Congestive Heart Failure

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Jess has never failed anything. This terminology is difficult for him to digest. A healthy fit man seven weeks ago, CHF is added to his description of self.

We learned today that his ejection fraction is 20% -- this is severe dysfunction. Our friends George and Diana were with us when the nurse came in to give us some patient education after the doctor's visit. The cardiologist says that they look at how an individual feels. Restricted diet, exercise, and medication may help this number. It was easy to detect that Jess was stunned with this news. After our friends left, I asked if he wanted to talk and he said there was nothing to say. I let him close his eyes for a little while, but I did not want him in bed all day. After a short cat nap I suggested a walk.

Jess has been using his walker with the therapists and the nurses. I noticed that they spot him, but he seems stable enough with the walker. I unplugged his medicine cart and walked with him out of the room, initially suggesting the lobby area of the floor he was on. Jess just wanted to do his lap around the station. As we returned to the front of the station I coaxed him out of the wing and into the lobby area, "Let's take a look out of the window."

As we walked out Jess looked as though he was viewing the outdoors for the first time. The waiting area seating was inviting. We parked his medicine cart beside a seat and he sat down, remarking how the chair seemed comfortable. Jess agreed this was a good idea to get out of the room. We sat for about twenty minutes and Frank and Kathy arrived, elated to see Jess out of his room. Jess was really pleased to have visitors, the four of us sat and enjoyed each others company. Shortly, Glenn and Shari arrived, equally as delighted to see Jess out of his room.

When the medicine cart beeped I saw that there was a warning the the battery was running low so we found a plug so Jess could continue with his visit. By this time we figured his dinner had arrived in the room. Jess doesn't have a strong appetite, but eats as he knows he needs to for energy. It was obvious that he didn't want to go back to the room yet. I went to get his tray and brought it out. He was uncomfortable for about thirty seconds while I wheeled the cart in front of him. The friends shared stories and Jess easily chatted and ate his dinner. It was wonderful to see him relax and be the Jess we all know and love.

In our evening call, Jess seemed a little low again and and wished I was with him. He was anxious to know when would I arrive in the morning.

In dealing with his fears, I have to put mine on the back burner. Jess is in good hands, I have to believe he will be given the tools to manage his illness. Tomorrow morning is Easter. New birth, new life. Jess celebrates Passover, easily defined as freedom. New birth, new life, and freedom. I like the sound of those words together.

To those of you who celebrate, have a Happy Easter. Keep the peeps away from the doodles!

Doodle Kisses ans sweet dreams, J, J, P and H.

[Ann W]

Life is a story unwritten. Every day there is another page or chater that needs to be written. From our house
to yours may the the story contiue to be move forward! Jess needs to see what life is beyond his room. You
are doing a great job in getting him to re-connent back with life. Take care of your self and give Jess a Doodle
hug from our house.

[2SCdoodles]

You and Jess have come so far! Each day brings you new challenges and chances for new starts. Hang in there! Your doodle friends are praying for you and for Jess.

[Missi]

I agree with Susan that given his trauma, an EF of 20% is pretty good. Not great, but better than anyone would have expected 6 weeks ago (normal is only 60 anyway). It's so great of you to get him out of the room, those four walls often seem to get closer together as the days go by. I agree with Jeri; talk to the nurses and see if he can't go outside on the next sunny day! Perhaps a visit with Phoebe and Hobbes outside is exactly what he needs! Freedom.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

I think even though it was raining, YOU are his ray of sunshine. You not only love each other but trust each other implicitly, which allowed Jess to go beyond his "comfort zone" out into the lobby. Bravo to both of you - and I'm convinced it did Jess a world of good. Continuing our prayers and sending love to our doodle friends whom we haven't met - yet! You're in the best hands at Mayo... remember to rest up yourself.

[Susan]

Jess has come so far and suffered such a major trauma that I think 20% EF is good. He is doing great and will continue to make strides in his recovery. Going to the lobby was a great idea. (Even though he had to look at rain and not the normal sunshine!). Have a wonderful Easter today and perhaps soon Jess can go out and enjoy the sunshine! Give Phoebe & Hobbs a hug from us all!

[Jeri]

Thank you for sharing, I can just imagine all of you sitting there visiting. I marvel at how far Jess has come. A Phoebe & Hobbes visit sounds like a wonderful idea. It would also be good for Jess to get some fresh air. Talk to the nurses and see what could be logistically done. Look forward to hearing the puppy visit story. Happy Easter.

[Beverly Wright]

Janet,
Again, please do not get discouraged.........one month ago this would be good news to have even 20% EJ. Remember to take this all one day at a time....we are praying for more miracles for Jess!! You have taught me to be thankful for the small things!!!!!!!!! I am just leaving for work and I will keep you and Jess in my heart and prayers all this day!!! (Yes I have to work on Easter......I cannot imagine why they would not close an ER on Easter Sunday...hehe!) Love, Hugs, and doodlekisses.
Bev

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Sounds like Jess is in need of a Dr. Phoebe visit! Since Jess walked to the to lobby yesterday and enjoyed himself so much maybe today someone can bring her for a quick visit. This would certainly give Jess the emotional lift he needs right now. I am sure that Phoebe could use the visit too.
I just turned on the TV - the show 'Animal Miracles' is on. How perfect!
' is on -

[Betsy D.]

Here I am writing a response to your last blog and this pops up. I know Jess will learn or has learned but CHF is very treatable. My grandfather lived for more than 20 yrs. with it and my MIL was diagnosed with it almost a year ago and for the most part seems to be doing fine. She has a lot of complicating factors with her CHF, primarily that her son is dieing, and so the stress factor is never reduced, but still....

This is just one more piece of the puzzle that Jess will learn is part of his recovery and part of his new life. You will deal with it and it will work . Man, don't you feel sometimes as if just as you are getting your legs underneath you again, someone pulls one out from under you, making you teeter... but not fall...