Another Surprise Phone Call

@CarolDM (203454)

Nashville, Tennessee

November 18, 2022 4:31pm CST

I shared about my cousin (58 y/o) having a heart attack a month ago. She drove herself to the ER with what she thought was indigestion. Turns out she had a heart attack two days earlier. She made another trip to the ER about a week later. Diagnosed with CHF (congestive heart failure). Which means she has fluid building up within her heart and causes it to pump inefficiently. She has been feeling some better with her new meds. Last night she called with chest pain and was short of breath. She was asking my advice what to do. Being a few hundred miles away from her, I said go to the ER. Now. She agreed and said she would drive herself. I said please don’t do that. She got a neighbor to drive her. Her cardiac enzymes were elevated. This means that the heart muscle may be injured or may not be getting enough oxygen. They changed her meds and sent her home about midnight. She has been resting today. I have tried to encourage her to ask for a Home Health nurse to come out to check her vitals a few times a week. She agreed and has a call into her doctor. I worry about her with one kidney, diabetes and now this heart condition. She does value my opinion on things and calls when she needs advice. I try to be as honest as I can with her. All I can do is all I can do. I wish her the very best. And of course her mother (blind) is very concerned. We should never take our next breath for granted. We never know what life holds for any of us. Photo is Presley, her dog waiting for her to come home. Her Dad texted me the photo. This is the beautiful blue-eyed dog I have shared before.

36 people like this

35 responses

@rebelann (111180)

• El Paso, Texas

18 Nov 22

I pray she will be alright and that her docs get her the correct meds she needs.

4 people like this

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@rebelann (111180)

• El Paso, Texas

18 Nov 22

Hopefully she will be ok now.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

18 Nov 22

Thank you so much, I worry about her. I just talked to her. She has been sleeping today and just had a turkey sandwich. I am staying in touch.

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

18 Nov 22

@rebelann She has a long road ahead of her but I hope she has the right meds for now.

2 people like this

@Hannihar (129470)

• Israel

21 Nov 22

@CarolDM I remember you talking about your cousin. She really does not have luck with her health. Presley misses her.

2 people like this

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@Hannihar (129470)

• Israel

21 Nov 22

@CarolDM How is she doing?

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

21 Nov 22

@Hannihar Every day is a new day. Taking her meds. Ok for now.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

21 Nov 22

Yes she has many issues lately especially. She is back home now.

2 people like this

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@allknowing (130066)

• India

18 Nov 22

Indeed a sad situation and being miles away you must be feeling restless too. Hope your friend pulls through

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@allknowing (130066)

• India

19 Nov 22

@CarolDM These days many live alone as kids leave seeking greener pastures.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

Yes, she is my cousin and I just talked to her. She is out of breath after her shower. And will rest now. Her Dad lives next door. She just moved there a few weeks ago. That will help a lot.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

@allknowing She is only 58 but her health is not so good lately.

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Anindita Sengupta

@aninditasen (15742)

• Raurkela, India

19 Nov 22

That's really sad when you are sick and have old parents around you and pets too. The moment makes you feel helpless.

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Anindita Sengupta

@aninditasen (15742)

• Raurkela, India

20 Nov 22

@CarolDM That's really worrying. And she is falling sick frequently.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

Her parents are helping her. She just moved next door to her Dad. Her dog and cat are faithful companions. Her heart condition worries me.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

20 Nov 22

@aninditasen She has major issues but is seeing doctors and hope the meds will help.

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Krissttina Isobe

@oahuwriter (26780)

• United States

19 Nov 22

So good, you're there for your cousin. You know, my healthcare plan, has free ambulance, free connect america button for emergency. My icu, emergency ride to hospital costed more than $5k, all paid by healthcare plan. Does your cousin have health plan for more help? We've ask a nurse free call too 24)7.

2 people like this

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Krissttina Isobe

@oahuwriter (26780)

• United States

20 Nov 22

@CarolDM Good, yes, healthcare plans are of great help. Family, to count on too, very much needed.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

I am trying to help as much as I can. Yes the healthcare plans are working. She is getting a nurse next week. I have great benefits as well.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

20 Nov 22

@oahuwriter Support makes all the difference.

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@porwest (78761)

• United States

19 Nov 22

It is a very serious situation. I am not sure that if I had a heart attack once that I would question shortness of breath or chest pain, especially considering the diagnosis. I hope she is well.

2 people like this

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@porwest (78761)

• United States

20 Nov 22

@CarolDM Yes. You do. Hopefully the medications help a bit. My dad has had CHF for a couple of years now and the medication does seem to have helped. Of course he has other issues, has had a couple of stents and has COPD and such. He is 73.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

20 Nov 22

@porwest My Dad had it as well. He suffered with many illnesses. I wish the best for your Dad.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

The CHF is a scary thing in itself. The fluid is all over her body and causing shortness of breath. Causing her heart to work overtime. You have to pay attention to what your body tells you.

2 people like this

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@popciclecold (35103)

• United States

23 Nov 22

I hope she will get better, and get a nurse. Prayers for her. The dog is beautiful.

1 person likes this

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@popciclecold (35103)

• United States

23 Nov 22

@CarolDM Good job.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

23 Nov 22

Her doctor has gotten it approved and the nurse should be out next week. Thanks.

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@jstory07 (134460)

• Roseburg, Oregon

20 Nov 22

Poor Presley wonders where she is.

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@jstory07 (134460)

• Roseburg, Oregon

20 Nov 22

@CarolDM I hope she will be doing better now.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

20 Nov 22

@jstory07 She has a long road ahead of her. But she seems ok for now.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

20 Nov 22

Thank goodness she was released and home by midnight.

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@Juliaacv (48442)

• Canada

18 Nov 22

That is sad, and to have her value your advice, yet for the two of you to be so far apart is difficult. You are giving her such great advice. I feel for Presley, he looks so concerned. I hope that she will pull thru over the next few days and rally.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

18 Nov 22

I am really worried about her. But I am doing all I know to do. Presley was at her Dad's, right next door. He is good about keeping her. Thank you so much.

1 person likes this

@Juliaacv (48442)

• Canada

18 Nov 22

@CarolDM That is a blessing that they live side by side like that. Keep us posted about her progress.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

18 Nov 22

@Juliaacv She just moved a few weeks ago to be closer to him.

1 person likes this

@Deepizzaguy (94552)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

18 Nov 22

I wish your cousin the best in making a speedy recovery from her current illness. You are right that we all should live our lives to the fullest since tomorrow is not promised to all of us.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

18 Nov 22

You are very kind. Thank you so much. I wish the same.

1 person likes this

@Deepizzaguy (94552)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

19 Nov 22

@CarolDM You are very welcome.

1 person likes this

@Dena91 (15860)

• United States

19 Nov 22

I am glad that she listened to you and went on to the ER faster this time. Continued prayers for her.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

I am as well. I just talked to her and she was resting after her shower. Very tired all the time from the fluid. Much appreciate the prayers. I will let her know. Thank you.

1 person likes this

@Treborika (17262)

• Mombasa, Kenya

19 Nov 22

I too think the same way as you

2 people like this

@kobesbuddy (74571)

• East Tawas, Michigan

18 Nov 22

Thank God, she didn't have another heart attack! This is a very sweet picture of her dog, waiting by the door:)

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@kobesbuddy (74571)

• East Tawas, Michigan

19 Nov 22

@CarolDM I hope she's living nearby her parents, in case she needs help.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

@kobesbuddy She just moved next door to her Dad two weeks ago.

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@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

18 Nov 22

She is not out of the woods just yet. She is a pretty dog.

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@Rashnag (30598)

• Surat, India

27 Nov 22

Sorry to hear. Hope she is recovering well now. Glad that you give good advice and she follows it too. Yes one can't take life for granted. Have a good day. Take care

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@Rashnag (30598)

• Surat, India

29 Nov 22

@CarolDM ok dear. One can stay hopeful though if possible

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

29 Nov 22

@Rashnag Hope is all we have.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

27 Nov 22

It is a day to day issue, nothing will heal totally. Thank you.

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@Treborika (17262)

• Mombasa, Kenya

19 Nov 22

I hope she gets well soon. God is omnipresent and I keep her in prayers too for God's intervention

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

Thank you.

@Treborika (17262)

• Mombasa, Kenya

19 Nov 22

@CarolDM Welcome my friend

1 person likes this

@marlina (154166)

• Canada

19 Nov 22

Wee should never take our next breath for granted. Totally agree. I hope she gets relief.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

Thank you. She has a lot to deal with right now.

Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (57884)

• Centralia, Washington

19 Nov 22

I hope she feels much better soon.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

Thanks, she had a good night. A long road ahead.

1 person likes this

Valerie J. Routhieaux

@just4him (306239)

• Green Bay, Wisconsin

19 Nov 22

I'm glad she took your advice and went to the ER.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

Thanks, I am as well. She has many health issues.

1 person likes this

@andriaperry (116860)

• Anniston, Alabama

19 Nov 22

She can get a pacemaker that will help.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

So far they haven’t mentioned a pacemaker.

@Ronrybs (17849)

• London, England

20 Nov 22

Hope they get the meds right for your cousin. I am told it is quite a delicate balance. Must say Presley is a handsome fellow!

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

20 Nov 22

Thank you so much. She is feeling better today. A lot to deal with. Presley is a sweetie with her blue eyes.

1 person likes this

@Neil43 (3167)

•

19 Nov 22

I am kind of nervous for her. I hope she gets better.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Nov 22

She is seeing her doctors and taking her meds, I am hoping for the best. These issues will probably be life long for her.