Advice needed.

[Sunflowers99]

Hi. My lovely father is 91. A brief history-He has heart failure. He had a heart attack in his early 60's. Had pacemaker fitted nearly 11 years ago. Had a echo about 7 months ago and found aortic valve stenosis(not yet had appointment to discuss this). He's on various medication for blood pressure, blood thinners and statins. He was took to A and E Tues. They suspected a small heart attack as his troponin level was slightly raised. He has fluid on the lungs and between the lining and chest wall. No infection. Swollen legs and ankles, was on oxygen but now off it. Have put him on diuretics. They said he's being treated for worsening heart failure. My question is what is his prognosis is? What can I expect in the near and longer future? Any idea of time frame? Need to know what care he will need? He maybe home soon so need to make things as comfortable as possible for him. What questions do I need to be asking medical staff. Thank you.😊x

[Ageingfast]

sorry to hear that Dad is unwell.

The two bits I can comment on are

One. The stenosis will be mild or moderate or severe or Critical.

I went for five years with mild stenosis and it was no bother at all. When it reached moderate I still was ok but only one year on moderate. When it reaches severethen you probably have one year to live. The remedy is a new heart valve but I doubt that will be possible for a ninety years old patient with medical issues.

Two. Questions for the medical people…..I listen rather than talk. The only question is what Can I do to help you doctor.

Please give your Dad my best wishes.

From an elderly patient.

C.

[Sunflowers99 in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you C. Really appreciate the time you have took to reply. I wish you well as you can be. X Thinking of you.

[cotonh]

I was at a Heart2Heart session where we discussed heart failure. It is a deteriorating condition that steadily gets worse. The cardiac nurse said that with cardiac failure, unlike with cancer, it is very hard for the clinicians to know when someone will die. Her advice was plan for the worst and hope for the best. The sessions were run by Hospice Care and they were clear that Palliative Care is now offered by most hospices (not Macmillian and a couple of others) and can be at home. I would suggest you talk to the team caring for your Dad who may be able to point you to what is available locally. Finding out what they offer will put you in strong position to act if you need to. All his treatment so far sounds the ordinary treatment for heart failure.