Page 17

REVIEW

Before we end, let’s go over the most important information again:

• First, call your doctor if you notice any of the typical symptoms of CHF. These include:
  
  
  • Weight gain, specifically two pounds in one day or three pounds in five days
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pains
  • Coughing that won’t go away
  • Swelling (sometimes called Edema) of the feet, ankles, or legs
  • Feeling unusually tired and weak
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Confusion or decreased alertness
  • Palpitations or rapid or irregular heart beat
  • Waking from sleep to catch your breath
  • And, using several pillows to help you sleep
    
    
• Call 911 right away if you:
  
  
  • Have severe breathing difficulty
  • Cough up a pink, frothy mucus
  • Have severe chest discomfort
  • Have sudden weakness in arms or legs
  • Or, are light headed to the point of fainting
    
    
• Limit your sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day. Make low-sodium dietary choices and know what your options are before you go somewhere that you don’t have control over the meal. Always plan ahead.
  
  
• Weigh yourself every day and record it. Bring this weight chart with you to your follow-up appointments and if you notice that you gain two pounds in one day or three pounds in five days, call your doctor right away.
  
  
• Take your medications as prescribed, every day. Make sure you’ve spoken with your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with other medications. Before you leave the hospital you should have a medication list that details your meds and when to take them. If you feel any side effects, call your doctor as soon as you experience them, and hopefully your medications can be corrected over the phone. If you wait, you may need to be admitted to the hospital.
  
  
• Make any necessary lifestyle changes. This includes quitting smoking, limiting your liquid intake, lowering your alcohol intake, and exercising if prescribed by your doctor.
  
  
• Attend follow-up appointments. You and your healthcare team will work together to chart your progress and ensure that you’re doing your best to feel well and keep your CHF in check.
  
  
• Finally, ask for help if you need it. You’re not alone! Whether it is a family member, friend, neighbor, or even your doctor or nurse, someone can help you and support you in managing CHF. If you feel that you’ll have no support when you leave the hospital, please ask to be referred to a social worker.

Remember that with time, all of these changes will become easier, and the payoff is worth it. You’ll feel better and live with a good quality of life if you manage your CHF properly. There are many people who are here to help you at the VA Hospital. Please make sure that you call early if you are developing problems, or if you have any questions, so that we can help you to stay as healthy as possible.