My husband is 74, had a heart attack 3 years ago, has a stent and severe coronary artery disease with 75% blockage in his arteries. Surgery is off the table. Recently he tried to swim in our pool and his arms felt so heavy he wore himself out lifting them to swim. Does this mean his disease has progressed?
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Male Person's Age: 74
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Not necessarily. Is he deconditioned?
What do you mean by "deconditioned"? He went through months of cardiac rehab after the heart attack, but then had an aggressive type of prostate cancer and had to quit during the subsequent 43 radiation treatments, which ended 2 years ago. Over the past year he has become increasingly tired and has developed a heart murmer. He used to exercise 4 otr 5 times a week, but it is dwindling to where he doesn't walk anymore because of pain in his legs and does the exercise bike 20 minutes twice a week and is tired all the time.
Has he had blood work done to look for anemia, thyroid or other problems?
Yes, he has and he is within normal limits. Some problems with the kidney though and they are "watching" it. He had a malignant tumor removed by cryosurgery 2 years ago and the CAT scan this Spring showed diverticuli in the bladder and said he should be followed closely. He can't urinate on his own due to a swollen prostate and has a spanner in but soon will have to have it removed and go back to cathing himself. He is a mess, isn't he? But he has a great positive attitude.
Yes, he has quite a few problems. :)
What meds is he taking?
He takes Lisinopril 2.5mgm, Lipitor 40mgm, Furosemide prn, Proscar, Prilosec, Melatonin, glucosamine. Fish oil, Soft Mag, and ASA 81 mgm. Daily. Also has Soma and Temazepam prn
It could be medications. Has this been explored?
Yes, it has.
And? What came of it?
Oh, sorry. Nothing. The prevailing attitude seems to be there is nothing to be done for him at this time. There might be a pacemaker in his future, or another stent. He needs another stent but it is in a place they can't reach. They said he WILL have another heart attack, they just don't know when. Did I tell you he has developed a murmer too? But they are so limited in what they can do for him. I guess I am just anxious and maybe there is no real answer to my question. The business about his being unable to swim made me wonder it the disease is progressing.
Okay.
Thanks for all of the info and I'm sorry about the questions.
I do think it could be some of his medicines at least contributing to this and I'm sorry they told you nothing can be done. Specifically the medicine proscar, soma and temazepam.
To answer your original question, I think it is possibly his disease worsening but it's so hard to tell. He has many medical problems, he is deconditioned and he takes many meds.
So, my overall assessment is that this is multifactorial and that it doesn't necessarily mean his disease is worsening but it's possible.
Please don't click "expected more" or "helped a little" as this leaves me negative feedback. If you aren't 100% satisfied, just click "continue conversation."
Experience: Cardiology Expert