Could I have Congestive Heart Failure?
I’m having some pretty bad symptoms, and am going to be going to the ER probably within the next day or so, but in the meantime, I’d like to see what kind of feedback I can get. My grandma is a nurse and has been for over 50 years and is concerned that I could have congestive heart failure. Here’s the symptoms I have. Please give me whatever feedback you can. Thanks!
*Severe Fatigue
*Out of Breath, feel like I just can’t get enough air.
*Swelling about 1/2 way up my calves on my legs
*Nauseated
*Gained literally 30 pounds in a week’s time without changing my diet or anything.
*Achy feeling in back near shoulder blades
*On and off again chest pain, only lasts for a few seconds then goes away.
*Stomach pain
Also forgot to mention the headaches. Don’t know if they could have anything to do with all of this anyway as I have just been told I have "migraines" (even though my normal migraines are not anywhere near this severe) but I’ve had at least one several hour long headache per day, usually at the end of the day for about the last 3 weeks straight. Before that, I’ve been getting them about 2-3 times per week.
To answer other’s questions…I’m 25 years old. I’m already a pretty large girl, about 320 pounds. Started out, a little over a year ago at over 450 so I have a ton of loose skin at this point. I’m not on oxygen right now, and as long as I’m not up moving around a lot, I’m better on my breathing.
You forgot to state your age. If you gained 30 lb in one week the skin on you feet and calf should be splitting open and fluid would be leaking out. You would not be able to breath alone compose a question on a computer. Are you certain about your wt increase? Are you using any oxygen right now? What medications are you currently taking?How fast are you breathing and what is your heart rate?You are stating symptoms of both right and left sided congestive heart failure so I suggest you call 911 immediately, take care Donna
December 08 2009 11:13 am | congestive heart failure diet
December 8th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I’m a home health nurse and deal with patients that have CHF on a daily basis. A weight gain of 2-3 lbs in one day or 5 lbs in one week are parameters normally set on when to contact the Dr. Shortness of breath is definatly a symptom with fluid overload as well as fatigue. The swelling in your lower extremities can be as well, is it pitting or non pitting edema? Meaning when you push in on a boney part of your log (shin, ankle) does it stayed pushed in when you move your finger away? Stomach pain and nausea are generally not common symptoms seen unless you have a build up of fluid in your abdomen which is abnormal.
I would get to the Dr asap. This is not something to mess around with.
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December 8th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
yes you have the same symptoms my friend had.you need to go to the hospital asap.don’t wait.
References :
yahoo
December 8th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I would suggest that you go to the ER today- not in a day or so. Like the previous person said, you don’t want to mess around if heart failure is a possibility.
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December 8th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
While congestive heart failure (CHF) obviously cannot be ruled out over the internet, you don’t sound like a "classic" case. If you are having trouble breathing (and it sounds like you are) I highly recommend calling 911. They can come out and do an assessment on site in most areas and can help you decide if you need to get to the ER now or a doctor soon.
There are several medications and syndromes that can cause the symptoms you listed above. You do sound like you are retaining water. If you are having chest pain, again, please call 911 so they can do an EKG and see if you are having heart problems or if the pain is from the difficulty breathing.
I know that as a paramedic, I would be glad you called if I responded to you with your symptoms.
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December 8th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
You forgot to state your age. If you gained 30 lb in one week the skin on you feet and calf should be splitting open and fluid would be leaking out. You would not be able to breath alone compose a question on a computer. Are you certain about your wt increase? Are you using any oxygen right now? What medications are you currently taking?How fast are you breathing and what is your heart rate?You are stating symptoms of both right and left sided congestive heart failure so I suggest you call 911 immediately, take care Donna
References :
RN CCU
December 8th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
It’s impossible to make a diagnosis off of the internet. Congestive heart failure is a possibility. Swelling is highly suggestive of heart failure. I recommend seeing a doctor ASAP.
Have you been coughing? If so, does it produce pink sputum?
Best of luck!
References :
MD Pediatric Cardiology