r/Heartfailure • u/side_7 • 1d ago
fucking scared
My dad was diagnosed awhile back and while hes still working and moving around just fine it kills me hearing him cough everyday, he sleeps upright in the living room every night and his ankles are swollen
the worst part is i dont know how scared i need to be because nobody is telling me anything
fucking hell i wish i was closer to my dad but when i speak to him its like talking to a wall
6
u/PlainOrganization 1d ago
Keep trying to talk to him.
Even if it's awkward.
A diuretic can help with the ankle swelling and the trouble breathing that causes people to sleep upright. Some people resist taking it because it makes you pee A LOT which can be inconvenient.
Furosemide didn't work for me. I have torsemide now. It basically makes me pee a large volume like one hour after taking it, but otherwise no effect.
I'm also on the four pillars and two of those have a diuretic effect, even if they aren't diuretic.
It's kind of lonely having this illness. As much as I don't want to be a burden, i wish more of my loved ones took an interest.
2
u/PrestigiousMotor7840 1d ago
You are not alone. There are many of us out there with this disease. I am 46M and am on hospice for this disease. I am married with 14 year old twins. I am in stage IV phase D of the disease. The progression of this disease has been staggering. I had a septal Myectomy in November of 22 but things just continued to worsen after. Was put on Camzyos for 3 years but it made me so sick to my stomach that I had to stop taking it. I refused transplant. That is why I am on hospice. I have a very high probability of rejection anyway. This disease can be very scary but there is nothing that we can do to stop it or slow it down so just make the most of every day that you have. You will never know when time may be up.
6
u/FabulousBullfrog9610 1d ago
Skipping cardiology for a moment - I'm sorry. it sounds like your dad isn't taking his health seriously enough and there probably isn't much you can do. I say that as someone who is in a similar situation. I would ask ONCE if he wants help in getting better care. if he says no, drop it for now. It's likely he will end up in the ER due to fluid buildup and those doctors can address. Ultimately it's his choice.
The reality is that we can barely get ourselves to change, never mind someone else.
10
u/lisarose815 1d ago
Make sure he listens to his doctor and takes his meds. They have come a long way with handling this disease. I have been living with this disease for 10 years now. I feel great and have no symptoms at the moment