From Struggles to Strength: My battle with Stage IV CHF

When I was in hospice, battling torrential tricuspid valve regurgitation I was also fighting Stage IV congestive heart failure (CHF), one of the strangest and most draining things was how my body handled fluid. During the day, I could barely urinate. At night? I couldn’t stop. It may sound minor, but trust me, it was one of the most frustrating and exhausting parts of that experience.

During the day, fluid would just pile up in my legs. My heart couldn’t pump properly, so my circulation slowed down, leaving me bloated and uncomfortable. My legs would swell, and the fluid buildup was so bad that even breathing became difficult. It was miserable. But when I laid down at night, my body would suddenly decide it was time to get rid of it all. Every hour, on the hour, like clockwork, I’d be running to the bathroom. Sleep was impossible, and by morning, I’d feel completely haggard and defeated.

It was a tough time, both physically and mentally. My doctors tried everything—adjusting meds, offering tips—but nothing seemed to work. No matter what I did, I couldn’t escape the cycle.

Thankfully, I’m no longer in that place. But when I look back, I realize how much strength it took to get through those nights. The human spirit can endure so much more than we think.

Now that I’m in a better place, I just want to share my story for anyone out there who’s struggling with CHF or something similar. You’re not alone. Keep pushing forward—there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

#HeartHealth #TricuspidValveMiracle #SurvivorStory #CHFJourney #HopeAndStrength