Update on husband with severe LVSD

[Lynntaylorsmith]

So an update on hubby who had Severe LVSD following racing heart rate caused by virus?!

You may remember I posted on here almost frantic at my husbands recent heart failure diagnosis at 49, who was otherwise fit and healthy . I was scared and anxious about the future and didn’t know how stable he would be moving forward.

So he had an MRI a couple of weeks ago and to be fair had we not have asked about it, she’d have forgotten to mention it! Anyway, we had some quite remarkable news actually. Andys heart function was at 23% on discharge a couple of months ago. The MRI showed that his function now is around 40%!!!!!!! It’s gone from severe to mild !! ) slipped the moderate even) They’ve increased his perindopril to 6 mg from 4mg as he’s tolerating it well, and she said that this would help further keep the blood pressure down to assist the heart further with its recovery. It’s obviously done the trick so far. He asked about medication as in his head he thought in time he would stop taking it?! I knew that was not the case but kept him in ignorant bliss . She did confirm it was lifelong along with the anti coagualants ( a blow for him as a motorbiker) however she said they aren’t life restricting as such . We were really and I mean really pleased with that outcome, in a short space he has made remarkable progress. They even said he can have a couple of beers again which pleased him!!!! So there is a good story that you can take from this. I know not everyone is in the same position however be positive . Thanks for all of your messages x

[rogerctyler]

Really pleased to here about hubbys improvement. Long may it continue. 😀

[Lynntaylorsmith in reply to rogerctyler]

Thanks so much , your kind words are very much appreciated! X

[Zena166]

Hi Lynn. I am so pleased for both of you. I remember your post and could almost touch the stress emanating through. That’s such good positive news especially after such a traumatic experience. Great to hear the uplift in your post. Stay strong and look after yourself in all of this. Try and get some relaxation time for you as well. You deserve it. Sending love and hugs. Zena x

[Lynntaylorsmith in reply to Zena166]

Thank you so much for your reply and good wishes. It means so much to have caring people give reassurance and advice. I really do appreciate it. How are you doing ? Xx

[Zena166 in reply to Lynntaylorsmith]

Am good thanks. Getting there! So pleased for you. Take care. Zx

[Chrisbarrett100]

Brilliant

[Lynntaylorsmith in reply to Chrisbarrett100]

I’ve Inboxed you chris x

[Ronniesue]

Wow, I bet you’re both so pleased. It’s great to hear such a positive outcome and may it continue. Keep us all posted xx

[Lynntaylorsmith in reply to Ronniesue]

Thank you, we were beyond pleased, he has a really spring in his step now! How’s yourself? X

[Ronniesue in reply to Lynntaylorsmith]

Not much further really. I now have to have a 24 hour ecg so they can see if that picks up the cause of my heart problems as the angiogram showed no artery problems. If nothing conclusive I suppose it will support the cause being a virus. x

[Howardl]

Glad to hear your news.

I to was diagnosed with severe heart failure until the mri scan showed it to be moderate.

When I first read your earlier post saying your husband had a 23% pump, thats low and I think you would probably not be able to leave your bed.

Your husband will have to wear an extra layer when riding his bike on colder days. An extra two layers if the bikes blue.

[Lynntaylorsmith in reply to Howardl]

Ha ha! He’s got a fire blade and has just bought a 41 year old vintage Honda as well! He’s off to the blommin TT in June , I’m not fearful in the slightest!!! Yes he does remark he’s colder these days, he was always really hot.

Actually when he was at 23% he was fine! He’d get a bit breathless now and then ( mainly in the cold) however he was still out walking the dog believe it or not?! He’s feeling soooo much better now! Thanks for your message. How are you doing?

[Phil-52]

Hi Lynn. I too ride a motorcycle while on anticoagulants (rivaroxaban). I find there is no problems at all. I tend to feel the cold more at work on a building site. All the best

[Lynntaylorsmith in reply to Phil-52]

Ah he’s a nightmare! He’s of to TT in June again, I’m quietly terrified but won’t say anything as it’s his passion ! Yes he does feel the cold more , he’s finding that the worst thing as he was always hot !! Extra base layer under the leathers and he’ll be right! I’ve instructed him clearly not to fall off and cut himself although I did that before this! Same goes for you too ha ha!

[Phil-52 in reply to Lynntaylorsmith]

Life wrapped in cotton wool is not living 😁 I'm off to the Alps in August. My brilliant surgeon told me " you have another chance at life. Go live it". All the best to the hubby and his TT

[ChrisScarratt]

Hi Lynn I was very interested to read your post which is indeed brilliant news. I have recently been diagnosed with severe LVSD with a pump rate of 22%. I was wondering if your husbands progression was down to just the medicine or diet as well. I have had a MRI and waiting to see the cardiologist for the results. The last scan I had I was 4 stone overweight thru excess water in the body so that has to help. Best wishes for the future

Chris

[Lynntaylorsmith in reply to ChrisScarratt]

Hi Chris

Sorry to hear you’re in the same boat as my hubby. The good news is, he’s two months into his initial diagnosis and he has moved from severe to mild ( missed out moderate!) his medication seemed to have fallen in very lucky as he’s tolerated everything really well and everything settled in quickly without too much tweaking. I think that’s pure luck. He cut out alcohol completely and last weekend he had a pint of lager ( didn’t really enjoy it as he was worried it would trigger his Heart Rate off) so went to shandy lol.

I think having the MRI was good as I think in all honesty it gives a much more accurate picture than the echo . An mri is the rolls Royce of tests and maybe his actual diagnosis was the same but more accurate with the MRI ? His heart rate was still quite fast when he had the initial echo . He’s is eating well and doing gentle excercise ( walking the dog) and wants to do a bit more now . He’s back to the HF clinic in June and an appt the week after with cardiologist which marks his 3 months after being hospital . They’ve just increased his BP tablets to continue with keeping a lower BP to help the heart work less hard .

Your water retention is quite sizeable isn’t it, I take it you’re on diuretics? Andy has def changed his diet but I think his stress levels from being off has helped as well. He’s taken it easy, got the meds just right and combined with alcohol free and excercise it seems to have hugely aided his output. Please will you let me know how your results go of your recent MRI?

Lynn

[ChrisScarratt in reply to Lynntaylorsmith]

I certainly will. I lost all the weight after 3 weeks in hospital but I am still on diuretics along with ramipril and bisoprolol. I feel 150% better now and play golf 3 times a week and walk when I don't play. So hopefully I might get the same prognosis as your hubby. Take care