worried

[Tutina]

hi I’m hoping to get some support and advice here I’m really worried about my Husband. He had a tooth infection a while back which developed into an infection in his heart valve which had been replaced 5 years ago. After 7 weeks in hospital with antibiotic drip straight into heart vein he recovered from the infection. Unfortunately it damaged the heart valve and it needs replacing again. The consultant has said he is at high risk as he is 73 and other factors, so operation is not an option. He is going for another echocardiogram on Friday followed by another appointment with consultant. In the meantime he has a permanent cough, and breathing difficulties which happens mostly at night. I’ve tried doctors, he was given antibiotics which helped a little. He is terrified of being taken back into hospital, I don’t know what to do as he won’t let me call the doctors again. Just need to know how to help with his breathing until we can get to see the consultant, which might be a few weeks. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks Izzy.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I suggest you talk to the Asthma and Lung UK helpline who may be able to help with suggestions for improving your husbands breathing

asthmaandlung.org.uk/#get-s...

There is also a Lung Group on HealthUnlocked. You also could try on there.

healthunlocked.com/asthmalu...

And if you have other close relatives who can offer you and your husband support (of a different kind) perhaps talk to them and also get them to talk to your husband to share the problems.

[Blearyeyed]

So sorry for what you are both going through at the moment , the stress must be incredible for both of you.I can understand how scared your husband might be , but he must also understand that if he doesn't get medical help early he could end up in hospital for a lot longer or end up with a severe emergency.

A cough and a problem breathing is an urgent reason for him to seek medical help in his current condition.

Perhaps you could remind him that you need the advice and that it will put your mind at rest too if you can get the right advice and know you are looking after him in the right way.

Even though your Consultants appointment may be a few weeks away you can still contact that Consultant by calling the hospital and asking to be put through to the Consultants Secretary. The Consultant would also want to know as soon as possible if your husband has new symptoms or symptoms have got worse.

Let the Secretary know what symptoms your husband is having and ask them to ask the Consultant to ring you back with some advice , or let you know if your husband needs a change in his medication or needs to go to the GP or hospital to be seen.

In your husband's situation you should hear back from the Secretary or Consultant within 48 hours.

In the meantime , if the symptoms persist you might need to call the GP anyway even if your husband is resisting it or if you are going for an Echo on Friday ask if someone can be brought in to check your husbands chest at the appointment.

If he isn't already in this position it will help if both his head and upper chest are raised comfortably on pillows when he is in bed to keep his airways open.

He might feel some relief from doing some deep breathing exercises through the day.

If he can make sure he drinks cool water in small sips regularly throughout the day and warm drinks to keep him hydrated and help reduce the discomfort and inflammation from coughing.

Otherwise , he needs medical help as soon as possible as you cannot be sure what is causing the increased coughing and he could need more medication .

Take care and keep us updated about how you are getting on , Bee

[Tutina in reply to Blearyeyed]

Hi Bee thank you for your suggestions. I did think about trying to get in touch with the Consultant I will try tomorrow. It’s good to know people are around to give advice. Thanks again I really appreciate your thoughts. Izzy.

[Happyrosie]

As the other two responders have said.

Remind yourself, please, that YOU are also one that is suffering on your husband's behalf and you must act in YOUR best interests too. Meaning that you must do what you need to do whether he likes it or not.

I feel for you both.

[devonian186]

There are a lot of people at the moment with extended hacking coughs and restricted breathing as a bug has been going round. So it may or not be directly heart connected. Bleary eyed made some good suggestions above.

If he is having an echocardiogram on Friday it would certainly be a good idea if someone can look at his chest at the same time.

I can understand his reluctance to go back into hospital but he obviously needs help and either the Friday appt or one you may need to make with his GP will let you know the score.

Do you have an oxymeter to measure his oxygen levels? They can be bought cheaply from Boots. Similarly it might be useful to know his BP before the echocardiogram as the hospital stress is likely to push it up, so any readings they take there might be raised.

[Tutina in reply to devonian186]

hi Thanks for your suggestions. I’ve tried most of the advice from bleary eyed, I’ve sent an email to the Consultant asking for help. We went to the echocardiogram appointment yesterday but were unable to see anyone other than the radiologist. It’s 2.25am and I’m awake as he is still struggling with the cough and breathing. I’m petrified to go to sleep in case something happens to him and I don’t hear him. You could be right in saying the cough might not be heart related. I will get an oxymeter that’s a good idea. Thanks again for your advice.