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Cardiogenic shock heart failure need advice please

My husband was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and ischaemic heart disease about 10 years ago. He was put on 2 types of fluid tablets along with heart medications. In February this year I talked him I to seeing his doctor because his breathing was bad along with a constant cough and vomiting his doctor sent him straight to the ED. During the 8 hours he suffered numerous hypoglycaemic episodes along with BP dropping down dangerously low along with his heart beat slowing down very low. He said to me I don't feel good I said what do you mean then he went out to it. His machines started beeping a nurse came running in the called Code Blue. A doctor rushed to me and asked do we have permission to resuscitate him I said of course yes. They got his heart going again he was transferred to resuss unit then to ICU then a week later to the ward. They increased his fluid tabs and he lost just over 18 kilos whilst in hospital from all the fluid in his feet legs around his heart and in and around his lungs. He was diagnosed with cardiogenic shock whilst in hospital. He looked so much better after losing all the fluid. Since coming home from hospital he had the chronic heart failure nurses coming out weekly to check on him but he refused to do anything they said. Example he was restricted to 2 litres of all types of fluid per day but he was having 3 to 4 litres per day they told him no more than 2 litres of any type of fluid per day, now he can have anywhere from 5 to 7 litres per day. His stomach is clearly enlarged yet again he won't show me his legs or feet nor will he go see his doctor monthly like he was told nor attend his hospital appts either. His breathing is bad again and his constant coughing is very bad as is his vomitting. He was told by the chronic heart failure nurses it's not a case of if it's a case of when you will end up back in hospital because you will and next time you may not be so lucky to be revived it may be too late. We have all tried talking to him but he keeps saying I am fine even when we talk about his breathing his coughing and vomiting he replies I'm fine. He refuses to go to his doctor or talk to him over the phone. My neighbour spoke to me yesterday out of concerned as they have heard his constant coughing and vomitting at all hours of the day and night during the night it wakes them up as ut does myself and my adult children living at home. All the family have tried talking to him to coerce him to go see his doctor but he keeps saying I'm fine we say clearly you are not just listen to your breathing your constant coughing and vomitting. I'm so afraid one day I'm going to come home or walk into his bedroom and find him deceased which I don't want to happen. Has anyone else dealt with this either with themselves or a family member and managed to get them to see their doctor. Seriously he needs to see his doctor before it's too late not just for him but for all our family. Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

  1. I don't have advice but I just want to say that my heart goes out to you. I pray that your husband will realize that he needs his doctor's help.

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I'm so sorry that your family is dealing with this diagnosis at this time. I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2014 after having a stroke. I was diagnosed with advanced heart failure in 2018 after a second stroke. I had vomiting, not being able to keep food down and eventually weight gain. I suffered I actually went into cardiogenic shock before my LVAD surgery. (LVAD stands for left ventricualr assist device. It is a battery operated pump that pumps the heart when the left ventricle can no longer pump efficiently) It definantely wasn't a fun ordeal so I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. What I can say is you can keep reiterating to him what you have before and I'm not sure if this is possible, but maybe you can get a doctor to do a house call. Be honest and open with him about the consequences of him not recieving treatment. I hope this helps you and your family. -Olivia

      1. I’m so sorry you are going through this with your husband. Before I was diagnosed I did not think correctly from the lack of oxygen to my brain from poor blood flow. I, too, was vomiting all day for 8 months. My symptoms were so severe I would have done anything for some relief. Having been correctly diagnosed and on many medications, I feel amazing. I went from end stage HF to stage 2 HF in just a few months. Drs say I know have a normal life expectancy. I will be praying that your husband has an epiphany to seek out medical advice and adhere to a plan. And I’ll be praying for strength for you.

        1. Welcome to the heart failure community. I’m sorry to hear that your husband went through all this medical issues. Denial is big factor when going through heart failure. When I was in heart failure the very last time before I transplanted, I would always tell myself, I can walk a little further, faster, and longer time. However, my body was showing signs that I was slowing going downhill. I insisted on working to the point that my boss physically had to tell me that my hours were decreased and would continue to decrease until I went to see a cardiologist. I hope your husband realizes that seeking help from a medical professional is okay before his heart failure progresses even more. Leslie (Community Moderator)

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