Stiff Heart - diastolic heart failure

Thank you. How often do you see your heart doctor? I’m doing a lot of those things. Exercise is very hard for me. I get exercise induced asthma. But I know I need to keep trying. Thank you!!!

And I remember when I first became short of breath, nobody seem to figure able to figure out what it was, my heart or my lungs. But after visiting Cleveland Clinic and a heart failure specialist, it was determined that I have diastolic heart failure. Getting a diagnosis can drive you crazy. Are you on any medication’s for blood pressure or anything else?

Hi. I am on Metoprolol. It keeps my blood pressure pretty good. But I do have ups and downs with my blood pressure. Sometimes high and sometimes low. I do swell up. I can’t take a directic because it zaps my sodium too low. I wear stockings most days. They help. I started some pulmonary rehab last week and got so sore I couldn’t breathe. I was embarrassed at how out of shape I am! 😁 I also broke my sternum in August and it’s still sore at times, also have had broken ribs along the way so it’s hard to deep breathe. Also, I feel so full all the time it’s hard to eat. Thank you for writing back. I appreciate it. 👵

I wish I never felt like eating! I would continue to work at that pulmonary rehab. Make sure to tell them that you are sore. Maybe they’re pushing too hard too fast. But it’s the constancy that works. Sticking with it. Sooner or later, you will see results. I guess that is the rule for everything whether it’s walking, exercises of any kind, diet, it’s whether you actually do it regularly or not. I have a very hard time with that because I have zero willpower, I am desperately trying to trade myself to, make a habit of walking every day. I’m getting closer to it. But I’ll look for any excuse I can. I need to stop that and just grit my teeth and do it what I need to do if I want to stay alive! Best of luck and keep me posted on how you’re doing with all of this. I never took that particular drug that you’re taking. But I did have my sodium drop before my physical this year and my doctor changed some of my meds because you don’t want that to happen. So you need to keep an eye on that

Yep, I’m going to rehab today. I’m going to do my speed this time. I know exercise is important. But I get so tired. Do you wear O2 when you exercise? When I go out to a store or clean my house, I feel so much better with O2. But I have to admit I’m embarrassed. Bad I know. Don’t think bad of me. I just have to get used to these things. I hope your day is good 😊

Oh, honey,
No one things badly of you for your reluctance to use it. But the thing is, oxygen is like any other DME (durable medical equipment, like a wheelchair, etc.. As a polio survivor, it took me years to get accustomed to using my power chair in public. The thing with any kind of DME though, is the realization that it helps to extend what energy you have, and things that are normally so hard can become actually enjoyable once you get past that. I do encourage you to use the O2 when you need it. It'll improve your quality of life!
Like you, I'm eating little these days because of the "fullness" feeling. Hubby's mantra is, "have you had anything to eat since (insert time here, lol) And exercise is difficult because of the old polio. I have one diaphragm partially paralyzed, so it's elevated, and the right lung doesn't expand very well. The first cardiologist who did my cath, wanted me to walk 5 miles a day. I just looked at him, lol, and thought, "Trust me, doc. That's not going to happen." And at 72, a body's metabolism isn't conducive to weight loss.
Anyway, I understand.

A big hugs to you. You’re so nice to write back. I’m trying out a new heart doctor this morning. I live in a small area and my choices aren’t great unless I drive 4 hours. But fingers crossed. Hope you have a good day! Smiles !

Let us know how it goes!!

Well, I think I like her. She looks like a college cheerleader 😁. But there is not much that can be done. Just watch my blood pressure. She did give me an old dirirectic, furosemide along with potassium. I feel good about that. Hope you have a smiley day. We have more snow🙃. Judy

Late input if needed. I had 3 heart attacks, called "Type II Myocardial Infarction" in the last 2 years, as they were not caused by clots; they were caused by Afib and flutter with extended high pulse and BP, often >140 pulse and >160/110 BP, all in the last 2 years. I was already on Metoprol at 25mg/day, and that went to 100mg/day after the 2nd MI. After the 3rd last November, I was Dx'd with CHF, Diastolic Dysfunction (Heart Stiffness), and my Cardiologist added Jardiance in addition to Metoprol. Apparently the FDA recently approved Jardiance for the purpose of helping patients with with our issue. Maybe something to address with your new doctor. BTW I'm 67.