I think my mum is getting worse. Today when i saw her she said that she had another turn, this is when she has blackouts, they do not last long but make her very tired. She was extremely short of breathe again. The last few weeks she has been more tired than normal, her shortness of breathe always seems to be there, more pain then usual, not wanting to eat and feeling very sick. I spoke with her doctor after her turn today and he said to just let her rest…..if she went to the hospital they could not do much more for her, plus mum does not want to be admitted again.

Is this all signs of worsening heart failure?

Monica

Dear Monica, Have you been able to contact any of the Australian heart failure specialists I recommended? I think they might be good resources for you. I also would be happy to correspond with your mother’s physician or nurse.
At any rate, what you describe suggests she might both have low blood pressures (causing her to pass out or faint, particularly when standing) and have excess fluid in her system (causing her to get short of breath). These might be addressed by changing her medications.
I don’t think she necessarily needs hospitalization, but she does need someone who understands heart failure management to help with her medications. I also think it is likely her heart failure is worsening, but that an adjustment of medications might resolve or improve the problems you describe.
Sarah Goodlin MD

Dear Sarah, I have been in contact with Patricia Davidson who you recommended and she has been a wonderful help – she has even phoned me. I took mum to the Cardiologist last week and he told her that there is nothing more they can do for her, he said the most important thing now is to keep her comfortable. He has taken her off atacand now and said she can take her morphine when she needs it. Mum is constantly vomiting and very weak. She cannot walk more than a few steps. Mum stomache is very swollen and the specialist said she is very congested. I wish there was something more they can do – but the specialist she has come to the “end of the road”, it is just so sad seeing her like this. How much longer can she go on like this. Mum was admitted to hospital for a few days and they did blood tests, her kidneys are failing too. What can we expect when she is nearing the end….we are all just so heart broken seeing her so sick.