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Kerry



Quit Date:
May 4, 2004

Posts: 862
Location: Illinois

PostPosted: May 28, 2005 11:17 PM    Post subject: health questions Reply with quote

We have a friend who has just been diagnosed with emphysema and congestive heart failure. First of all, does anyone know what congestive heart failure is? Also, the friend (age 79) used to smoke, probably for 20 plus years or so, but quit about 25 or 30 years ago. I guess I could understand if she ended up with cancer, but doesn't it seem strange at this stage in the game that she would end up with emphysema? Maybe I'm just ignorant to all this stuff. I really feel bad for her family. Kerry
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Cowgirl UP!



Quit Date:
July 26, 2004

Posts: 5029
Location: Ala

PostPosted: May 28, 2005 11:39 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kerry, sorry to hear about your friend....my uncle received a similar diagnosis later in his life also....he to had quit smoking some 25 years earlier....I guess the damage is done and sometimes it just takes it a while before it causes enough problem to be detected for sure... I know my mother had congestive heart failure...but I am embarrassed to say I cannot tell you exactly what it correct terms for it is...one thing with my mother was that her lungs had some kind of infection and this caused her heart to weaken because it was having to work double time. The doctor did not go into specifics at the time he just told me that..
Kay
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marw



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Posts: 3634
Location: Chicago, IL

PostPosted: May 28, 2005 11:46 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kerry, anyone can get emphysema, you don't have to smoke to get it. Some people have weaker lungs than others--a hereditary thing. (However, smoking will pretty much guarantee it.) THe thing is, in the case of congestive heart failure, which my father had, and many of my family has had, fluid collects on the lungs from the heart not pumping correctly or something like that--cannot remember the details at the moment. THe drug usually given is lasix. A person can live with this condition for many years. My father was 84 when he died. My aunt (his sister) is aproaching her 90's, and has it very bad, but is still going strong. THe thing they must do is take perfect care of themselves, try not to get any colds, eat and rest well, and use oxygen whenever necessary. My father never used it, but my aunt does sometimes.

I am sorry about your friend. Wish I could help more. Maybe if you type "congestive heart failure" in the address bar, you can get some better research on exactly how it works.

My best to you and your friend,
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Barbara K.



Quit Date:
December 23, 2004

Posts: 5977

PostPosted: May 29, 2005 3:41 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kerry,

I am sorry to hear about your friend. Also, try Webmd.com

Blessings,
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kevin
Site Admin


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Posts: 9538
Location: cincinnati, oh

PostPosted: May 29, 2005 10:34 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

sorry to hear your friend is having these health problems, kerry; here are some links to information about these conditions:

emphysema

congestive heart failure
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kevin

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londa



Quit Date:
July 28, 2004

Posts: 2469
Location: new york, USA

PostPosted: May 29, 2005 11:48 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kerry. I am so sorry to hear about your friend.

God Be with you.

Love Londa
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My name is Londa. I am 57 and I act like I'm 20. I love to laugh and smile. The more the better. Being kind to someone is the best thing you can do.
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