When reality strikes you like a ton of bricks.

Im very sorry to hear this 51. I don’t know much about CHF, but I will echo your last sentence. You’ve got some days ahead, and they can be great days if you treat them right. Take care of your physical heart of course, but also take care of your metaphorical one too. All days are a gift. Don’t take for granted any moments with friends or family or even on your favorite message board.

 

Really sorry to hear that 51. I've had a couple family members with it and know it can be tough. Just like any aliment there are varying levels of severity. It's encouraging you're taking the garbage to street, etc. If you do what you can for it, you have many more good times ahead. I wish you the best.

 

Mike, I've been thinking about you and hope you are finding ways of dealing with this.

Not all of us are given the opportunity to gaze into the face of what will likely take us from this life as we know it.

It's not yet the time to embrace it, but only acknowledge its approaching presence.

I'd welcome you to this pivotal juncture, but know this is not some pleasant anteroom leading to a resort vacation. It's headspace time to prepare for departure.

Do try to take care of yourself and stay healthy for the sake of your family - your stake in the future. If yours is like mine, they want to see us hang around for as long as we can.

Invest time in family and find reasons to frequently connect and celebrate.
Value your life, the people in it, find things to enjoy and appreciate every waking moment.
Determine what is important and meaningful, prioritize your activities accordingly.
Find ways to make positive differences in the lives of others, a stranger even.
Stay active and engaged; go and do as you are able.

As I was writing this I was asking myself what I needed to hear as I've been in a bit of a slump recently. This note was written as a reminder to me as much as it was written to you.

 

What an awesome and unexpected place to find inspiration?!
Who knew TooHot could be uplifting? I’m impressed by some of the posters who expressed genuine compassion in this thread. And keep your head up. I’ve always thought you were one of the funnier posters here. You have a light-hearted way about you, at least that’s how it comes through for me.
Take it easy man, you’re going to do great.

 

Try to get on Entresto, I’ve seen it do wonders for CHF patients, actually improved ejection fraction over time and helps to remodel the heart.

 

I'm very sorry to hear of your trials! I wish I had some good advice or recommendations. While I don't, I can assure you we all wish you the best.

 

I scrub home care charts and see Entresto popping up more and more, good to know it's for real.

 

If your doctors agree with me, get on Entresto ASAP.

 

No one here gets out alive. All we can do is prolong the inevitable. Stopping smoking would most likely delay the end.

 

I had double walking pneumonia several years ago and I remember how debilitating and terrifying that was for a few days until the drugs kicked in, so I can only imagine what you are experiencing. Sorry you are dealing with this.

As several have mentioned in different ways, everyone was born with an expiration date, we just normally don't get to know what it is. You've gotten some sound medical advice in terms of medication, but nothing better than "stop smoking." You are subtracting digits from your expiration date every time you light one up. Stop now before you wind up in a wheel chair or that hospital bed you bought for your wife. Stop completely right now, no BS excuses.

 

Are you able to move around a bit, stroll around the block ?

 

Understood and more power to you that you do what you can!

 

51…

You got this. So many solid posts. I will post from a slightly different angle but similar.

It is time for some lifestyle changes that you know. It should be up to you how far you want to go. With the fluids being a major problem. Really try to limit your sodium intake. I would focus there first. Sodium will help your body retain fluids and that is not what you want. I would suggest a Mediterranean Diet. As it does not diminish the love of food we all have. But make sure you proportion control. From there I say obviously the smokes. But the mental side to happiness and where you are in life is a consideration. No reason to save time you will be miserable in.

End of the day. You can be the case study for a reversal. Maybe even the case study to change multiple lives in the future.

Know your Too Hot Family loves you!

 

I was on it for a couple months until my edema calmed down. I never urinated so much in my life. Glad to be off of it now.