Completely in the dark

[Pixiemayblue]

5 weeks ago l went to the doctor with palputations. After tests and wearing machines l was told l have sleep apnea and heart failure. Also low blood oxygen levels. I am on several tablets, but now coping with fatigue and struggling to breath, more so at night, and not sleeping. I just don't know what's happening to me and if l will ever get better. My appointment is the 18th November to see the cardiologist again for oxygen tests. Has anyone else had this happen to them.

[Lezzers]

My husband has HF & he's had the oxygen tests. Early days for you but it will definitely get easier. How many pillows are you a sleeping with, you should have a minimum of 2 firm pillow to help you breath easier at night. Do you have a heart failure nurse who can help, November is too long too wait to see someone

[Pixiemayblue in reply to Lezzers]

Hello Lezzers, l sleep with 2 pillows and also an oblong to just prop head up. But when l can't breath very well, some nights are better than others, l usually sleep sitting upright, l have a crackle on my chest too but not a cough (what's that all about) only when l try to clear my throat and chest. During the day the crackle is not there. The doctor said it could take 2 months for tablets to work completely. It looks like I'm stuck like this till November. Useless in the day and not able to sleep at night. Before this l was keeping house and looking after a family. Thank you Lezzers for your information, best wishes.

[Lezzers in reply to Pixiemayblue]

What meds are you on? And have you been referred to a heart failure nurse? Also, is your Dr aware of the crackle on your chest? My husband has the same issue with the phlegmy cough, clearing the throat, it's pretty constant during the day and occasionally when he sleeps but no crackle though the cough is getting worse.

[Pixiemayblue in reply to Lezzers]

I am on a blood thinner and a few others. I did wonder whether it was a side effect. I am sorry l should have mentioned l am living in France. I thought l might get better info on BHF forums. The doctor was told about the crackle. I don't understand what the connection is. He said fatigue and crackle was normal that was first 3 weeks. I have to have oxygen tests, a night at a sleep clinic and a pulmonary tests but l can't get them earlier than November+. I'll go mad. Sorry about your husbands suffering, is he getting a chest x ray. Thanks Lezzers

[Lezzers in reply to Pixiemayblue]

I do know that the French health system is second to none when it comes to cardiac care. I'm sure if your Dr was too concerned, you would be seen sooner rather than later. But having said that, perhaps you could ask your Dr to hurry things along? There is a patient led charity called Pumping Marvellous who are great for info and advice on heart failure have a look at their website, definitely don't Google anything else other than the BHF & NHS sites. Pumping Marvellous also have a closed Facebook group of the same name which I'd recommend joining, also great for advice and support, there's a couple of members who live in France who could perhaps help navigate the French health system to ensure you get the best care possible. Thank you for asking after my husband, yes he's had a number of xrays & oxygen tests and we've been told it's a heart cough, whatever that means! I would also suggest speaking to the BHF nurses on this site, they are very informative & helpful.