Hello everyone, my first post.

[MarkONEcls]

Hi everyone, this is basically my first post. I got last year the diagnosis that I heart failure and AF (not sure if that direct or indirect linked), currently I’m on NYHA 1 and my estimated heart function is at 38%. But so much to that, I’m here to learn more about the condition and learn what I can do to improve my health as much as possible and to get in tough with others, as this is still difficult for me to understand what’s going on. Don’t get we wrong, I was never sporty or something like that, but before it all started I was with my wife on a walking holiday and where fieling top fit... and a few weeks later my world where turned upside down. Saying that, I completely understand it could be worse.

But so much about me, looking forward to read and exchange here on the forum.

Mark

[stevejb1810]

Hello Mark

Welcome to the BHF HealthUnlocked forum. You will find a lot of people here who will be able to share their experiences and answer a lot of your general questions. Please note we are not medically trained (at least most of us are not), so we can only provide information based on our own experiences.

You are not alone in feeling your world has been turned upside down. That will apply to all of us. It takes a lot of getting used to and having lots of time to think about it isn't always what you want either as the mind does all sorts of things to you.

So, for now, you will be managed by your cardiology team and will be on a fistful of medication and life will feel like one medical appointment after another. Try to think of this as a step to you getting back to normal. You can help by exercising (walking is great, but don't go mad), take the meds as directed, eat well (healthy diet etc.), lose weight if you have it to lose. Talk to people about how you are feeling (depression, anxiety and anger are not uncommon feelings and it doesn't help to bottle these up). If you are worried you can use this forum or contact the BHF nurses and of course your GP. If you feel your condition is worsening see your GP or get yourself to A&E.

Easy to say, but try not to worry unduly about things.

Good luck

Steve

[Lezzers]

Hi Mark, my husband has HF. Hes NYHA 2, his EF was 35 but is now 30. He was diagnosed 5 years ago after having had a massive heart attack resulting in cardiac arrest 20 years. We're very lucky as he has a great GP, HF nurse who comes to see him & a cardiologist so he's well looked after. Having said that it knocked us for 6 & we also wanted to know all about it. Please don't google it, most of the info will be be either incorrect, out of date or not applicable to you. There is a foundation charity called Pumping Marvellous that I highly recommend, check out there Website its a great place for info. They also have a closed confidential Facebook group of the same name & it is a great source for information, help & advice. It's a confidential group for people with HF, their families & their carers. I can't recommend it highly enough, it's been as great source of info & comfort to me. Hope you keep well xx