More Changes for Elliott (and Me)

February 2, 2015 – More Changes for Elliott (and Me)

Ugh.  I’ve been dreading writing this.  Last week was horrendous, mainly for Elliott.  But we survived, and life is slowly returning to a calmer state.  I’ve already mentioned how he started to experience breathing problems back in December.  I’ve written about the oxygen concentrator that he started using in mid-January.  We weren’t overly concerned since his pulmonologist had reassured us that it was a simple COPD flare-up.  But about ten days ago, when Elliott’s breathing hadn’t improved and he kept getting weaker, we decided to consult our long-time primary care physician.  At an appointment exactly one week ago, Elliott began a series of tests (blood tests, EKG, CT scans, ultrasounds, echocardiograms) that led to a lengthy visit to the emergency room, 2-day stay in Fairfax Hospital, and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.  

Elisa and Matt visiting Elliott at Fairfax Hospital

Remember how pleased I was that Elliott had gained about ten pounds over the past few weeks?  Well, all that weight was fluid his body had retained – in his legs, his belly and his lungs.  No wonder it was hard to breathe.  Once he started intravenous diuretics, he lost the fluid and the weight and he started to feel much better (although he was still using oxygen).  

Now that Elliott is home, we’re adapting our routines to include new medications and daily monitoring of his weight (a gain would indicate fluid retention), blood pressure, pulse and oxygen saturation level.  He’ll probably continue to need supplemental oxygen, which will restrict his activities considerably.  At the moment, we’re looking for an easy-to-carry portable oxygen concentrator that will permit him to get out of the house for a few hours at a time.  In the meantime, he seems content to nap or to sit quietly during the day.  A visiting nurse will be coming to the house a few times a week to check on his condition.  I’m working with Marshall and Matt to schedule times when they can come to stay at the house when I need to be away for more than a couple of hours. 

Elliott’s diet is also undergoing scrutiny as we try to reduce his sodium intake.  I’ve already discovered that many of his favorite foods are much too high in sodium.  For example, those big fat Entenmann’s cinnamon buns are loaded with salt.  Ditto for many of the cheeses he loves.  But it will be an adventure to search out low-sodium alternatives and at least Elliott’s not complaining.  As soon as he’s feeling a little stronger, I’m sure he’d be delighted to welcome visitors – in person, or by phone. 

Although a diagnosis of congestive heart failure is nothing to celebrate, we both feel relieved that the mystery behind his breathing problems has been solved.  While it’s a condition that can’t be cured, we’re confident that we can manage it and enable him to continue enjoying life.