How to Still Enjoy Life with Congestive Heart Failure

Have you been diagnosed with CHF or Congestive Heart Failure? Do you find yourself depressed and thinking that life is over for you? Well, there's no need to feel that way. Having heart failure does not mean you can't go out and enjoy yourself. But it does mean that you probably will have to make extra preparations. Like when your daily routine is disrupted it can be easier to forget about your sodium goals, taking your medications and weighing yourself. You also may find yourself trying to do more than your body can actually handle and end up too tired. So, to feel your best, plan ahead and always keep your treatment in mind.

Make sure to follow your prescribed diet. Keeping up a low-sodium diet can be a hard task, especially when you are away from home, especially at parties and during holidays. But remember, you are out to have fun with others, not just to eat. It's a good idea to choose low-sodium snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetable but avoid the dip due to high sodium content. Now if you're going to a potluck, try bringing your own low-sodium dish. Be polite but firm about saying "no" if someone tries to push food on you.

With CHF you may not have the energy you used to. It's common to push yourself too hard when out with your friends or on vacation. You will feel better if you pace yourself and listen to your body. And know your limits! Only do as much as you can comfortably do. Key thing, rest when you need to. Think of ways to save your energy so you won't end up getting too tired.

It's perfectly OK to travel, you just need to plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need. Here are some pointers for while you are traveling.

Before Traveling

Bring enough medication to last your entire trip and a few extra days.

Pack your medications in your carry on bags.

Bring a list of your medications with you.

Take extra copies of prescriptions, just in case you need to order more.

Talk to your doctor about what you should do if you notice changes while traveling

Ask your doctor if you need to avoid high altitude areas.

Call your health insurance and make sure you are covered while traveling.

While Traveling

Stick to your low sodium diet. Remember your sodium goal.

Wear a medical ID bracelet.

Get up and move around if you're sitting for long periods of time, like on a plane.

Weigh yourself every day, if you can.

Watch for changes such as shoes feeling tighter than normal or becoming short of breath after very little activity.

Take your medication at the same time as usual.

Remember, it's normal to feel sad or down at times and coping with a chronic health problem is hard. So to make heart failure and the treatment more manageable, try to just focus on one day at a time. And don't be afraid to ask others for help when you need it.

Managing CHF will take a lot of changes in your life but you can take control, be in control and when you are, you will feel far better about the situation. Ways to be in control is following some of the tips below:

Keep doing the things you enjoy, such as your favorite hobbies. If you stay busy with things you like to do, your mood will improve.

Stay involved with your friends and family. Very important, don't withdraw from the people around you.

Take an active role in your own medical care. Bring up questions and concerns with your doctor.

Join a support group. It might just be easier to talk to other people who have the same problems as you do.

Have CHF can be stressful so you need to learn how to deal with that stress. It's best that you learn how to take time out to relax. Below you will find a couple of relaxation tips I hope you will find helpful.

Deep Breathing

Sit or lie on your back so you feel at ease. Relax your neck and shoulder muscles.

Breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose.

Pucker your lips as if your are blowing out a candle. Breathe out slowly. Try to breathe out for twice as long as you breathed in.

Repeat these steps a few times and as you do, you will become more and more relaxed.

Visualization

Picture yourself feeling warm and relaxed in a peaceful setting. Use your senses to fill in the details. If you imagine a beach, listen to the waves crashing on the shore. Try to feel the sun on your face. Smell the salt air.

Try to hold this image in your mind. If other thoughts enter your mind, relax and refocus on your peaceful setting. Concentrate on your breathing.

Always remember to set realistic goals for yourself and stick to them. Also remember you are not alone, you have your family and doctor there for your help and support.