Janice Cosgrove janicecosgrove@earthlink.net age 52

Before CHF

I have known for some time that I had high blood pressure, but thought that other than that I was reasonably healthy. I worked at the same job for 32 years and left a year ago this past May to work with my husband in our small graphic design and imprinting business. With that decision to leave, I left behind very good health insurance and long-term disability insurance so it goes without saying I now have no insurance at all.
     Two or three months ago I could do something as simple as take a shower and be completely out of breath. I thought I had really gotten myself in bad shape sitting in front of this computer all the time. My thought was that I was going to start walking and get some exercise any day.

My CHF

About 6 weeks ago I just couldn't breathe. I was gasping for every breath and had to raise up in bed to breathe at all. I made it through the night and went to the hospital the following morning. After a few tests, the ER doctor asked me if I had a preference of cardiologists. I asked him why I needed one and he said I had congestive heart failure. Of course I started to cry and he said that I could live a long time, and that cancer or a car accident could get me before the CHF. His words were not very comforting.
     I was admitted to the hospital for 6 days where they used IV Lasix plus many other meds to treat me. After the Lasix I could breathe and my wheezing stopped. My EF was 32%, which meant nothing to me at the time but my husband Dave knew because when he wasn't with me at the hospital he was researching everything he could find online. As soon as the doctor would walk, in Dave would have all his questions written down waiting for some answers.
     They performed an angiogram (cath) and said I had no blockage so I guess that was a good thing. After getting home I really don't feel sick, I just have times that I am tired. I go back to the doctor in October and we'll see what happens then.

My Meds

Janice Cosgrove - July 7, 2004

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