Heart Failure Support Group
Heart failure is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill with or pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. It is often undiagnosed due to a lack of a universally agreed definition and difficulties in diagnosis, particularly when the condition is considered "mild."
I am in HF with and EF rate of 30-35%. My first Dr has retired and now I am seeing someone who has told me everything the opposite of what I was originally told. First dr put me in a HF Clinic to have blood work ect monitored. There they told me that the fatique I was feeling was normal. They also made everything sound so dire. That I was at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Now the new dr tells me that I shouldn't be feeling fatigue, that there is something else causing it. I have no high blood pressure, no blockade, no bad valves, and do not retain fluids.
My primary physician has tested my for everything she can think of and can't find what is wrong.
I am very confused. Is there anyone who can give me some sort of enlightenment?
My primary physician has tested my for everything she can think of and can't find what is wrong.
I am very confused. Is there anyone who can give me some sort of enlightenment?
What was your first diagnoses with your heart ? Maybe time for a second opinion. I can actually relate to your story, Have your doctors ever mentioned compensated HF ?
Thanks for replying to me. I do feel very alone and this is the only place I have found that supports HF
Compensated heart failure: An abnormal condition in which the damaged heart maintains sufficient cardiac output by using normal compensatory mechanisms.
Your EF gives you enough reasons to be fatigued not to mention side effects from the meds.
Your first Dr. told you like it is. 30-35 % EF is not a death sentence. Yes you are at a high rish of sudden heart attack. If you are ischemic with any sort of Cardiomyopathy then you are at greater risk.
Anybody diagnosed with CHF is in the upper 50% of having a life threatening Cardiac event within 5 yrs. Doesn't mean set your watch. Just that's the facts. Now it really is up to us to determine what side of that 50% we want to exist on. We ahve dietary issues, we have proper meds and a schedule to keep. We have some excersises to do but the most important thing that I have begun to realize is that your heart and your attitude are not mutually exclusive. Your new Dr. may detect the hoplessness in your tenor and be trying to minimize the reality. Alittle statistic, My Father had 1st MI at 38yo, most of the right side of the heart was gone, similar but not identical to me. He is now 76 YO and still running/sniffing up my mother's Nightgown. He sure as hell acts like he only has 5 yrs. left. But he has been like that as far as I can remember. He say's Joey live your life today, don't live tomorrow today or today tomorrow, don't keep yesterday a current event. He lives in the NOW.
I have mentioned this before, What is your NT-proBNP level. Thsi is a snapshot of the extent and prpgression of your CHF. Ask the znew DR/ this. I woukd be alarmed if he didn't know let alon check for it. I hope you'll find our little Cardiac group a real help as they were life savers to me. And guess what? The doctor didn't even give me a referral tp DS. Guess who did? He is the Alpha and Omega. HGo ahead and listen to him he knows exactly hpw long you have left here. And more exitingly he has everyday things for you tp enjoy. From here I think it is our choice which direction we will posture to. I rather put it in a far greate power than anyone could possibly imagine. It friggin well workin for me and I give credit wher it is due. DS and GOD or are they one in the same?
Keep in contact Hilda.
Regards,
Just Joe
i have learned to kinda ignore the numbers and listen to my body and do what it needs..if i feel good, i can sweep the floor..if i dont..it doesnt get done...
plus dont discount side effects of whatever meds you are taking...and even the side effects can be affected by an individuals biochemistry...what is good for one, may not be for another...
anyone with HF is at a higher risk for sudden cardiac death...but i know i can also get run over by a truck if i walk outside...but that doesnt mean i stay in...
you have to live..and ask your doctor(s) the best way to battle the fatigue...even your pcp may be able to offer some help...
keep popping in here...let us know how it is going...
take care...and sending you a hug...
marie
Thanks for putting thins into perspective
Hilda