New to this site - still learning about my heart failure.

[Jaistrup]

Hi all, my name is John.

I was admitted twice to hospital in June and July of 2017 and after 10 days was diagnosed with chest infection, Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction, Medium Mitral Regurgitation, Pericardial effusion of 1cm and fluid retention. My symptoms included extreme fatigue, breathlessness, periods of racing and skipping heart, extreme sweats and to top it all off swelling around my legs and feet. Although I was told about my symptoms very clinically, I did not find out that I had heart failure until a few days ago, when I saw my GP about my recurring breathlessness, chronic fatigue and regular palpitations that had gradually gotten worse since the start of December 2017. Since then I had a bout of the flu and a nasty cough, which at the time I put down to the infection. But my GP assured me this was not the case and that I had in fact got fluid in my lungs again.

It was at this time I was told that I may have chronic heart failure/congestive heart failure and that I am being referred back to the hospital again due to the fluid in the lungs, fatigue and breathlessness. Apparently my BP has gone through the roof also. In addition I suffer from depression and anxiety but this new information has only served to exacerbate my intense bouts of anxiety and calming down is nigh on impossible when they do occur.

I am scared of what this all means and having 'googled' heart failure and seen the statistics of mortality, this has only served to deepen my depression. I really only have my wonderful neighbour to support me but I am loathe to add any more burdens on her as she is 80 years old and has her own issues to contend with. She is my best friend and guardian angel when I have been at my lowest in the last couple of years and has been my lifeline to the outside world, where otherwise I would have stagnated at home. To burden her further is just plain unfair. So I am looking for a support group or local person to be able to unburden myself and talk about my heart problems and perhaps find others like me wanting to share a coffee and discuss heart failure.

Additionally I have my first appointment with the local GP's Chronic Disease Management Team on the 2nd March.

Anyway thats me. Thanks for reading.

[Wodney1966]

Welcome to our world I've got heart failure cardiomyopathy af had a defibrillator fitted still working full time at mo 👍👍👍👍👍

[Jaistrup in reply to Wodney1966]

Thanks for the reply Wodney1966. It is good to hear that you are doing well.

[Heather1957]

Wow, you have an awful lot to contend with no wonder you have bouts of anxiety and depression. Obviously the medical side will be dealt with by the medics but I wondered if you have contacted MIND re your anxiety and depression?

Obviously there are people on here who are wonderfully supportive and I found them invaluable when I had my bypass in June but sometimes we need to speak with someone more professional.

For now, welcome and if there is anything you need help with or you just want to vent, then post away, it is very cathartic just to write down how you are feeling and if helps just do it!!

[BHFnurse_Julie BHF Nurse]

Hi John,

I'm sorry to hear your concerns and what you've been through recently.

Just to let you know there are BHF support groups all over the UK - here is the link- you pop your postcode in and it will show you one near your location.

bhf.org.uk/heart-health/how...

I do hope you find this useful.

All the best to you.

Julie

[Lezzers]

Hi John, there is a foundation charity called pumping marvellous which is dedicated to heart failure sufferers which I highly recommend. They also have a Facebook page where you can connect with other heart failure patients, their families & carers, nationwide. This group is invaluable for support, help & advice my husband has heart failure this group has helped me massively. Please check it out, they know what you're going through & will be there for you. Take care xx