Looking for advice about dealing with shortness of breath

By Hammer

1 min read

80 years old physically active all my life

Had a massive heart attack 2019. Recently told by my heart doctor that the heart is failing and 1 or 2 years is pretty much what I have left, it’s been hard to put my head around this plus the shortness of breath thing.

What can be done with the shortness of breath?
Appreciate any advice

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Kimberly Broughal Member
<inline-mention username="Hammer" user-id="4244280"/> I can't imagine how difficult it was receiving that kind of prognosis from your doctor. I know members of this community can relate to having shortness of breath. Unfortunately shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure. I found an article on shortness of breath that you may find helpful. https://heart-failure.net/symptoms/shortness-of-breath I am also attaching the link to our community hub section so that you are able to connect with other people/caregivers about this topic if you so choose to do so. https://heart-failure.net/community Just know that you are not alone and we're always hear to help you. -Kim (Team Member)
John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi. <inline-mention username="Hammer" user-id="4244280"/> Sorry you are experiencing shortness of breath and were given this prognosis by your doctor. As a person who works with many heart failure patients in the hospital setting, I have seen many patients live well long past the length of time their doctors predicted for them. Also, there are many different strategies people use to prevent themselves from feeling short of breath, or cope with shortness of breath when it occurs. Some may require changes in your life routine. One of the best strategies is to avoid unnecessary exertion, such as climbing stairs. And, while you may benefit from staying as active as you can, do try pacing yourself as you move from one location to another. If you feel shortness of breath or get winded, a good strategy my patients use is to rest in a chair and focus on relaxation techniques for relaxing your breathing -- and usually, it comes back with rest. While sleeping, many find it very helpful to sleep with your head propped up with pillows. These are some strategies people have found helpful. What do you think? I'm hopeful others in the community will see your inquiry and respond with their tips. Wishing you all the best. John. <a href='https://heart-failure.net' target='_blank'>heart-failure.net</a> community moderator
Kimberly Connell Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Hammer" user-id="4244280"/> Before My transplant being short of breath was about of my daily life. Sometimes I have it just not like before. I dealt with heart failure and honestly for me walking helped me. When I would get tired I would rest or stop depending, but it seemed the more I walked the better I felt. At times when I would get extremely short of breath that was fluid build up so always try to eliminate that one. At bed time using more than one pillow was also my go to. I don't think there are lots of answers to this question but I hope sharing my experience help Kimberly (<a href='https://heart-failure.net' target='_blank'>Heart-Failure.net</a>) Team
1. smithwilfer Member
 <inline-mention username="Morgan Drutchas" user-id="3934099"/> Thanks for your concern . My fil is doing well. Dr have suggested pacemaker.
2. lauren.mullin Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="smithwilfer" user-id="8878854"/> We are so thankful that this community has been helpful for your father-in-law. How long has it been since his heart failure diagnosis? I hope that he is getting the care that he needs! -Lauren (team member)
Latoya Johnson Keelen, PhD Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Hammer" user-id="4244280"/> Within 6 months of my heart failure diagnosis in 2018, my doctors told me that if I didn't get a heart pump or a transplant, I needed to prepare for hospice. Then, they told me I wasn't eligible for a transplant, so I got the pump. In 2019, I was listed for a transplant. In 2021, my pump stopped working. Here's the kicker, when my pumped stopped working, my heart WAS working again. I still have a little ways to go to get back to normal, but I'M STILL HERE! Moral of the story - God has the final say! I hope you find encouragement in this story. I know it's hard to wrap your head around the diagnosis. Do what you can while you can. Get second opinions if you need. No matter what, keep fighting. And, in terms of your shortness of breath, as others have said, it can be caused by numerous things. What worked for me was a change in my medication that managed fluid (diuretics). Like <inline-mention username="Kimberly Connell" user-id="3933153"/> mentioned, fluid build in the lungs might be the culprit. It was for me. 
1. smithwilfer Member
 <inline-mention username="Latoya Johnson Keelen, PhD" user-id="3933592"/> hi dear can you please share some articles related to pacemaker
2. lauren.mullin Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="smithwilfer" user-id="8878854"/> Hi there, we sure can provide you with articles related to pacemakers. The first article I'm going to link will discuss pacemakers in a general sense. <a href='https://heart-failure.net/pacemaker' target='_blank'>https://heart-failure.net/pacemaker</a> The second article I'm linking has to do with how specific pacemakers are helpful to some of us with heart failure. <a href='https://heart-failure.net/resynchronization-device' target='_blank'>https://heart-failure.net/resynchronization-device</a> I hope that these articles are helpful. Let us know if you have any further questions. All the best, Lauren (team member)
CommunityMembera46f93 Member
I had a widow maker heart attack back in February 2019 so I'm very lucky to be here to share my experiences with you today. After my heart attack I went through some dramatic changes, both mentally and physically and it was very hard to deal with. As my body was healing I felt like this was all behind me now and I was determined to do everything I could to stay healthy by the way of taking my meds as directed, getting on a healthy heart diet and exercise and it seemed to be working because I felt like a million bucks but it all slowly came to an end. I started feeling short of breath when doing the simplest of tasks and it seemed to worsen every day. One morning I was walking through my yard like I've done every day before except this time was different. I became short of breath almost Immediately and I was light headed, dizzy and I could literally feel my heartbeat in my eyes and my head. The only thing I can remember after that was being helped up off the ground by my wife and my son then waking up in the emergency room. I was admitted and was put on full life support because I somehow developed walking pneumonia and was sepsis. I was in induced coma for 3 weeks before the finally brought me back and that's when the Dr told me that I had chronic congestive heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction of only 12%, COPD, Hypertension, and I was in the last renal stage of kidney failure because of this I'm now suffering with neuropathy. I also had a pulmonary embolism and deep thrombosis in my right leg. After the long list of illnesses and a brief pause he let me know that all my illnesses were chronic and they will eventually be the cause of my death. I'm under hospice care at my home for the time being and as I get worse Hinds Hospice has a place reserved for me at one of their facilities. It's all been a mind blowing experience and although I've cheated death after being told that I was terminal 5yrs ago, chronic illnesses never go away and I'm getting weaker every day. I just keep my faith and try to live every day as it's my last.
1. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembera46f93" user-id="8540226"/> Thank you for sharing your personal health experience with us. I'm truly sorry to hear about all the challenges you're facing. It's evident that you've been through a lot, and it takes immense strength to navigate such difficult circumstances. Sometimes, keeping the faith and living each day to the fullest is the best approach in the face of adversity. Your resilience is inspiring, and I hope you find comfort and support in your loved ones and your faith as you continue on your journey. How are you feeling today? John. community moderator.