Heart failure

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with Systolic Heart Failure, I have been reading a lot of things online about this condition, which some I choose to ignore, some seem sensible, but it seems everyone with heart failure will experience this condition in different ways, so people asking for advice about their heart failure should only be asking their medical team, ie GP or consultant as to their own personal care.

[ollie16]

I was diagnosed with Heart Failure nearly 2yrs ago,the most important things for me was taking my medication regularly and getting exercise(not pushing yourself,just pacing yourself with nice gentle walks).The medication has worked well for me.My intial Heart Ejection fraction was 30%,in May 2017 it improved to 48% and in July 2018 was 55%(termed as normal).I still get tired quite a bit ,but not as much as befote and much quality of life is much better.It took quite a while to recover,but it was going in the right way

[ChrisScarratt]

Hi there, I was diagnosed with severe LVSD in March to the point I couldn't even get dressed without stopping to get my breath back. An MRI in May showed an EF of 14% and clots in my left ventricle and it was thought I had genetic DCM. I was put on the usual meds of Bisoprolol, Ramapril, Spironolactone and Furosemide. Gradually the first 3 were increased to the so called optimum dose and the Furosemide was reduced. I have been lucky in the fact I have had no side effects (yet) with any of the drugs. I changed my lifestyle did more exercise and generally lived healthier. I was off sick for 6 months and started a new job in September. I had another MRI in September which showed my heart nearly back to normal size, my EF had gone up to 41% and the clots have gone. All in 3 months. So yes, I bet you are worried, as I was in March. But please do not give up hope HF affects people in different ways. Don't read Dr Google as most of the info on there is outdated. Advances for HF treatment are made all the time. Read all the blogs on this site. The BHF has some great info as does another group on facebook called Pumping Marvellous (specially for people with heart failure) people on there are going or have gone through all the experiences you are now feeling. Best of luck for the future 😉

[FeetheBookworm]

I was diagnosed with HF 2 yrs ago with an output of 19%. I am on 4 sets of tablets, 1 taken twice a day. I had a pacemaker put in last yr. My output is now up to 43% and barely using the PM. I feel much better with a lot more energy and not so cold - I was previously freezing cold all the time. My quality life is also much better so hang on in there and allow the meds time to work. It is depressing and frustrating when it’s happening to you, particularly if you don’t have a good support network round you. We are all here to help each other so feel free to vent!

I find taking my dog for a walk twice a day does much to help. Appreciate the seasons much more when you are out in them, although not the pouring rain! I also try and walk everywhere and have joined a gym and have a cardio workout. I’m not going to pretend I enjoy it (yet!) but I get a sense of achievement that I am strong/ fit enough to do it.

[MissMoto007]

well that's me told then!!!! ... not that I needed it

#rude #NotEveryoneIsMoreStupidThanYou

[Hidden in reply to MissMoto007]

Oh thought I was helping, didnt mean to be anything other than help

[MissMoto007]

words can hurt or cheer ..

sharing your experiences as a resource for all is a great thing .. but ... telling people what to do about something widely understood can sound very much like you're pontificating from a very superior place, or suggests some sort of expertise; much safer to suggest

*lecture over*