Page 15

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS

One of the most important things you’ll need to do after you leave the hospital is to keep your follow-up appointments. These appointments are necessary so that you and your health care provider can track your progress, monitor any issues that come up, and discuss ANY questions about your medications, diet, weight, or anything else related to CHF.

Your first appointment should be scheduled within one week (two weeks AT MOST) of when you are discharged from the hospital. Make sure that you’ve scheduled this appointment BEFORE you leave the hospital or even right after you’ve finished taking this course; talk to a doctor or nurse to set it up and mark it down on your calendar as soon as you get home.

You should keep your medical appointments – don’t skip them! If you don’t have a car of your own, arrange your travel to your follow-up appointments ahead of time.

You can:

  • Call the VA to arrange for a ride with the DAV service.
  • Ask a family member, friend, or neighbor for a ride.
  • Call or check the Internet for schedules for public transportation, like the bus, train, or subway.
  • Or, call for a taxi.

If you have family, close friends or neighbors, or even a social worker or an in-home caregiver, they may be able to help support you in managing your CHF. They can help you with taking your medications and making low-sodium diet decisions.

More importantly, having support can encourage you to talk about your fears and concerns about CHF, and will help give you more confidence in managing your health. There is a family chapter of this program, designed for those close to you who are not health care professionals so that they can learn more about CHF and specific ways to help you. Ask your nurse or doctor for more information. Always remember, you are not alone!

© 2025 Kognito Interactive. All rights reserved.