at moosemoose97@msn.com
My Grandma, 94 has CHF and is in the end stage. She is my Mom, the one who raised me. I am the only one she wants to take care of her. I baby her and make her time as pleasant as possible. She is a minister so she knows where she is going, but it doesnt make it any easier for me. She is the matriarc of our family. Give of yourself freely and be there and let them know they are loved and touch and kiss them as much as u can. Its hard, but make a memory while they are still here with u. Record your loved one telling stories or singing or just talking to u. This is one way that is a blessing to me.
My husband,36 passed from CHF on 11/09. We have 3 children and it’s very hard.He was diagnosed about 6yrs ago, ang got progressively worse over the years although he didn’t want us to know just how tired and sick he really was. We didn’t get those last moments with him, because it happend so quickly, but we do cherish all the other precious moments we had with him over the years..
I am main caregiver for my 91 year old mother in law. She is in final stage of CHF. It is reassuring to read some of the posts here. In the hospital again now, we are at the point to decide if we will re-hospitalize her when she gets worse again. Her EF is 10%, and has lots of consolidated fluid in both lungs. It’s 1 step forward 2 steps back. I do hope the she goes peacefully.
my 91 year old mother has had a pace maker for 20 yrs.
with one bad side on her heart. about 10 years ago we learned she had congestive heart failure. one year ago she was told the good side of her heart was no longer good. she has been able to do less and less and for the past month sleeps 22 hrs a day. gets up to eat and then right back to bed. it seems like an eternity to me.
not a day goes by that she doesn’t say she wishes she were dead 5—10 per day. i don’t wish her dead but i don’t want her in the obvious anguish she’s in. oxygen
is not helping i don’t think. how much longer can this go on ?
im 19 and am currently living with chf. i developed it about two years ago and was told last tuesday that i have about 2 weeks or less to go. it kills me reading all of these and knowing that all of you are twice my age and know someone who is suffering from it, but yet im the one lving with it. i speak for all of us with chf when i say thank you for being by our side though the rough and unbearable times. thanks for everything you guys do.
My mom is almost 50 and was diagnosed with heart disease last year. She works 15 hour shifts everyday and sometimes a 36 hour shift. She can’t sleep anymore, shes very pail in the face, chest pains, high blood pressure shortness of breath, can’t breathe if shes laying down and has a arrhythmia of the heart. My mom is wasting away in front of me and won’t go to the doctors or take her medications or change her lifestyle. I’m 18 and now both of my parents are dieing in front of my eyes.. she has already had mini strokes and is treating it as if its ok to die. How can I get her to fight for her life I cant save my dad I know that but is their a way to save my mom. She has no health insurance and she won’t cooperate with me to get help. what can I do for her? Do i just make her comfortable? Please Help me!
My mother just turned 60. She is at the endstage of chf.
She has had 6 heart attacks and 4 strokes. I have signed so many DNR’s. I want to say this to Ash, You may not know everything that the doctors have told your mom. Be helpful, kind, loving. I have found that pushing my mom pushes her the other way. Her medications, you might make breakfast and have her medicines waiting with the meal and just talk thru it. If she presist not to take the meds, just keep doing the same routine. Never argue about the meds. She needs support, but helping her this way also shows her your not giving up on her. She also doesn’t want to show you that she is weak. She is your mom and wants to be strong for you. There is ways to help her without stressing her or yourself as much. She will respect and appreciate your efforts with the meds, she will eventually take them but it may take time. Presistence, patience, and prayer. My mom is in the final stage and I am the parent now and she is the child. Unfortunatly, your only 18. I am so sorry. I am 45 and I too am not ready. Remember you may not know all the Doctor has told
her and what she is able to emotionally deal with right now. We do come to a place that even if with medication or not, we except our future that is placed before us. Don”t worry about the bills. That can be dealt with later. She has to be willing to change her lifestyle. She is fighting to continue to be independent. She doesn’t want to show weakness. If you are religous, have your minister just drop by and visit when she is home and you have an erron to run so they can visit. Also contact Hospice, they are great place to learn on how patients deal with this type of illness. GodBless!
my mother is 60yrs old, has one valve of her heart functioning. She has survived one more year than expected. The panic attacks are starting again, shortness of breath triggers them, and any exertion weakens her. I know that only god knows when he will take her home. with one valve left I dont when the end will come. Any comments would help.
Kim
my Daddy has congestive heart failure for some years now. But I fear he is in the final stage now, he has been in the hospital four times this year so far for pneumonia, he has been coughing up mucus with some blood in it so the past 3 months but for the past 3 days in the hospital he is coughing up about 2 i/2 cups of bright red mucus and his memory seems to be diminishing very rapidly and he is so severly short of breath and has no energy to even stand on his own or even feed himself. He is only 71yrs old. And for the past 3 days he cannot even remember where he is or who I am.
IS MY DADDY IN THE FINAL STAGE OF DYING FROM CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE ?
SINCERELY, DEBBIE ( HIS ONLY DAUGHTER ) IN DESPERATE NEED OF SOME ANSWERS.
Debbie, my dad is going through the same process. He has now been in hospital for over 4wks now and they have now just transfered him down to the hospice.
My dad is 63 had contracted chf through a heart attack he had may 26 last year. He is now be-bound and experiencing similar symptoms as yours, but has yet to not recognise me but I have read that is a common outcome through the lack of blood being distributed to the brain.
I’m sorry to say but as your dad sounds very much to be in the same condition as mine your dad has not got long left. My family arranged a meeting with his doctor and the (dreaded) question was asked and my dad was give just one month. Doctors dont tend to inform you of this fact unless you ask the question.
All I can advise you to do is be there for your dad, be at his side and although he may not recognise you speak to him and talk about strong memories he may still have that may give him some comfort.
I hope I have given you the answers you were after.
Be strong, and be strong for your daddy
Take care
Thank you for this site and everyone’s comments. I thougth I was all alone with this disease -watching it take my father. He continues to smoke unfiltered Pall Mall cigs, just got out of the hospital, kicked another round of pneumonia, has edema of legs, sleeps sitting up, wishes to die, cannot get around without being severely winded but bless his heart eats when I bring him food. I give him a 1/4 xanex to ease his fears and assist with sleep but feel guilty I am drugging him. His doctor did not think he would still be alive this week. I cherish my time with him and hope he goes quietly and quickly (anything else would scare the bejesus out of him). I am currently on leave of absence and am worried about what will happen when I have to return to work. The unknown has to be the most unsettling. I offer prayers of comfort to all who have shared their fears and feelings. Thank you for allowing me to express mine too.
Im 45 aand just finished reading your coments,tears fill my eyes to the point of not being able to see.I want all of you to know that weather your alone or with some one,there are people that you will never know that love you!Death can be a hard thing,but our lord Jesus has given us a way home! REMEMBER death is not the end of life,but just the beginning of life.My prayers an hopes for all of you! JIL
Just read your comments and can completely empathise with you all. I am 70 and was diagnosed with CHF three years ago. Having been, and am on endless medication and had many different proceedures carried out but I am doing O.K. I know that the ultimate prognosis is death but Hey! I’ve had a good life am almost 50 years married have wonderful children and grandchildren(all healthy tak God) and my husband is still alive and wonderful.DG.Iam so grateful for the life I’ve had and have. Relatives of CHF suferers please don’t worry they are mostly fine and happy everyone has to die sometime. For young sufferers please try to be positive and only remember the goodtimes ad that someoneyou do not know is thinking of you and praying for you. Love to all.
After reading all this I see I am not alone in the care of my 74 year old mom but yet it still feels that way when my siblings refuse to help me with her care. Everyday I hear her cry in pain and beg God to let her die. They say there is nothing else they can do and it could be an hour a day a mont 10 years they just don’t know so I don’t know how to cope or to help her. We were never close but 3 years ago her husband died and she had no one left so she is with me now. I don’t know how to hug her or kiss her or even touch her as I was never allowed to do that. She is angry and bitter and curses me daily no matter how I try and my 17 year old catches the worst of it. Feels like I always have to be on guard and referee and I don’t know how much more I can cope with so I am really lost. She can’t walk around the house without feeling faint or not being able to breathe I don’t know what to expect or look for and she won’t cooperate to help herself she seems to have a need to prove she is invinsible. Cupiedoll64@yahoo.com – Help please
I’m 51 and was just diagnosed with stage 2 1/2 – 3 heart failure. I’m scared and don’t know what to do. I’m taking my meds religiously and am now on a no salt diet. I’m doing all I can to try to get better, but I have a feeling that this is going to be “it” for me. I just hope I have many more years to go…I’m really not ready to meet my maker just yet! Thank you for letting me vent…I’m just a wreck!
Roni, I am 37 and was diagnosed with stage 3 CHF four years ago. You are doing the exact right thing, taking meds religiously and limiting sodium intake. Good luck to you. Feel free to vent anytime.
my grandpa(87)is suffereing from a severe heart failure condition and the doctors tell us that he will not live long.
I try to stay as much as i can with him, try to make him happy but unfotunately he feels depressed whenever he remembers how he were years ago. He used to walk long distances and speak so loudly, now he can barely walk 5 meters or speak continuously. He sufferes each minute or 2 from a sever breathless period.
I hope he can live longer and become better, I pray for God to stay with him.
Reading all the comments made me sad, especially for all the young people.
May God Bless Us All, in this life or in the other.
Unlike most of you I am watching my 36 y/o daughter die with end stage cardiomyopathy. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. Heartbreaking to see her body waste away.She is so precious and I tell her many times each day how much I love her. God is my strength. My family and church are great support. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Can anyone tell me when someone has chf and kidney failure do they sleep alot. My Dad has had 5 heartattacks and a stroke and was diagnosed with chf 3 years ago. thats all he has been doing is sleeping and falls alot now.
My father is 87 and dying with CHF and kidney failure.
He cannot sleep unless sitting up in the chair. His feet are so swollen they look like they will explode. Now he gets up this morning and chases a cow in his pickup behind the house. Comes back says he feels great.
This is driving me insane! They wanted to call hospice in and he said no. He wants no one. They put a cath on him. I’m exhausted. Is all this normal?
I WRITE THIS BARELY ABLE TO SEE THE PAGE AS MY EYES ARE FILLED WITH TEARS THAT DO NOT WANT TO STOP.I TOO HAVE CHF AND MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING WITH IT AND THEIR LOVED ONES. MY TEARS ARE FOR MY GRANDBABIES {8 & 4} WHOSE LITTLE HEARTS WILL BE SO SAD AND BROKEN WHEN THEIR NANA GOES AWAY FOREVER. HOWEVER I DO TELL THEM WE WILL BE TOGETHER ONE DAY AGAIN AND JUST HOLD THAT CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS.MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALL.
my husband has chf, copd, sleep apnea, smokes 3 packs cigarettes aday and weighs 320 ibs. will nor sleep with his machine, and eats a lot of fatty foods, was diagonosed 5 years ago. how long can he survive with this life style J. smith
My father passed away Jan 8th of CHF. I was the one who was with him when he passed. I have never lost anyone in my lifetime. I loved him so much and went through 2 yrs of therapy to prepare myself for his passing. His last day he was very weak yet very much of clear mind. His body was just shutting down. He got up out of his chair went to a chair in the bathroom and went unconscience. I watched it happen. It couldnt have been more peaceful and quick. I never saw his body react or struggle. It was as if he just left his body. I am so thankful I was with him and he was not alone. If I could encourage anyone going through this and thinking what will it be like. You will get through it. Its a process. Ive been grieving 5 mths now. But I get breaks. Its important to have your time alone to grieve and also to talk with people close at heart to you. I just remember, what would my father want me to do. That gives me strength, but I also allow myself to feel what I feel. Its terribly painful and Im not through it yet. I wish you all the best. I just say if the person is still alive with CHF love em love em love em. Thats the only thing they need. Be strong….
I have had all of my major organs fighting over which one would get to “take me out” Heart attacks began at 32. Now diabetes going for the kidneys…chf going after my heart, copd taking over the lungs and hyperlipodemia
ripping at my liver. I’m 54. I never expected to live past 40…but here I am. I hate to leave my youngest granddaughter as she has been with me since she was a week old. Her parents are idiots but she’s only 10, So my goal is to stick around until she’s at least 18. It can be very sad and depressing, however, I choose to be happy and to find something humerous every single day. Lucky for me that I’ve lost enough brain cells that I am able to create my own comedy just trying to get through the day. Keep funny people around you. LAUGH at yourself and others and whatever you can find. I don’t let my boys know how bad it is, or anyone else in my family either. They will just sit around crying and I don’t need that. Iv’e been with 2 loved ones as they died. Dying is easier than watching someone else die. So take care of yourselves and let your loved one do what they want with whatever time they have left. Prayers to all of you.
My dad is 77. He was diagnosed about 8 yrs ago with the need for a valve fix and he refused surgery. He was given a 3 yr lifespan w/o the surgery. Now my dads heart failure is in the final stage. I agree w/what so many have written. I live 1300 miles away & feel so helpless in relation to when to travel..I am grateful to my husband who has helped me w/2 x a year legnthy visits. I am leaving this weekend to go home again w/my oldest son, hoping they get to visit some. CHF is so hard on all involved. My spirit is staying strong..love is all there is in my opinion..let go of everything & love all I can..& I am choosing to be positive..God Bless us all..om both sides of the fence..take care & thanks for your words.
My mother I beleive is in end stage chf. In the last 3 years she has had 4 ablations and a pacemaker. The most recent attempt to attempt another ablasion the doctor closed her up and told us there is nothing else he can do. Mom goes into the hospital about every 3 to 4 weeks to have the fluid removed as best as they can from her body. Most recently her doctor reported that her kidney and liver are enlarged as well as her heart. She is hardly eating, due to the high levels of digoxin probably due to the fact that she is so full of fluid. Each time she goes into the hospital she loses anywhere from 10 to 20 lbs of fluid. Her color is now turning gray and her memory is starting to go. Even things we just talked about she does not remember. One thing my mother always had was her mind and now I think that is in jepordy. My father is her main caretaker and I try so hard to assist them as best I can but Dad will not leave her for more than one hour or so. My mother is 79 and I feel as though she will not make it till the end of the summer. I is torture to watch her failing. My mother was so vibrant, mother to 9 children, over 28 grand children and I h ave lost count on the great grand children. My heart is breaking and so is my parents. How can I help, I feel helpless watching my mother die. Any words would help. If I could put a timeframe as to how long, 1 month 2 months, 3 months…. The day to day deterioration is mentally killing my mother and dad. Any comments would help. Thanks everyone for your help.
My 93-year-old father passed away last Tuesday from CHF. He had been treated for years, had a pacemaker, but refused heart surgery at a younger age until it was too late.
Two days before he died, he became bed-ridden, refused to eat, and did not even have enough breath to speak. My father lived in an upscale assisted living home. His condition was such that caring for him at home was no longer possible. The hospital told us that there was nothing else they could do for him. Yet, he recovered from near-death several times.
For those of you who have witnessed the death of your loved one, I have questions. My father struggled to breathe up until his last breath. Even though Hospice gave him morphine and other drugs to surpress fluids in his chest cavity, he fought so hard and I have no doubt he knew what was going on. While dying, he made horrible gurgling sounds and was fighting so hard to take a breath that his head lifted off the pillow (he was elevated). Prior to his death, I begged the Hospice nurse to give him more morphine because I felt his struggling, gurgling must be painful for him. She gave him another dose after I’d begged for over an hour. 3 min. after the final dose, he took his last breath.
My major question: is this a typical death experience for a very elderly CHF patient? I’m struggling with the fact that perhaps he died in pain.
My father was a WWII hero and a fighter. He was one of the most determined individuals I’ve ever known and his model has served me well throughout my life.
I would appreciate feedback.
Interesting reading! i was diagnosed with CHF 7 months ago. I’m 46, with no medical aid and zero chance of a heart transplant so statistically that gives me at the very most another 15 years of life -providing of course that I take take my meds (Aldactone, Atenelol, Enap, Puresis, Metformin, Disprin). Surreal – because the rent must still be paid so i go to work each day like nothing’s changed and handle the normal run of the mill stuff that one has to deal with and I feel healthy and function well. I look the same, (ok maybe a little bloated some days), and yet, yet underneath it all…. so i’m wondering is there anyone out there who can identify? heatharose@gmail.com
Vickie, my dad passed away from CHF April 12, 2010, at the age of 99, having had minimal heart problems for 30 years. He lived in an assisted living facility, suffered a few small strokes within the past 3 years and his memory was starting to slide. In the last year he became winded after walking several blocks, but he could sleep in his bed, get himself dancing once a week, get himself to meals, etc. Because he kept being taken to the ER for re-hydration, whatever, we got him on hospice. In our state, if an assisted living resident complains of chest pains and shortness of breath, the facility MUST call 911. If the EMTs decide he goes to the ER, that’s where he winds up….for 8 hours on a gurney! This trumps those those POLST and DNR papers we signed. He had been near death several times (my opinion), and it was hard seeing him wait in the ER. Being on Hospice meant no more trips to the ER (his desire). The last week of his life, he was too winded to get up, stayed in bed, too weak to eat, and hospice gave him a morphine suppository on the 4th day. He went into a coma shortly afterwards and passed peacefully in 2 days in his own bed with all his family around him on Skype or by his bedside. Actual death was peaceful..he just stopped his labored breath..and it was over. He didn’t seem to be in any pain. Hope this helps.
I’m 34 had heart failure 2 years ago almost…don’t know what to say about all this. had amazing doctors and stuck to the script. i had idiopathic cardiomyopathy. my ef was 13% i think. Last time i went, it was 52%. my meds worked along with the low sodium and i made a statistical full recovery. i’ve been “celebrating” a bit too much for the past year though and am so appreciative of this site…for smacking me upside the head with some reality. i’m “lucky” in that my CHF kicked in while my body was strong enough to fight it…
I’m reading your posts and trying hard not to be scared. My husband had edema of his feet and ankles and the got cellulitis. Took him to urgent care on Friday and they admitted him. When the dr came in yesterday she said my husband has CHF, kidney problems, liver problems and of course the cellulitis. I am scared out of my mind. He is 64 years old and retired two years ago so he has no health insurance. He was hospitalized on Friday night and how they say he may not be released until Saturday. Tomorrow he is supposed to have an echocardiogram. Thank you for the encouragement that you give each other on this site. God bless you all.
These posts are so touching and I can relate so much to many of you. I have had chf for 7yr’s and I believe I’m nearing the end stages of it. I’m staying in the fight for my family’s sake to the end. At 40yr’s of age, I get depressed because I don’t foresee much of a future for me. I try not to dwell on it and Thank God for today and yesterday. I see things in hd (high definition). Tree’s are greener, the sky is bluer, and air is fresher. I take nothing for granted. I see from these posts that I am not alone. We are not alone. God Bless You All.
Our family is relatively new to the CHF world, my mother who will be 88 years old on Wednesday, is at the end stages of this disease( diagnosed in february), we have been very fortunate to have good care and in managing it.. up until now. She has been in the hospital for over a week and the last 5 evening have been such a struggle in terms of sleep, she is just beside herself, does anyone have any suggestions re a sleep aid that lets you sleep at night and is still “safe” in terms of dangerously lowering the blood pressure.
All comments are appreciated, God Bless
I JUST LOST MY AUNT LAST NIGHT OF CHF.SHE HAD SOME TEST DONE AND HAD A HEART ATTACK AFTERWARDS.SHE STOPPED BREATHING AND WAS GIVING CPR.SHE ENDED UP IN CCU AND HAD BREATHING AND FEEDING TUBE.DOCTORS STATED SHE WAS AT HER LAST STAGE.SHE WAS ABLE TO BREATH ON HER OWN AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS.THAN 2DAYS AGO THEY PUT HER A REGULAR HOSPITAL FLOOR.SHE SEEM LIKE SHE WAS GETTING BETTER AND ALL OF SUDDEN HEALTH WENT DOWN HILL AND WE GOT THE CALL TO COME TO THE HOSPITAL.MY AUNT PASSED AWAY BEFORE THE FAMILY MADE IT THERE.
I was diagnosed with CHF and cardiomyopathy in 2000. This after a trip to Walmart to buy groceries and then on to the ER, as I was so short of breath. They gave me a shot of Lasex, sent me home and I was back three days later with the same symptoms. This time they kept me and did testing which included a hearth cath. My ejection fraction was 18. EVERYONE who has CHF should know their current ejection fraction. It is “the fraction of blood pumped out of ventricles with each heart beat. Healthy individuals typically have ejection fractions between 50% and 65%.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ejection_fraction
From that time on I was put on medications including: Coreg, Digoxin, Bumex and Lisinopril. They helped the symptoms improve somewhat. COREG has saved my life!
In 2003, I went on infusion therapy, which is where you are injected, through a port for five hours a day, three days a week, with medications to hopefully improve heart performance. At this time, I went on disability. After seven months of this and two different types of medicine (Milrinone and Debutamine), I asked my cardiologist if I could discontinue as I didn’t feel any better and every time I was in clinic the heart monitors going off would make the nurses crazy.
So, we continued oral meds and they have been successful in keeping the CHF at bay. I have to watch my salt intake and I am also Type 2 diabetic.
At my check-up yesterday, my newer cardio dr., told me my EF is 45 and I am in Stage 3 of CHF, Stage 4 being the worst.
I don’t do a lot and rest a lot. Rest is SO important with CHF. I cannot stress that enough. And, rest may come at 2 PM, but not at 2 AM. ie. Last night I crashed at 9:30 PM and was up 3:30 AM, with visits to the bathroom every two hours.
There is life after CHF diagnosis, but it may require some adjustments and, by all means, let people help you when they ask. Simple tasks such as changing the sheets or vacuuming can become tiring.
Make sure you keep your feet up, salt down and if you smoke or drink alcohol, STOP NOW!
Randy, make sure her head is elevated. I use two pillows and fold the top one over and sleep on my side. Otherwise, the fluid builds up and you feel like you are drowning and coughing becomes horrible. I take an otc antihistamine to keep fluid at bay for my sinus drainage and noticed this helps CHF fluid too. Walmart has their brand called Chloratab which is wonderful and cheap.
I do not have CHF at least not ye. My only biological daughter was born with it and is now almost 13. She was not promised 15 minutes yet she continues to survive. I read many of your stories and my heart aches for all of you. Continue to pray for strength and ask others to pray for you when you just can’t . Remember God is the author of life……
I have chf and know I am failing. When I read the notes above I feel like I don’t have a worry in the world. Knowing what will kill me is comnforting. My dad died the same way as we found him one morning afyer slipping into a coma. May it happen to me.It makes me ask profound questions abpout the meaning of my life to which I have no answers. i want more than just to get thorugh it I want to enjoy every moment leading to the final passing. In the mean time I will make my loved ones as comfortable as possible as it is they not me who have the difficult task of seeing me die. I have a 10 YERA OLD DAUGHTER AND SHE IS SUCH A TREASURE. i WILL TRULY MISS HER BUT I KNOW SHE WILL BE JSUT FINE. LIVE LIFE TILL THE FULLEST THEN SURRENDER I SAY.
LOVE TO ALL
RIC
My 87 year old mom has VHF and the last 2 months has gotten very bad. She’s in hospice, bad edema in legs, lots of hallucinations, couldn’t lie down to sleep, can’t walk. 2 days ago she became much more clear headed, able to feed herself with a little help,edema in legs 90percent better, and breathing easier. What happened? I know her heart hasn’t improved but does anyone have an idea how such severe symptoms have gotten better?I can’t believe she is able to have a conversation with us after what we’ve been through.
My good friend passed away February 19, 2010 from Congestive Heart Failure. She was 23yrs old. I wouldnt assume just older people get this, because I found out first hand that no matter what the age, you can die within the next second, from almost anything. Appreciate your family and friends, love till the end and never give up hope. RIP Tina, Miss you and love you <3
I am a 55 year old mother/grandma and am suffering from CHF. I have had it for almost 20+ years now and the right side of my heart is effected. I want to ask if anyone else suffers from pain up into their neck when their breathing becomes difficult or they are in heart failure. I have told the doctors about it and they have all said that it is nothing.
I read what I can about this disease but must admit that I am frightened when I read about the end stages of CHF. I don’t have the stamina to do my gardening anymore and even sitting down to sew has become a harder chore to accomplish. I am tired most of the day and without sleeping med from the doc, I just can’t sleep. One thing that I was glad to find out was that anxiety is one of the symtoms of CHF. I thought I was just going crazy for no reason inparticular!!! I have no one on whom I can rely on for support. My husband tries but I think that he just doesn’t want to deal with it. I truely feel as though my life is just about over and I am afraid. I know that there is life after death but the fear is there nonetheless. Sometimes I pray for life to continue but then on a bad day when getting a breathe is difficult and I am alone, I pray for death to come soonest. I am also angry that because of passed health issues (such as blood clots) the CHF developed when I was still in my 30s. I am angry that because I am poor, a heart transplant is never going to happen. I think I am just plain angry!!! The feeling of powerlessness gets so overwhelming at times all I can do is cry. I want to know why this is happening!! I think that a society that can send men to the moon should be able to cure CHF. I want to see my grandchildren growup. I want to do things with and for my own children that I was never able to do as a finacially straped single mother. I suppose these days I would just be glad to be able to take a breath without pain. Well I have rattled on and so will close now.
My father, 63, has had at least 4 heart attacks, never treated. Smokes, drinks and was admitted in May due to fluid in the lungs. Congestive Heart Failure. His heart is at a 9% capacity. He’s not strong enough for any surgery. Including pacemaker, angiogram, etc. He will not even consider a transplant, nor would he make the surgery. He takes his meds….I see him declining. He has the phlegmy cough, he is weaker, aged considerably, his hands shake. He continues to smoke, drink and bowl. In all seriousness, how much longer does he have. He will not go back to a doctor.
Thank you.
I have a question – my mother is 78 years old with CHF and COPD years ago. Currently she is short of breath, on 3 liters of O2, 160 mg lasix, diabetic, weight fluctuates daily, pulse rate fluctuates and is currently going up, (92 at last check), on antibiotics for bronchitis. Are the any ideas for general expectations? We have her at home and want to keep her there as long as possible.