Congestive Heart Failure

[LynCHF]

Hi,

My name is Lyn. I'm 53 years old. I had my first problem and run-in with CHF about 5 weeks ago.
I liked to smoke, drink and pretty much ate anything I wanted up till then. I caught a virus that I didn't get well from and it attacked my heart.

I had a angiogram yesterday. I'm making lifestyle changes and following doctor's orders for meds.
I'm curious about others with my condition and if they are improving.

Thanks!

[Dee401]

Hi there Lyn!
I was diagnosed in March 07 with EF of 35% it went down too 25% in May, I was put on a number of heart medications, I had tests done at the end of July there and my EF has improved too 40%, keep up the positive thinking, listen to your Doctor's advice, its hard I know to make lifestyle changes, but its so worth it Lyn.. keep well!!

Dee

[FL HEART]

Hi Lyn,

10% is very, very low. Did you doctor discuss a heart transplant with you? Do you have any other health issues that are compromising your heart function? COPD from smoking? You didn't say how long you were in the hospital. I was diagnosed with CHF when I was 40 and had EF of 12%. My cardiologist told me he would try to keep me alive until Christmas - that was a month away. I was hospitalized for 4 weeks and spent six months recovering at home before I was able to return to work - a sedentary job. I also had severe COPD which has worsened through the years. By following a very strict diet (that sucked) and taking all the medications appropriately. That was 14 years ago and I still struggle with CHF today. Once you have it, it never goes away. It's your job to try and manage it the best way you can. My cardiologist says I must have an angel on my shoulder because people just don't recover to the degree that I did. I hope you have an angel on your shoulder, too!!