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GETTING INVOLVED

There are a few other things that you can do to get involved to help your loved one feel better and prevent his CHF from getting worse. If you take an active role in his or her care, living longer, stronger, and better is more likely.

Some lifestyle changes may need to be made:

• If your loved one smokes, talk about quitting. If you smoke, don't smoke around him or her. Smoking and second-hand smoke can worsen CHF and cause lung problems.
• Talk about limiting alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol is not good for the heart, and it may interact with some medications.
• If he or she is overweight, losing weight can help with the amount of stress on the heart and can make him or her feel better. Discuss weight loss options with the doctor and think about ways that you can motivate your loved one, like cheering him or her on.
• Help with limiting fluid intake. The doctor will discuss specifics about how much fluid he or she can drink in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You can help measure liquids and ensure that he or she doesn't go over the limit.

Sometimes patients who are managing all of these changes, along with a low-sodium diet, weighing themselves, and taking medications, can feel overwhelmed. It's common for CHF patients to feel sad, depressed, like they've lost control, or even frustrated and angry. If you notice that your loved one is feeling down, isolated, or staying inside a lot and not participating in hobbies and activities that are normally enjoyable, he or she may be exhibiting signs of depression.

Talk to your loved one and seek help from a doctor, a mental health provider, or even go to a mental health clinic. These services are available through the VA. If your loved one is feeling so bad that he wants to hurt himself or she wants to hurt herself, the VA has a toll free number for someone to talk to who can help in an emotional crisis. That number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

One of the most important things CHF patients need to do is keep their follow-up appointments. These appointments are necessary so that progress can be tracked, issues can be monitored, and any questions can be discussed. Check to make sure scheduled follow-up appointments are being attended.

If your loved one doesn't have a car or drive, help arrange for a taxi, search for public transportation schedules, or even give a ride yourself. You are encouraged to attend the appointment as well, ask questions, and even call the doctor if something comes up. Two sets of eyes and ears is always more helpful than one.