diagnosed with heart failure,pulmonary edima.I am 56 overweight,what are my chances of survival, improvement?

Question

I have been suffering from shortness of breath for 3 years, which got slowly worse. It was always explained with a worsening of the asthma, and with being about 40-50kg overweight.X-rays showed nothing unusual. 10 days ago,I went to the hospital,in thailand, where I currently live,because shortness of breath worsened.My x-rays showed water on the lungs, an enlarged heart. after 2 days in hospital , my condition improved a lot and I was sent home, with lots of medicine and an appointment for 12 days later. the doctor was very pleased with my speedy recovery,said I had a good costituition.he said, that he can make me better within 6 month.
My main problem is communication.Doctor speaks some english. I like the hospital. very caring,private hospital, 1st world standards or nearly.Doctor very dedicated and caring. I would like to live as long as possible, with an improvement in quality of life.I am motivated. Any info, opinions, suggestions welcome.I am financially independent. thanks

Answer 1

Overweight is a deep understatement. You are morbidly obese by medical standards, and need to quickly and thoroughly educate yourself about correct diet, and resolve to take this excess weight off. My guess is that if you had the capability to get to a normal weight the rest of these problems would disappear.

Best wishes in this endeavor, but do it as though your life depends on it, because it does. The fact that you had a nice recovery means to me that you have not wrecked your body irreversibly and that you have the capability for a normal lifespan once you get the excess girth off.

Answer 2

Hello I too have Heart failure/peri partum cardiomyopathy and pulmonary edema.I got it from the birth of my son 3 years ago.They said my left ventricle was severely damaged from the pushing.My heart too is enlarged and I get fluid in my lungs as well.I really think that if you want to prolong your life you should really try to lose a little of the weight.If you are gaining a few pounds too quickly it could also be the fluid and not just from food.I was given 6 months and was put on a donors list for a heart.That was 3 years ago!!My EF was 15% and now it's 35%.I haven't had my heart fail or it hasn't been severe enough where they feel they have to transplant.I suffer with shortness of breath,edema swelling of the legs and ankles,chest pain,palpitations,cough,fatique,i can't sit or stand for long hours,walk more then 2 blocks or 1 flight of stairs without getting short of breath.I have high blood pressure and high cholestor and never smoked or drink and I'm not overweight.I spent a month in the hospital when I was diagnosed on lasix and other blood thinners.I been on Coreg,Altace,Spironolactone for 3 years.Also on Lipitor.If you want to live as long as possible eat the right foods,less salt the better and no/low sodium.Stay away from fried foods and fast food.Seasonings(I use Mrs.Dash).If you will believe you will get better.I have 3 kids to live for 13,10 and 3.Guess what I was suppose to be gone long ago and I'm still here and I'm 30 years old!!Make sure you take your medications.

Answer 3

First of all it is time to change your diet. Not go on a diet. More olive oil , vegetables, fish in your diet. No more saturated fats try to stick to the aisle on the ends not the middle you will find more fresh meats and veggies there.Try to stay away from pasta and bread and breading. You can season and pan fry in olive oil. No more fast food. Do some light to moderate excercise at least three times a week. I have spent the last two years taking care of my father and it was amazing how healthy he got after these small things. Like you he suffers from asthma, water in his lungs, oh and his 5th heart attack, and he is a diabetic. he was 350lbs and now down to 270lbs and doing much better.

Answer 4

I was also diagnosed with heart failure. First thing you need to do is try to lose some weight. Ask your doctor to put you on at least 50 mg of coreg daily, then have him also prescribe you spironolactone, and diovan. These are all heart meds. Then you need to completely lay off of the sodium. Specially processed foods, they will kill ya! They may also want to give you lasix to help rid you of the excess fluids around your heart. Find out what your ejection fraction is, that will give you some indication as well. I am 34 and ended up with a pacemaker/defibbrillator, all of these meds, and lots of rehab, but im back to almost normal after them telling me i was going to need a transplant to survive. Dont give up, but you will have to change your life.

Answer 5

Hi..
One your doctor recommends!
People with heart problems, need to be extremely careful about any medication they take, and should check with their doctor before taking any new medications....
A doctor will know the specifics of the heart condition, so will be in the best position to advise.....
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You should eat a "healthy diet", but be careful about changing it too much in case it affects the heart problem....
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Exercise, is one of the most efficient and healthiest ways to lose weight, especially for those who can't take medications because of their heart..... Again, anybody, particularly somebody with a heart problem should always check with their doctor.. before undertaking a new exercise regieme...
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Healthy Diet : Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, nuts, legumes, poultry, lean meat and low-fat dairy items... Avoid saturated fats and trans-fatty acids.....
Quit Smoking.... Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke......
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Keep Blood Pressure Low..... People in normal health should have a blood pressure reading of : 120/80 mm Hg or less.... According to new guidelines, Blood pressure readings of 120/80 are considered normal, readings of 140/90 or higher indicate hypertension, and readings in between the two are called pre-hypertension..... Patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease should maintain blood pressure readings of 130/80 mm Hg or less, while those without these complications should have readings be no higher than 140/90 mm Hg.....
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I cannot give you much more advise, because every case is different, even if the symptomes are the same!!!
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So, you should ask your doctor.. and remember : ..............
...Even with much money..you cannot buy a persons "health" ...
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So, be careful, with it!
I wish you the best of luck! ..and lots of courage..
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Someone who is working, in the field ....

My regards!!

Answer 6

Losing some weight would help a lot. This is not the forum for medical advice. Always follow what the doctor says.

Answer 7

Correct diet and excersize will help tremendously. Losing weight will help.
I would try doing a search on your diagnoses and see if they will tell you what you can do to inhance both you quality and quanity of life.
Good luck

Answer 8

keep following your doctors advice and use your computer to research information and ideas to help you treat your illness. you can live a long healthy life if you make the lifestyle changes your doctor recommends.

Answer 9

Lose weight.

Answer 10

Ask your doc.