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Please Help
Please can someone help. My husband is very ill in hospital. He is 56 years old, had a major heart attack 7 years ago but recovered and has lived a normal life until recently. A few weeks ago, he developed an abscess on his belly (there was a spot and he picked it). His GP (doctor) didn't do a swab so they didn't really treat him with the correct antibiotics. He is also a Type II diabetic, food controlled.
The abscess was starting to heal up, but earlier this week he started feeling ill. Both myself and my son have had heavy colds recently and he thought he was coming down with the cold too.
On Thursday we was really ill, said he felt "wobbly" and he was a bad colour. I took him to hospital (not impressed with his general practitioner doctor - we are in the UK by the way) as I thought he might have the start of sepsis.
At the hospital his blood pressure was dangerously low - 60/45 with a pulse rate of 96. He was admitted straight away. Later in the evening they started to get the preliminary blood test results back and yes, he did have the start of sepsis but ontop of that, they suspected he'd had a silent heart attack.
The results of the second blood test confirmed that he had had a heart attack.
His daughter is a nursing sister at the hospital and what I've learned from her has terrified me.
Seemingly, the first heart attack he had damaged 54% of his heart - yes, it was a big one.
This one they estimate has damaged another 17% - 20% of his heart.
On top of that he has cardiac edema and they are treating him for that - although they were worried that the drugs they are using would drop his already low blood pressure (at the time 95/60 - they wanted it to be over 100 and steady) they decided to go for a calculated risk and give him the medication as his breathing even on oxygen is laboured.
As far as I can gather they may perform an angiogram on Monday and perhaps also an Angioplasty although his daughter let slip that they might be going for a bypass.
So far I have not spoken to his consultant as every time I go in, there seems to be some other family member there. Tonight his 90 year old father came in and much as I like the man, he was a pest - I was unable to even talk to my husband and eventually hubby told me to take his father home.
I am really scared for my husband and need to know if there is anyone on this forum who has been in a similar situation and survived or knows anyone who's survived and what the treatment was. Also what quality of life after the treatment.
Sorry to be so long-winded but really hope someone can at least give me some encouragement that all is not lost.
The abscess was starting to heal up, but earlier this week he started feeling ill. Both myself and my son have had heavy colds recently and he thought he was coming down with the cold too.
On Thursday we was really ill, said he felt "wobbly" and he was a bad colour. I took him to hospital (not impressed with his general practitioner doctor - we are in the UK by the way) as I thought he might have the start of sepsis.
At the hospital his blood pressure was dangerously low - 60/45 with a pulse rate of 96. He was admitted straight away. Later in the evening they started to get the preliminary blood test results back and yes, he did have the start of sepsis but ontop of that, they suspected he'd had a silent heart attack.
The results of the second blood test confirmed that he had had a heart attack.
His daughter is a nursing sister at the hospital and what I've learned from her has terrified me.
Seemingly, the first heart attack he had damaged 54% of his heart - yes, it was a big one.
This one they estimate has damaged another 17% - 20% of his heart.
On top of that he has cardiac edema and they are treating him for that - although they were worried that the drugs they are using would drop his already low blood pressure (at the time 95/60 - they wanted it to be over 100 and steady) they decided to go for a calculated risk and give him the medication as his breathing even on oxygen is laboured.
As far as I can gather they may perform an angiogram on Monday and perhaps also an Angioplasty although his daughter let slip that they might be going for a bypass.
So far I have not spoken to his consultant as every time I go in, there seems to be some other family member there. Tonight his 90 year old father came in and much as I like the man, he was a pest - I was unable to even talk to my husband and eventually hubby told me to take his father home.
I am really scared for my husband and need to know if there is anyone on this forum who has been in a similar situation and survived or knows anyone who's survived and what the treatment was. Also what quality of life after the treatment.
Sorry to be so long-winded but really hope someone can at least give me some encouragement that all is not lost.
Please try to relax ... I do not know if I have ever been as sick as your husband is, but I can tell you that when I have my HA, my wife was told that most probably I will not survive that night, the day after we were told that I can be left for ever in bed .... I am here 3 years later still very alive.
In was you say there are good relaxing messages ... If he were very sick, they will not wait till monday for the cath. neither will allow him to stay with many people arround and definitly he will not be even to speak to you to ask to take his father home... So situation it does not seem so critical.
I do not understand the terms that you use about % of heart left.. one standard measurement is Ejection Fraction... for your info, mine is only 23% and as I said I am OK.
As per the bypass, do not worry too much, particularly in cases of diabetic patients this
is some times better than the stent.
Hope everything goes well.
Jesus
In was you say there are good relaxing messages ... If he were very sick, they will not wait till monday for the cath. neither will allow him to stay with many people arround and definitly he will not be even to speak to you to ask to take his father home... So situation it does not seem so critical.
I do not understand the terms that you use about % of heart left.. one standard measurement is Ejection Fraction... for your info, mine is only 23% and as I said I am OK.
As per the bypass, do not worry too much, particularly in cases of diabetic patients this
is some times better than the stent.
Hope everything goes well.
Jesus
Hi Jesus and thank you so much for your encouraging reply.
I am not long home from the hospital and what a difference a day makes. The doctors have now got rid of the infections, they have put him on Frusimide (similar to Lasix) to get rid of the fluid round his heart. Since they did this, he been able to come off oxygen and is breathing on his own. They have also taken him off the ECG and just left on the BP and pulse monitor. They have also removed one of the canulas in his left arm, leaving him with just the one which is infusing insulin and glucose. They are taking him completely off the monitor tomorrow and allowing him to take gentle walks round the ward.
They have got his blood sugars under control now at 6.3 (not sure what the American equivalent is) and they are sending the diabetic team to help tomorrow.
It was good that no other visitors came today and we were able to talk properly.
He told me that, in order of treatment the doctors were dealing with his problems in this order:
1) Getting rid of the sepsis and chest infection.
2) Getting his blood sugars under control.
3) Sorting out the heart attack.
4) Sorting out the abscess which was the start of all this problems - they say there is still some underlying pus and may well open it and clean and drain it properly.
5) Sorting out his underactive thyroid (not actually working now).
All in that order, so the heart attack has been prioritized as 3rd, not 1st.
They are going to do an angiogram and are looking at doing an angioplasty but have also told him they may not do the angioplasty, instead letting time and rest heal things.
He is certainly looking much better today and is even beginning to get his appetite back. The hospital food is much improved from the last time he was in.
It is amazing what a difference just one tablet has made in less than 24 hours. I hope he continues to make good progress - but it is still a worry.
Fiona
I am not long home from the hospital and what a difference a day makes. The doctors have now got rid of the infections, they have put him on Frusimide (similar to Lasix) to get rid of the fluid round his heart. Since they did this, he been able to come off oxygen and is breathing on his own. They have also taken him off the ECG and just left on the BP and pulse monitor. They have also removed one of the canulas in his left arm, leaving him with just the one which is infusing insulin and glucose. They are taking him completely off the monitor tomorrow and allowing him to take gentle walks round the ward.
They have got his blood sugars under control now at 6.3 (not sure what the American equivalent is) and they are sending the diabetic team to help tomorrow.
It was good that no other visitors came today and we were able to talk properly.
He told me that, in order of treatment the doctors were dealing with his problems in this order:
1) Getting rid of the sepsis and chest infection.
2) Getting his blood sugars under control.
3) Sorting out the heart attack.
4) Sorting out the abscess which was the start of all this problems - they say there is still some underlying pus and may well open it and clean and drain it properly.
5) Sorting out his underactive thyroid (not actually working now).
All in that order, so the heart attack has been prioritized as 3rd, not 1st.
They are going to do an angiogram and are looking at doing an angioplasty but have also told him they may not do the angioplasty, instead letting time and rest heal things.
He is certainly looking much better today and is even beginning to get his appetite back. The hospital food is much improved from the last time he was in.
It is amazing what a difference just one tablet has made in less than 24 hours. I hope he continues to make good progress - but it is still a worry.
Fiona
One day does make a huge difference.
Three and half years ago I was taken to the doctor, where they did a ECG, and told my husband that I was in the middle of a major heart attack. I was taken from the doctor's office, on a strecher, to the nearest ER, where they were in hopes of stabilizing my situation in order to send me on, by helicopter, to the nearest Cardiac unit, about 90 miles away.
I arrived at the Cardiac unit in, what they said, was grave condition. They told my husband to say his goodbyes, and contact all other family members.
Day two, they came into my ICU room, told my husband and I, it wasn't a heart attack at all, but a bleeding ulcer. After 7 pints of blood(the human body holds about 8 pints) and 48 hours, they sent me home to heal.
Since then, I contracted a Super Virus, and now have stage 4 heart failure and have suffered a HA, stage 5 kidney failure(end stage). I am a card carrying pacemaker/defib recipient, with a Merlin(24 hour heart monitor, in house), I am a home hemodialysis patient, with my husband trained as my technician and we do dialysis 6 days a week.
With all of that, and the fact that I've been told more times that I can remember, that I am terminal, I still have a life.
Yesterday, I spent the entire day fishing, and hiked well over a mile, uphill, and today I'm fine.
My point? Don't give up hope, there is a very good chance that your husband can come out of all of this unscathed. Don't baby him, but rather push him to get up and do what he can do without losing his breath. As long as he can talk without having trouble breathing while exercising, then he can keep doing whatever he is doing, and the more he does, the better he will get.
I hope the best for your husband and you.
Three and half years ago I was taken to the doctor, where they did a ECG, and told my husband that I was in the middle of a major heart attack. I was taken from the doctor's office, on a strecher, to the nearest ER, where they were in hopes of stabilizing my situation in order to send me on, by helicopter, to the nearest Cardiac unit, about 90 miles away.
I arrived at the Cardiac unit in, what they said, was grave condition. They told my husband to say his goodbyes, and contact all other family members.
Day two, they came into my ICU room, told my husband and I, it wasn't a heart attack at all, but a bleeding ulcer. After 7 pints of blood(the human body holds about 8 pints) and 48 hours, they sent me home to heal.
Since then, I contracted a Super Virus, and now have stage 4 heart failure and have suffered a HA, stage 5 kidney failure(end stage). I am a card carrying pacemaker/defib recipient, with a Merlin(24 hour heart monitor, in house), I am a home hemodialysis patient, with my husband trained as my technician and we do dialysis 6 days a week.
With all of that, and the fact that I've been told more times that I can remember, that I am terminal, I still have a life.
Yesterday, I spent the entire day fishing, and hiked well over a mile, uphill, and today I'm fine.
My point? Don't give up hope, there is a very good chance that your husband can come out of all of this unscathed. Don't baby him, but rather push him to get up and do what he can do without losing his breath. As long as he can talk without having trouble breathing while exercising, then he can keep doing whatever he is doing, and the more he does, the better he will get.
I hope the best for your husband and you.
Hi. I'm no stranger to dialysis - my son had complete kidney failure at the age of 15. Was on home peritoneal dialysis until he had appendicitis then went on to haemodialysis at the hospital 3 times a week. He had a kidney transplant 2 years ago. My wonderful brother donated one of his kidneys. We have a hereditary genetic condition in my family called Alports Syndrome which mainly affects males. It is because one of the X genes in the female side is flawed. My brother inherited the good gene, I inherited the bad gene and passed it to my son. He's never looked back since he got his new kidney. Even when he was on dialysis he still went out and did what 15 year olds do - play football and everything else his friends did. He is 24 years old now. Altogether he was 7 years on dialysis. My husband is not my son's father (son from previous marriage).
Hubby is a lot better today and he is off all the drips now. He is a diabetic and they stopped the insulin at tea-time tonight. They have put him on Glucoside tablets (not sure what they're called elsewhere in the world - we're in the UK).
They have the two infections whacked but are still concerned about the abscess. They think there is still a pocket of pus in there so have swabbed it again and photographed it. Think they are going to consult with another hospital that specialise in skin wounds.
His consultant says he should have an angiogram sometime this week but he is way down the queue - consultant said they have more serious cases at the moment to deal with (read between the lines there). His consultant went on to say that they are looking at 3 options at the moment. The first being to do nothing depending on the angiogram results and just let his body heal itself. The second angioplasty and the third, again depending on the results of the angiogram, possibly a heart bypass op.
They are also going to deal with the thyroid problem this week (underactive - well, not working at all).
It's really a case of just wait and see at the moment but he is looking much better, sounds much better and is getting his stubborn streak back.
He also had an echocardiogram this morning but don't know the results of that yet.
Hubby is a lot better today and he is off all the drips now. He is a diabetic and they stopped the insulin at tea-time tonight. They have put him on Glucoside tablets (not sure what they're called elsewhere in the world - we're in the UK).
They have the two infections whacked but are still concerned about the abscess. They think there is still a pocket of pus in there so have swabbed it again and photographed it. Think they are going to consult with another hospital that specialise in skin wounds.
His consultant says he should have an angiogram sometime this week but he is way down the queue - consultant said they have more serious cases at the moment to deal with (read between the lines there). His consultant went on to say that they are looking at 3 options at the moment. The first being to do nothing depending on the angiogram results and just let his body heal itself. The second angioplasty and the third, again depending on the results of the angiogram, possibly a heart bypass op.
They are also going to deal with the thyroid problem this week (underactive - well, not working at all).
It's really a case of just wait and see at the moment but he is looking much better, sounds much better and is getting his stubborn streak back.
He also had an echocardiogram this morning but don't know the results of that yet.
Glad to hear your husband is doing better. I hope he continues to be on the upswing.
I'm still doing well, and hope to continue to do so. Today I cleaned house, and it really tired me out, but I think mainly because it's not fun to clean house. :)
Keep us posted on how your hubby is doing, and don't forget to take care of you.
I'm still doing well, and hope to continue to do so. Today I cleaned house, and it really tired me out, but I think mainly because it's not fun to clean house. :)
Keep us posted on how your hubby is doing, and don't forget to take care of you.
He's been moved to the low risk part of the ward now which is a good sign. So is the fact he's got stubborn, got his fight back and is complaining that he's bored.
Unfortunately, he's fallen out with his consultant (no surprise as they fell out 7 year ago resulting in hubby discharging himself) but this time I'm on his consultant's side.
The problem is last time he had a heart-attack he was put on Lipitor (Astervostatin sp) and it had really bad side effects on him, including peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, legs feeling like leg and was impacting on his lifestyle and wellbeing badly. The doc says that it's the only statin that can deal with the type of plaque that's built up in his arteries. Most of us who have delved into the side-effects of statins know that CoQ10 given alongside counteracts the side effects, letting the statin do it's job without causing problems for the person taking them but they do not prescribe that here (or elsewhere for that matter) and CoQ10 is quite expensive to buy privately. However, the other doctor (the junior doc) I spoke to last night at length and he is going to swot up on it and see what he can do. I think a compromise could be reached that will keep everyone happy.
Graham is now just waiting for an angiogram to see how they are going to tackle his heart problem long-term. He has damaged both sides of his heart now - we know that from the ECGs and echocardiogram. Depending on what the angiogram shows they will either do nothing, go for angioplasty or heart by-pass. It's really a case of wait and see now.
The abscess on his belly that started all this burst quite spectacularly yesterday when he was in the bathroom so hopefully it might start healing up properly now. Apparently it bled quite heavily but it took a lot of the pus with it (yuk). Because it bled heavily, they have cut back on the doseage of anticoagulants they were giving him. He did get a big scare and ended back on oxygen for a short while but his sats are 100% - they say his sats are better than a man much younger than him so they seem to be quite pleased with him.
He phoned me this morning and sounded much better/ I'm just going to see him in a few minutes so will know much more when I talk to him later.
Unfortunately, he's fallen out with his consultant (no surprise as they fell out 7 year ago resulting in hubby discharging himself) but this time I'm on his consultant's side.
The problem is last time he had a heart-attack he was put on Lipitor (Astervostatin sp) and it had really bad side effects on him, including peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, legs feeling like leg and was impacting on his lifestyle and wellbeing badly. The doc says that it's the only statin that can deal with the type of plaque that's built up in his arteries. Most of us who have delved into the side-effects of statins know that CoQ10 given alongside counteracts the side effects, letting the statin do it's job without causing problems for the person taking them but they do not prescribe that here (or elsewhere for that matter) and CoQ10 is quite expensive to buy privately. However, the other doctor (the junior doc) I spoke to last night at length and he is going to swot up on it and see what he can do. I think a compromise could be reached that will keep everyone happy.
Graham is now just waiting for an angiogram to see how they are going to tackle his heart problem long-term. He has damaged both sides of his heart now - we know that from the ECGs and echocardiogram. Depending on what the angiogram shows they will either do nothing, go for angioplasty or heart by-pass. It's really a case of wait and see now.
The abscess on his belly that started all this burst quite spectacularly yesterday when he was in the bathroom so hopefully it might start healing up properly now. Apparently it bled quite heavily but it took a lot of the pus with it (yuk). Because it bled heavily, they have cut back on the doseage of anticoagulants they were giving him. He did get a big scare and ended back on oxygen for a short while but his sats are 100% - they say his sats are better than a man much younger than him so they seem to be quite pleased with him.
He phoned me this morning and sounded much better/ I'm just going to see him in a few minutes so will know much more when I talk to him later.
Update on my hubby. The hospital have carried out an angiogram and found all three main arteries are more or less blocked. Today they carried out a stress test (drug induced) and said that only 30% of the heart muscle is working. They say he is not suitable for bypass surgery and is only borderline suitable for CRT. They are going to have another case conference this week and try and decide the best course of treatment but, basically, they are not holding out much hope that he will be any better than he is now. He is only 56 years old.
Things are not looking good at all :(
Things are not looking good at all :(
I am so sorry to hear that your hubby's condition seems so grave.
Don't lose hope, though. I'm 57 years old, my heart muscle was at 15%, two years ago, and I have a Defib/pacemaker installed, and I'm getting along fine.
I've already told you that I receive dialysis 6 days a week, and about my heart problems, but I just want to remind you that, I've been told I'm dying more times than I care to admit, and yet, here I am, alive, and feeling pretty well.
Maybe I'm just too stuborn to give up and die, but I feel great considering my prognosis. I clean my own house, I do the cooking for my husband and I, I do all shopping, etc....the list goes on and on, as a housewife would know, :), but I'm still kicking, is the point, so don't give up on your hubbby, he might surprise you.....also, don't let him lay down and give up....push him, make him get up and get moving. It sounds mean, but it will do him more good than babying him.
I hope the best for you and your hubby.
Don't lose hope, though. I'm 57 years old, my heart muscle was at 15%, two years ago, and I have a Defib/pacemaker installed, and I'm getting along fine.
I've already told you that I receive dialysis 6 days a week, and about my heart problems, but I just want to remind you that, I've been told I'm dying more times than I care to admit, and yet, here I am, alive, and feeling pretty well.
Maybe I'm just too stuborn to give up and die, but I feel great considering my prognosis. I clean my own house, I do the cooking for my husband and I, I do all shopping, etc....the list goes on and on, as a housewife would know, :), but I'm still kicking, is the point, so don't give up on your hubbby, he might surprise you.....also, don't let him lay down and give up....push him, make him get up and get moving. It sounds mean, but it will do him more good than babying him.
I hope the best for you and your hubby.
Thanks for your support and encouragement. Wow! 15%. Makes hubby's sound good!!!
Baby him? Not a chance LOL!!! He will need to be mobile (within his capabilities) as sitting around will do more harm than good. He has been walking around the ward, chatting with the nurses at their station etc. so that is always good. The docs were saying yesterday that when they do bypass surgery (although not an option in Graham's case) they get the patient out of bed as quickly as possible and moving around as that plays a major part in the success of the surgery. In other words, they get "tough love".
I think they are leaning towards the Defib/Pacemaker but we have very strict criteria in this country and my hubby is borderline on that criteria. This is a government quango that was set up (this quango is unelected and unwanted by everyone) and they decide who gets what. It is a cost cutting exercise and has resulted in the deaths of many people, particularly cancer victims who have been denied treatment/drugs to save money :(
We will have to see what the consultants decide after their second meeting, hopefully we'll know in the next few days or early next week.
It never rains but it pours. We just had to have our 14 year old cat, Pickles put to sleep :(
He was born into our family and my son picked him out. Ironically, Pickles (who was a white cat) was born deaf and my son is also deaf. Ian (my son) was with pickles when he was born and was with him today when he left this earth. Like most cats, Pickles had kidney failure. Ian was on dialysis for 7 years and has been transplanted for 2. He's really feeling it because he and Pickles were very close and he'd had him since he was a boy of 10 years old.
Baby him? Not a chance LOL!!! He will need to be mobile (within his capabilities) as sitting around will do more harm than good. He has been walking around the ward, chatting with the nurses at their station etc. so that is always good. The docs were saying yesterday that when they do bypass surgery (although not an option in Graham's case) they get the patient out of bed as quickly as possible and moving around as that plays a major part in the success of the surgery. In other words, they get "tough love".
I think they are leaning towards the Defib/Pacemaker but we have very strict criteria in this country and my hubby is borderline on that criteria. This is a government quango that was set up (this quango is unelected and unwanted by everyone) and they decide who gets what. It is a cost cutting exercise and has resulted in the deaths of many people, particularly cancer victims who have been denied treatment/drugs to save money :(
We will have to see what the consultants decide after their second meeting, hopefully we'll know in the next few days or early next week.
It never rains but it pours. We just had to have our 14 year old cat, Pickles put to sleep :(
He was born into our family and my son picked him out. Ironically, Pickles (who was a white cat) was born deaf and my son is also deaf. Ian (my son) was with pickles when he was born and was with him today when he left this earth. Like most cats, Pickles had kidney failure. Ian was on dialysis for 7 years and has been transplanted for 2. He's really feeling it because he and Pickles were very close and he'd had him since he was a boy of 10 years old.
Please never lost the hope .... my cardiologist says that the important point are not the numbers but how really do you feel. And for what you say he does not look too bad.
Let us wait to see the drs decisions and we will see later.
By the way, was the statin problem solved??
Jesus
Let us wait to see the drs decisions and we will see later.
By the way, was the statin problem solved??
Jesus
Ola Jesus.
The news gets worse. They are sending my husband home to die. They say his heart is too weak to withstand surgery. His best chance is with an ICD but he wouldn't survive the procedure. They are sending him home on medication and (if he's still alive) reassess him in 6 weeks time.
They made him walk up a short flight of stairs today to see if he could cope. It nearly killed him and he had to lie down for the rest of the day. We have stairs in our house. He won't cope with it.
I am also having problems with his family (his daughter is a nurse), particularly his son. His son wants him to come home. He doesn't want me to try and get a second opinion. I am angry at his son because he is giving up hope. I cannot do that.
There is a hospital in London which is the cardiac specialists and one of the main leaders in heart care in Europe. I want their surgeons to assess my husband. They can do that by looking at the medical reports - he wouldn't even have to go there at this stage.
I don't think my husband is getting the best care or treatment he could have - our hospital does not have a very good reputation, particularly for major surgery. The doctors can't seem to make up their minds on how to treat him.
My husband has 30% heart muscle function left. All his main arteries are blocked, along with the smaller ones. They can't do angioplasty. Seems they can''t do anything.
My husband is also a very determined and independent man. He is not the type to have to rely on others to take care of him. He has been told he will have to use a commode and a urine bottle instead of the toilet. He has been told the best he can expect is to have a bed bath instead of a shower or a bath.
Yet, through all this, no-one has spoken to me, so much so, my husband said tonight that he is going to refuse to see or speak to the consultant unless I am there.
Most of the information I am getting (and indeed my husband is getting) is coming secondhand via his daughter.
I am his wife and I am being left out in the cold.
I want what's best for my husband and I will fight to get it - no matter what they say. No doubt they will try and alienate me but they haven't really bothered with him for years. Just the occasional phonecall - when they can be bothered!
I don't think they have any real right to say and do what they are. At the end of the day, whatever happens is up to my husband - it is his life - and his body and I will stand by him no matter what he decides.
He wants to live. He wants to get well and I don't think that will happen while he is in that hospital but he is also not fit enough to travel a long journey to another hospital.
Please pray for us. We need your prayers.
Fiona
The news gets worse. They are sending my husband home to die. They say his heart is too weak to withstand surgery. His best chance is with an ICD but he wouldn't survive the procedure. They are sending him home on medication and (if he's still alive) reassess him in 6 weeks time.
They made him walk up a short flight of stairs today to see if he could cope. It nearly killed him and he had to lie down for the rest of the day. We have stairs in our house. He won't cope with it.
I am also having problems with his family (his daughter is a nurse), particularly his son. His son wants him to come home. He doesn't want me to try and get a second opinion. I am angry at his son because he is giving up hope. I cannot do that.
There is a hospital in London which is the cardiac specialists and one of the main leaders in heart care in Europe. I want their surgeons to assess my husband. They can do that by looking at the medical reports - he wouldn't even have to go there at this stage.
I don't think my husband is getting the best care or treatment he could have - our hospital does not have a very good reputation, particularly for major surgery. The doctors can't seem to make up their minds on how to treat him.
My husband has 30% heart muscle function left. All his main arteries are blocked, along with the smaller ones. They can't do angioplasty. Seems they can''t do anything.
My husband is also a very determined and independent man. He is not the type to have to rely on others to take care of him. He has been told he will have to use a commode and a urine bottle instead of the toilet. He has been told the best he can expect is to have a bed bath instead of a shower or a bath.
Yet, through all this, no-one has spoken to me, so much so, my husband said tonight that he is going to refuse to see or speak to the consultant unless I am there.
Most of the information I am getting (and indeed my husband is getting) is coming secondhand via his daughter.
I am his wife and I am being left out in the cold.
I want what's best for my husband and I will fight to get it - no matter what they say. No doubt they will try and alienate me but they haven't really bothered with him for years. Just the occasional phonecall - when they can be bothered!
I don't think they have any real right to say and do what they are. At the end of the day, whatever happens is up to my husband - it is his life - and his body and I will stand by him no matter what he decides.
He wants to live. He wants to get well and I don't think that will happen while he is in that hospital but he is also not fit enough to travel a long journey to another hospital.
Please pray for us. We need your prayers.
Fiona
To begin with, your husband needs to do what he can. The rule of thumb is, if he can do it without losing his ability to talk(from shortness of breath), then do it. Once he is having trouble getting enough air to carry on a conversation, then he needs to quit, rest, and then try again. It's a long process, but it does help to build the body back up from where he is at this point.
Now, for the worst part....if he smokes, he needs to quit, and he needs to be on a strict, low sodium diet, and if he has any extra weight on, he needs to lose it, using a diet of veggies, fruit, and lean meat and poultry. NO junk food. If he drinks alcohol, he needs to give it up.
So....it's diet, excercise, no smoking, no drinking.
He needs to live every single day, following this regimen, and hopefully it will be what helps the most.
I also take CoQ10, 100 mg daily and it helps to clear the arteries, making the blood flow more freely. Also, ask the doctors about giving your hubby Coreg 25 mg. 2 times a day. It helps the heart beat stronger, and move more blood with each beat, so it might help him. A daily aspirin helps clear the arteries, also. Another drug that seems to help, in my situation is, 30 mg Diltiazem, 2 times a day.
I know about the government run health care. They are trying to do it here in the States, but we(the people), voted in a republican Congress this session, and they put a halt to the Federally mandated health care, at least for the time being. Otherwise, the cutoff date for medical care would have been age 59, and that would have meant my days were definately numbered.
I assume the daughter is a "step" to you, right? Have your hubby sign a paper, giving you the power of attorney over his affairs, and that should take care of you being bypassed by his doctors. By law they have to consult you, instead of the kids.
I hope for the best for you and your hubby.....
Now, about Pickles.....I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I know a pet is hard to lose....almost like losing one of the kids. Pets just don't live long enough, unless you have a parrot, or some other type of bird, that lives to around 75 years. I recently had to have my ferret put to sleep, and it still hurts, everytime I look at a pic of him.....I loved that little guy.
You have my prayers, and I will ask for the prayer circle to remember you and your hubby, also.
Now, for the worst part....if he smokes, he needs to quit, and he needs to be on a strict, low sodium diet, and if he has any extra weight on, he needs to lose it, using a diet of veggies, fruit, and lean meat and poultry. NO junk food. If he drinks alcohol, he needs to give it up.
So....it's diet, excercise, no smoking, no drinking.
He needs to live every single day, following this regimen, and hopefully it will be what helps the most.
I also take CoQ10, 100 mg daily and it helps to clear the arteries, making the blood flow more freely. Also, ask the doctors about giving your hubby Coreg 25 mg. 2 times a day. It helps the heart beat stronger, and move more blood with each beat, so it might help him. A daily aspirin helps clear the arteries, also. Another drug that seems to help, in my situation is, 30 mg Diltiazem, 2 times a day.
I know about the government run health care. They are trying to do it here in the States, but we(the people), voted in a republican Congress this session, and they put a halt to the Federally mandated health care, at least for the time being. Otherwise, the cutoff date for medical care would have been age 59, and that would have meant my days were definately numbered.
I assume the daughter is a "step" to you, right? Have your hubby sign a paper, giving you the power of attorney over his affairs, and that should take care of you being bypassed by his doctors. By law they have to consult you, instead of the kids.
I hope for the best for you and your hubby.....
Now, about Pickles.....I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I know a pet is hard to lose....almost like losing one of the kids. Pets just don't live long enough, unless you have a parrot, or some other type of bird, that lives to around 75 years. I recently had to have my ferret put to sleep, and it still hurts, everytime I look at a pic of him.....I loved that little guy.
You have my prayers, and I will ask for the prayer circle to remember you and your hubby, also.
Try to get a second opinion on the situation of your husband.
You will need a copy of the angiography process, they can give it to you in your present hospital in a CR-rom.
I now people that were sent home in 2 different centers and finally in the third one, they happily fixed his arteries.
You are in my thoughts.
Jesus
You will need a copy of the angiography process, they can give it to you in your present hospital in a CR-rom.
I now people that were sent home in 2 different centers and finally in the third one, they happily fixed his arteries.
You are in my thoughts.
Jesus
Hubby gets breathless very easily but we think that could be a side-effect of Ramipril - as is his very swollen ankles. His ankles were not swollen until they put him on Ramipril. Ramipril is known for many side-effects including breathlessness, swollen ankles, dry cough, runny nose, cold hands and feet, fatigue, giving the person taking it a feeling of being like a "zombie" and many other side effects. The hospital uses it because it is very cheap. There are other drugs that do a similar job without the side effects so Graham is going to push the docs to get the other drug and see if that will make a difference. They took Graham off Ramipril for a couple of days last week as his BP had dropped too low. The swelling in his ankles went down and he wasn't so breathless.
They told him yesterday and today his chest is clear and there is no fluid build up in his lungs, but still he's breathless even on minor exertion.
Graham does not smoke and very seldom drinks. He has been guilty of eating junk food - the type of job he did he was driving most of the time and would stop between appointments and eat junk food. He has an underactive thyroid and they have started him on Levothyroxine so once they get that under control, and is able to (hopefully) do a little exercise, he should lose some weight.
Diet at home has never been a problem. We all love veg and often cook with garlic - lots of it. Stinks the whole street out LOL. We also all love fish, oily, white - any kind of fish. I come from a fishing family and was brought up on fish and could quite happily live on it. My son (Graham's stepson) also loves fish.
I did tell Graham what happened last night - on the proviso that he stayed calm and didn't blow his top. He stayed calm. He said he wanted to get a stairlift installed and would not even entertain the humliating plan his son and daughter (my stepson and stepdaughter) had for him. They have been busy causing problems again today and stirring things up with Graham's 90 year old father. Frankly, these two need to grow up and realise when Graham and me join forces on something, we back each other up 100%.
I have told Graham that if they continue to interfere they will see a side of me they have not seen before - one they will not like. I WILL protect my husband and if that means getting them thrown out of the ward, that is exactly what I will do. I know it is their father but they didn't bother much with him and just seem to be out to cause trouble between Graham and me. Won't work. If they come to my house and try throwing their weight about, they will be told to leave. If they refuse I will have no hesitation in getting the police to intervene then take out an injunction to keep them from harrassing us.
Tough talk I know but my husband comes before them. It is his life that is in the balance, not theirs. If they run true to form, they would only come for a few weeks then that would stop, then the phone calls would stop and we'd only hear from them occasionally - when something went wrong in their lives.
Graham has a very long, hard road to walk but I will be with him every step of the way - no matter what the outcome is.
They told him yesterday and today his chest is clear and there is no fluid build up in his lungs, but still he's breathless even on minor exertion.
Graham does not smoke and very seldom drinks. He has been guilty of eating junk food - the type of job he did he was driving most of the time and would stop between appointments and eat junk food. He has an underactive thyroid and they have started him on Levothyroxine so once they get that under control, and is able to (hopefully) do a little exercise, he should lose some weight.
Diet at home has never been a problem. We all love veg and often cook with garlic - lots of it. Stinks the whole street out LOL. We also all love fish, oily, white - any kind of fish. I come from a fishing family and was brought up on fish and could quite happily live on it. My son (Graham's stepson) also loves fish.
I did tell Graham what happened last night - on the proviso that he stayed calm and didn't blow his top. He stayed calm. He said he wanted to get a stairlift installed and would not even entertain the humliating plan his son and daughter (my stepson and stepdaughter) had for him. They have been busy causing problems again today and stirring things up with Graham's 90 year old father. Frankly, these two need to grow up and realise when Graham and me join forces on something, we back each other up 100%.
I have told Graham that if they continue to interfere they will see a side of me they have not seen before - one they will not like. I WILL protect my husband and if that means getting them thrown out of the ward, that is exactly what I will do. I know it is their father but they didn't bother much with him and just seem to be out to cause trouble between Graham and me. Won't work. If they come to my house and try throwing their weight about, they will be told to leave. If they refuse I will have no hesitation in getting the police to intervene then take out an injunction to keep them from harrassing us.
Tough talk I know but my husband comes before them. It is his life that is in the balance, not theirs. If they run true to form, they would only come for a few weeks then that would stop, then the phone calls would stop and we'd only hear from them occasionally - when something went wrong in their lives.
Graham has a very long, hard road to walk but I will be with him every step of the way - no matter what the outcome is.
Hi Jesus
Graham was saying tonight that he is not happy with his treatment.
He told me and one of the nurses that on Friday when he was taken to the physio room, when they took him back, they dumped him at the end of the ward and even though he was exhausted he had to walk all the way back to his bed (it's quite a long ward). He just made it and collapsed into the chair. When one of the nurses was doing her round, she saw him and said he didn't look well. She was shocked when he told her where he'd been. No-one had bothered to inform the staff of his ward that they were taking him to physio. He is not happy about that and nor am I.
One thing that did surprise me was he told me and the nurse that in the two weeks he has been in that hospital, he has not seen his Consultant once. He has only seen more junior doctors and they keep changing his medication without telling him. My son has had a lot of dealings with hospitals for years (he had renal failure at 15, spent 7 years on dialysis and has been transplanted for 2). My son said that it has to be a Consultant who changes the medications/doseage and that is law in this country. At this stage, we do not know who authorised the change in the doseage of Ramipril from 2.5mg to 5mg. Even the nurse didn't know.
The nursing staff are fantastic but the doctors really don't seem to have a clue.
Graham told the nurse he wants a conference with the Consultant on Monday and that I will be there. He told her that if he doesn't get satisfaction he will demand a second opinion and demand to be transferred to another hospital. We have chosen one that is a heart specialist hospital.
One procedure they have not even mentioned is cardiac ablation. Something I need too do some research on.
We will see what happens on Monday. I will tell my husband to ask for the results of the angiogram on a CD-Rom. We should be able to get copies of the stress test also (which wasn't very clear apparently).
You are also in my thoughts.
Fiona
Graham was saying tonight that he is not happy with his treatment.
He told me and one of the nurses that on Friday when he was taken to the physio room, when they took him back, they dumped him at the end of the ward and even though he was exhausted he had to walk all the way back to his bed (it's quite a long ward). He just made it and collapsed into the chair. When one of the nurses was doing her round, she saw him and said he didn't look well. She was shocked when he told her where he'd been. No-one had bothered to inform the staff of his ward that they were taking him to physio. He is not happy about that and nor am I.
One thing that did surprise me was he told me and the nurse that in the two weeks he has been in that hospital, he has not seen his Consultant once. He has only seen more junior doctors and they keep changing his medication without telling him. My son has had a lot of dealings with hospitals for years (he had renal failure at 15, spent 7 years on dialysis and has been transplanted for 2). My son said that it has to be a Consultant who changes the medications/doseage and that is law in this country. At this stage, we do not know who authorised the change in the doseage of Ramipril from 2.5mg to 5mg. Even the nurse didn't know.
The nursing staff are fantastic but the doctors really don't seem to have a clue.
Graham told the nurse he wants a conference with the Consultant on Monday and that I will be there. He told her that if he doesn't get satisfaction he will demand a second opinion and demand to be transferred to another hospital. We have chosen one that is a heart specialist hospital.
One procedure they have not even mentioned is cardiac ablation. Something I need too do some research on.
We will see what happens on Monday. I will tell my husband to ask for the results of the angiogram on a CD-Rom. We should be able to get copies of the stress test also (which wasn't very clear apparently).
You are also in my thoughts.
Fiona
My news is not good tonight. Graham has deterioriated and has been on oxygen all day.
I spoke with one of the doctors tonight (yet another junior doctor) and he said it is not the drugs Graham is on, but his heart. He has 15% EF at the moment. The doctor said they were keeping his heart at this rate to allow it to heal and remodel, so it would seem he does have more in reserve. The doctor said that the intention was to gradually increase the heart's workload in a controlled way so that it did not become overburdened.
I personally think they are keeping it too low, hence the breathing difficulties and they may have to let his heart do a little more. Graham can't sleep. He is exhausted. The breathing difficulties on top of that must be taking it's toll. Unfortunately, there are none of the consultants on duty as it's the weekend which is bad, so they won't do anything until tomorrow - IF Graham survives the night. He is very determined and a fighter but he can only fight so long.
If he survives tonight (and I have been warned that it could go any way) we will see the consultant cardiologist tomorrow then hopefully, if he's strong enough, get him transferred to that other hospital.
All I can do now is pray and hope.
Fiona
I spoke with one of the doctors tonight (yet another junior doctor) and he said it is not the drugs Graham is on, but his heart. He has 15% EF at the moment. The doctor said they were keeping his heart at this rate to allow it to heal and remodel, so it would seem he does have more in reserve. The doctor said that the intention was to gradually increase the heart's workload in a controlled way so that it did not become overburdened.
I personally think they are keeping it too low, hence the breathing difficulties and they may have to let his heart do a little more. Graham can't sleep. He is exhausted. The breathing difficulties on top of that must be taking it's toll. Unfortunately, there are none of the consultants on duty as it's the weekend which is bad, so they won't do anything until tomorrow - IF Graham survives the night. He is very determined and a fighter but he can only fight so long.
If he survives tonight (and I have been warned that it could go any way) we will see the consultant cardiologist tomorrow then hopefully, if he's strong enough, get him transferred to that other hospital.
All I can do now is pray and hope.
Fiona
I know about the problems with kids by a former marriage. About 6 years ago, my husband and his X were in an ugly court battle over money that she owed my husband. It took 2 years and several thousand dollars, but my husband won the case, and when he did, his son turned against him, saying some cruel things, causing my husband to have problems with terribly high BP. Soon after that, we moved about 500 miles away from the area, and I quit sending birthday cards, christmas gifts, etc. to my husband's son, and my husband quit talking to him on the phone, or being available when the son decided he wanted something, and it took about 2 1/2 years, but the son finally apologized, and decided he wanted his dad back in his life. We now make the son work for any time he gets from his dad....just to keep him in line. It works quite well, but before we figured that out, it almost cost my husband a stroke, which is hard for me to forgive.
My point, put the kids in their place, and don't allow them to overstep their bounds, as your husband needs the protection from them.
Also, I think the Ramipril should be removed from the picture. I believe any of the "pril" drugs should be removed from the market, as they cause too low BP. I, recently was taking Enapril, and it caused my BP to drop to 54/34, and needless to say caused me to be symptomatic. Since then, I quit the Enapril, but kept taking the Coreg and Diltiazem, and my BP runs around 103/67, with a HR of 61, and I don't feel like I'm going to pass out everytime I stand up.
My husband, about 5 years ago, was taking Lisinopril, and it robbed his body of most of it's potassium stores, causing him to collapse.....it took 7 months for him to get his life back to, near, normal.
My point....all 3 drugs are "pril" drugs, and I don't think they are good for anyone.
In any event, I still want to tell you not to give up on your hubby, because 15% EF is still livable.....I am living proof.
I will pray for you both, and hope all goes well.
My point, put the kids in their place, and don't allow them to overstep their bounds, as your husband needs the protection from them.
Also, I think the Ramipril should be removed from the picture. I believe any of the "pril" drugs should be removed from the market, as they cause too low BP. I, recently was taking Enapril, and it caused my BP to drop to 54/34, and needless to say caused me to be symptomatic. Since then, I quit the Enapril, but kept taking the Coreg and Diltiazem, and my BP runs around 103/67, with a HR of 61, and I don't feel like I'm going to pass out everytime I stand up.
My husband, about 5 years ago, was taking Lisinopril, and it robbed his body of most of it's potassium stores, causing him to collapse.....it took 7 months for him to get his life back to, near, normal.
My point....all 3 drugs are "pril" drugs, and I don't think they are good for anyone.
In any event, I still want to tell you not to give up on your hubby, because 15% EF is still livable.....I am living proof.
I will pray for you both, and hope all goes well.
Got some news - just spoke to Graham on the phone.
He spoke at length to the doctor who ordered the stress test and stair test last week. To cut a long story short, they have changed his medication, taken him off the Bisoprolol Sulphate, cut the Ramipril back (they don't want to take him off it completely) and reassessed the rest of his drugs.
Wait for this. This idiot doctor did not know my husband was put on Thyroxine!!!!!!!!
Don't any of them ever READ anything?????????
The doctor also admitted that he wasn't happy with the echocardiogram results and because he hadn't been told Graham was on Thyroxine said that would have interfered with the results so has now decided Graham goes for an MRI scan. When that will be, we don't know, probably not for a few weeks. He cut the dose of Thyroxine because he thought it was too much too soon and instead is now going to build it up very gradually.
I must admit, Graham sounded much better this morning.
I had a right go at the junior doc last night. Amazing what the words "I WILL SUE THE A**E OFF THIS HOSPITAL" can do, doc said to put in a complaint to PALS (Patient Liaison Service - a complete and utter waste of time) and I told him I would do better than that - my friend (next door neighbour's son) is a Barrister :)
Complete turn-around. I wonder why.
Believe you me. I will fight tooth and nail to get the best treatment for my husband.
This doctor is going to come and talk to Graham and me this afternoon.
Watch this space!
As for his family, I am going to call a family conference with them and tell them EXACTLY where they stand and if they don't like it - TOUGH!!!
He spoke at length to the doctor who ordered the stress test and stair test last week. To cut a long story short, they have changed his medication, taken him off the Bisoprolol Sulphate, cut the Ramipril back (they don't want to take him off it completely) and reassessed the rest of his drugs.
Wait for this. This idiot doctor did not know my husband was put on Thyroxine!!!!!!!!
Don't any of them ever READ anything?????????
The doctor also admitted that he wasn't happy with the echocardiogram results and because he hadn't been told Graham was on Thyroxine said that would have interfered with the results so has now decided Graham goes for an MRI scan. When that will be, we don't know, probably not for a few weeks. He cut the dose of Thyroxine because he thought it was too much too soon and instead is now going to build it up very gradually.
I must admit, Graham sounded much better this morning.
I had a right go at the junior doc last night. Amazing what the words "I WILL SUE THE A**E OFF THIS HOSPITAL" can do, doc said to put in a complaint to PALS (Patient Liaison Service - a complete and utter waste of time) and I told him I would do better than that - my friend (next door neighbour's son) is a Barrister :)
Complete turn-around. I wonder why.
Believe you me. I will fight tooth and nail to get the best treatment for my husband.
This doctor is going to come and talk to Graham and me this afternoon.
Watch this space!
As for his family, I am going to call a family conference with them and tell them EXACTLY where they stand and if they don't like it - TOUGH!!!
Well. It would seem that when Graham was put on Thyroxine, no-one had informed his consultant. The Thyroxine interacted with the beta-blockers which caused the breathlessness. Not only that but the stress test that was done on Thursday is now null and void as the Thyroxine would have had an effect on the heart which had not been taken into account.
His consultant also said that the amount of Thyroxine was too high even for someone who doesn't have heart problems and he drastically reduced it, preferring instead to build up slowly. He also cut the Ramapril by half but did not want to stop it as it is doing it's job well. He doubled the dose of Frusemide (Lasix) so that should help too.
His consultant was also unaware that Graham had been made to climb stairs so I think someone's head is for the chopping block!
I have never heard of a consultant apologising before, but this man did profusely - and he really meant it. He said that when he saw Graham in the morning, he was very, very worried (his actual words).
My son and I went in at approx 3pm. Graham was on oxygen. As the drugs came out of Graham's system, by 4.30pm he was off the oxygen and by 8.30pm he was able to walk round the ward again. Just hope he can get a good night's sleep as he will feel much better for it.
The plan of action now is to get Graham well enough to come home then he will be sent in 6 - 8 weeks time (or longer depending on how long it takes the Thyroxine to bring his thyroid levels up to scratch) to another hospital for a MRI scan of his heart.
Because the echocardigram stress test was inaccurate, a bypass may be possible. If not, it could be that he will have a CRT/Defib device fitted.
The whole thing is pure negligence. When Graham had his first big heart attack 7 years ago, the doctors even then could not agree on treatment. Seems nothing much has changed there. Carelessness and a complete breakdown in communication and it is errors like this that costs lives.
I should imagine at least one member of staff will be disciplined over this. I did try to find out who'd authorised the change in prescription but that is one thing that wasn't divulged - yet although I have my suspicions.
One other thing was Graham's consultant was talking long-term rather than short-term today and even hinted that in several months time, Graham may be able to return to work but it will be a light job, probably in an office and part-time. He did say it would be a long road to recovery and that Graham will have limitations.
Certainly things look more hopeful than they were yesterday and it was really good to see Graham looking and feeling much better tonight.
His consultant also said that the amount of Thyroxine was too high even for someone who doesn't have heart problems and he drastically reduced it, preferring instead to build up slowly. He also cut the Ramapril by half but did not want to stop it as it is doing it's job well. He doubled the dose of Frusemide (Lasix) so that should help too.
His consultant was also unaware that Graham had been made to climb stairs so I think someone's head is for the chopping block!
I have never heard of a consultant apologising before, but this man did profusely - and he really meant it. He said that when he saw Graham in the morning, he was very, very worried (his actual words).
My son and I went in at approx 3pm. Graham was on oxygen. As the drugs came out of Graham's system, by 4.30pm he was off the oxygen and by 8.30pm he was able to walk round the ward again. Just hope he can get a good night's sleep as he will feel much better for it.
The plan of action now is to get Graham well enough to come home then he will be sent in 6 - 8 weeks time (or longer depending on how long it takes the Thyroxine to bring his thyroid levels up to scratch) to another hospital for a MRI scan of his heart.
Because the echocardigram stress test was inaccurate, a bypass may be possible. If not, it could be that he will have a CRT/Defib device fitted.
The whole thing is pure negligence. When Graham had his first big heart attack 7 years ago, the doctors even then could not agree on treatment. Seems nothing much has changed there. Carelessness and a complete breakdown in communication and it is errors like this that costs lives.
I should imagine at least one member of staff will be disciplined over this. I did try to find out who'd authorised the change in prescription but that is one thing that wasn't divulged - yet although I have my suspicions.
One other thing was Graham's consultant was talking long-term rather than short-term today and even hinted that in several months time, Graham may be able to return to work but it will be a light job, probably in an office and part-time. He did say it would be a long road to recovery and that Graham will have limitations.
Certainly things look more hopeful than they were yesterday and it was really good to see Graham looking and feeling much better tonight.
Hello Jesus
Graham was made to climb stairs again today. Again, it completely exhausted him to such a degree that the senior staff nurse on duty tonight called in the doctor as a precaution. All his levels had gone up and they were worried about him. I will say, the nursing staff are excellent and also very kind.
It has been decided that he is not fit to be released yet, partly because we have steep stairs in our house. We will either have to get a stair lift fitted or move to a disabled house.
I have been told that Graham will probably have to use a wheelchair if he is going out any distance. That is going to be difficult unless it is motorised because he is over 20 stone and I am only 6.5 stone.
I admit the stress is beginning to get to me.
His son apparently phoned him today to try and stir up trouble between Graham and me (as I thought he would). Graham doesn't need stress like that and I certainly don't either. Graham put his son in his place. I think it is time that young man grew up!
I really don't know what the future holds but it is very uncertain.
Graham was made to climb stairs again today. Again, it completely exhausted him to such a degree that the senior staff nurse on duty tonight called in the doctor as a precaution. All his levels had gone up and they were worried about him. I will say, the nursing staff are excellent and also very kind.
It has been decided that he is not fit to be released yet, partly because we have steep stairs in our house. We will either have to get a stair lift fitted or move to a disabled house.
I have been told that Graham will probably have to use a wheelchair if he is going out any distance. That is going to be difficult unless it is motorised because he is over 20 stone and I am only 6.5 stone.
I admit the stress is beginning to get to me.
His son apparently phoned him today to try and stir up trouble between Graham and me (as I thought he would). Graham doesn't need stress like that and I certainly don't either. Graham put his son in his place. I think it is time that young man grew up!
I really don't know what the future holds but it is very uncertain.
Wonderful news!
Like I said, the "pril" family of drugs, in my opinion, should be banned from the market. I know of several people who have problems with long term low BP problems, or problems with dangerously low pottasium levels. Then I had problems with BP as low as 54/30, which left me symptomatic, at best, from Enapril. Now your Graham shows shortness of breath, and weakness from his "pril" drug. I believe sooner or later that the "pril" family of drugs will make the "bad drug" list, and perhaps here in the States become a class action suit, against the manufacturing company.
In any event, I am happy for you and Graham, and I fully support your decision to put "the family" in their place. It will be hard to make it stick, but long term, I think it will do more good than harm, for you and Graham.
It sounds like Graham is tougher than you think he is, so don't worry about a small amount of stress, he should do fine. I hope the best for you both.
Like I said, the "pril" family of drugs, in my opinion, should be banned from the market. I know of several people who have problems with long term low BP problems, or problems with dangerously low pottasium levels. Then I had problems with BP as low as 54/30, which left me symptomatic, at best, from Enapril. Now your Graham shows shortness of breath, and weakness from his "pril" drug. I believe sooner or later that the "pril" family of drugs will make the "bad drug" list, and perhaps here in the States become a class action suit, against the manufacturing company.
In any event, I am happy for you and Graham, and I fully support your decision to put "the family" in their place. It will be hard to make it stick, but long term, I think it will do more good than harm, for you and Graham.
It sounds like Graham is tougher than you think he is, so don't worry about a small amount of stress, he should do fine. I hope the best for you both.
I am sorry for your husband... Why do they insist to make him climb stairs? I do not recognize it as an standard test.
My experience is that if you are able to walk you can climb stairs ... all what you need is to take 1 step at the time and then relax, you just need an small stool that can fit on every step, so that he can seat as often as he needs.
I think you should try to get him in another doctor/hospital... if he needs the defib. or the bypass you want it done in a large hospital where they perform that procedure several times per week.
Jesus
My experience is that if you are able to walk you can climb stairs ... all what you need is to take 1 step at the time and then relax, you just need an small stool that can fit on every step, so that he can seat as often as he needs.
I think you should try to get him in another doctor/hospital... if he needs the defib. or the bypass you want it done in a large hospital where they perform that procedure several times per week.
Jesus
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