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."

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nacnic 03/23/2017

I am 36 and was diagnosed (Jan 2nd 2017) with stage 3-end stage CHF (EF was between 15-20), a-fib and DVT. Last fall I was running 15-20 mi/wk, regularly weight trained and played sports. Right now I'm on seven meds and wear a zoll life vest. Alot of my friends were shocked when I told them of my diagnosis since I lived a much healthier and more active life than they do. I was shocked too. Most days I'm optimistic but sometimes I'm very depressed that I'll (most likely) never run again, mountain bike, snowboard, hike, etc. Im a commercial/industrial electrician and cannot work anymore. During the good days I can mow my grass (with a self-propelled mower, play a round of disc golf and ride my bike a short distance on a flat road) but I def cannot carry anything even a fraction of the weight that I used to. On the bad days, life just seems like it's over. My doctors say they don't think I'll ever have the quality of life I used to have. As a matter of fact, one of them was surprised I could walk 18 holes on the disc golf course. He said the quality of life I have now is the best it's gonna get. Sometimes I feel like I'm hopeless and that's not a good place to be.

RoboPop 03/23/2017

I think you probably meant Class IV, or Stage D which is end stage.
Well you can choose to roll over and play dead until such time as you are, or make the most of whatever you have in you and stop fretting about what's past. The key to this is attitude. Yeah it was a hit to my psyche when I was diagnosed, but in spite of my prognosis here I am starting my 10th year and not willing to give up yet. I recreated myself and make the most of each day whether a good or bad one, and try to never feel sorry for myself. I look at the light side and try to help others through. It's not the end of the world.

nacnic 03/26/2017

Thanks for the response. I'm an active member of other support groups and do understand the importance of a PMA, however I do have my moments of doubt, frustration and sadness. Most days I'm optimistic and live for that day and try not to project outcomes outside of my control concerning my future. I believe this is the most substantial test of my character and I know from experience that talking about my problem tends to lend a helping hand at curbing its power on my psyche. I appreciate your input.

RoboPop 03/27/2017

You sound like a good candidate to join Mended Hearts. It's a peer to peer support group that typically meets monthly but many members also visit hospitals and provide support to other heart patients. I've been a member for quite a few years now and find the monthly meetings cathartic and benefit me far more than anything. It's a great way to get perspective on your own situation and learn more tricks along the way. Mended Hearts (www.mendedhearts.org) is a national group with local chapters all over the US

Lumenoza 03/31/2017

I know how difficult it is to accept the new limitations of chf. Don't despair, I lived with it for 10 years. I received a heart transplant last year and I'm finally able to walk up the stairs and hills without having to stop every few steps to catch my breath. Perhaps that could be an option for you.

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