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What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With 20% Heart Function?
Question: My father in-law is 75 and has had congestive heart failure for 20 years, also has a pace maker. Recently over the past year his heart function has gone from 35% to below 20% and the doctors have asked that he stop getting blood tests and no need for anymore doctor visits. Is this getting close to the end?
Brief Answer:
Unfortunately, yes!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I have reviewed your dad's information fully. It is pretty clear that the medical community has gotten nothing more to offer at this stage. I know it is difficult to imagine and live but, face the reality. It is but logical not to use services when they would not change the course of his illness or outcome.
Given all, I think it is a rational decision. It is hard for the family and loved ones but, remember that it is sure from birth that we would not live forever. Take the time to absorb the shock and prepare yourself to face the inevitable as it seems ever closer.
I wish you well. I pray you and the entire family finds the courage to dace the reality and walk pass it into tomorrow. Courage and our prayers are with you all.
Unfortunately, yes!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I have reviewed your dad's information fully. It is pretty clear that the medical community has gotten nothing more to offer at this stage. I know it is difficult to imagine and live but, face the reality. It is but logical not to use services when they would not change the course of his illness or outcome.
Given all, I think it is a rational decision. It is hard for the family and loved ones but, remember that it is sure from birth that we would not live forever. Take the time to absorb the shock and prepare yourself to face the inevitable as it seems ever closer.
I wish you well. I pray you and the entire family finds the courage to dace the reality and walk pass it into tomorrow. Courage and our prayers are with you all.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your prompt response. His motor skills are still fairly good. He can walk with a cane and/or walker. He is occasionally alert and can still carry on a conversation. He just sleeps a lot and is very dizzy when getting up off the couch/recliner. Our Mother is nervous that he may not wake up one morning. We are not trying to time table his demise, just trying to assist the family in preparations.
Brief Answer:
I understand it's difficult!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
From the information you provided concerning his state, that is the best the medical community can offer as of date. They seem out of options to make him feel any much more improved that the current state. As long as he maintains the current state, he would be able to do the basics as you have outlined but this would not be for a very long time again.
It is normal for her to be worried. It would some day happen and just that we do not know how son that may be. Let her understand they are some of those painful but yet inevitable exits for every human being on earth.
I wish you well. I wish him well. I wish the entire family well.
I understand it's difficult!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
From the information you provided concerning his state, that is the best the medical community can offer as of date. They seem out of options to make him feel any much more improved that the current state. As long as he maintains the current state, he would be able to do the basics as you have outlined but this would not be for a very long time again.
It is normal for her to be worried. It would some day happen and just that we do not know how son that may be. Let her understand they are some of those painful but yet inevitable exits for every human being on earth.
I wish you well. I wish him well. I wish the entire family well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hopefully, last question. I appreciate your valuable time. He has so many medications (15) and he gets confused on the correct dosages. They range from thyroid, vitamin b-12, blood sugar to heart and prostate meds. If he has congestive hear failure and has so much fluid build up in his body, shouldn't he just take his prescribed heart medication and his "pee" pill, all the others are a waste of time. You have been most helpful and compassionate.
Brief Answer:
No, let him take all and keep written instructions
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
He cannot keep away the other medications. If he does so, then we would be talking of not only the heart condition getting worse but that associated with another condition. Please, let him take them as recommended.
Keep written instructions so as to be able to refer to them at all the times. That would help. With more than 15medicatiosn, even a young person may not be able to retain all of that without a written guide.
I wish you all well. You need to be stay, courageous and face the future with great optimism while staying real.
No, let him take all and keep written instructions
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
He cannot keep away the other medications. If he does so, then we would be talking of not only the heart condition getting worse but that associated with another condition. Please, let him take them as recommended.
Keep written instructions so as to be able to refer to them at all the times. That would help. With more than 15medicatiosn, even a young person may not be able to retain all of that without a written guide.
I wish you all well. You need to be stay, courageous and face the future with great optimism while staying real.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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