Hi my husband has heart failure and atrial fibrillation , we were also told by the cardiologist he has asbestos disease , however finally seeing a respiratory consultant he has said the heart is a bigger issue than his lung problem. Whilst seeing respiratory consult he had a raft of blood test. As yet we haven't had any results , he also asked for more lung function tests .The findings of this visit clearly states he has severe restriction to his airways , he is permanently exhausted , I have just helped him to walk up and down the lounge for exercise. When he has a coughing bout (mostly in the morning) he is worn out, sputum starts white then ends up light orange?.
I am doing my best to feed him as much protein as possible , prior to this he drank daily and is now clear for 10 weeks, he said he feels low as he cannot drink, I actually think he couldn't physically do this. He takes Ramipril,digoxin , bisoprolol , apixaban , sertraline ducosate , iron tablets vitamin d supplements. Does this tiredness and general low mood get better?, . Not sure if I should be booking a Drs appointment , or whether things will improve. Thank you to all of you who suggested lung rehab, I have requested this 3 times last week ,and will be requesting it again on Monday. Have a good weekend.
I’m sorry youve had such a bad week.and that your husbands heart problem is worse than you thought.
Has any body suggested any help/ assistance/ medication for his chest problems.
Being referred to rehab can take time,I’m afraid it’s not an illness nmdiate fix. I really hope that you are looking after yourself and eating properly.
Hi thank you for the reply since seeing the respiratory consultant almost two ago , we have received his findings, more breathing tests etc, nothing else I am at a loss here, no idea what I should be doing next. Hope that you are having a good day .
Hi I have wondered this , as he is totally exhausted , is it diagnosed by blood test? , he had lots of blood test as respiratory clinic, maybe this has been checked ?. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply xx
Just a note in case you weren’t aware that sertraline is an anti-depressant which should lift his mood although, like my husband, he is bound to be fed up with all his health conditions. Hang on in there because there are answers and treatments for some of his problems and he can improve.
You are right to feed him as healthy diet as possible. I do the same. My husband has an occasional alcoholic drink but also drinks juice and lucozade and an occasional coke.
Hello thank you for your kind reply, I am aware that sertraline is an anti depressant though a 100mg tablet certainly hasn't helped as yet , in fact he seems more tired on this . As your Husband , I can fully understand the sheer hopelessness he feels , he has gone from someone who used to be up at 6am to the polar opposite. We are hoping that the cardio/respiratory team can give us some answers. Further to the drinking he is now teetotal for about 10 weeks , the cardiologist said this is helping his heart improve, it doesn't make him not want a drink though. Best wishes xx
I also have AF along with Emphysema COPD and at Xmas 2 heart attacks and pnuemonia. I take several of the meds that you mention as well as others. I suffer chronic fatigue I believe as a result of the medications and my illness. Many of the side effects of the meds you list are tiredness. I suffer shortness of breath after the least of exertion. I am 73 and stopped smoking 15 years ago. Not sure what you mean about his drinking? But if alcohol--that cannot be taken with most meds. SEnding you healing thoughts.
Hello thank you for the reply , I am not surprised that you have chronic fatigue , you are amazing with all the illness you have . My husband also suffers with the shortness of breath , we are hoping that the respiratory team come up with something very soon. By the drinking I meant alcohol and was considered a "big " drinker , he started to cut his alcohol down and on Christmas eve completely stopped , after about 50 years. The sertraline tablets have been increased as he is so fed up ,( I don't blame him ), they seem to have made him so much more tired . Thank you for your kind thoughts , and of course we return them , keep well xx
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