It is a scary place

[Tubbylardo]

Just before Christmas I had a Echocardiogram and totally out of the blue I was told I have a dilated left ventricle and a regurgitating valve. Ejection fraction is 15-20%. I was shocked as I only went to the GP initially as I was short of breath.

I am now taking Bisopropol, Aispirin, Omeprazol and Losartan. I hate the Omeprazol as it given me amazing gas. I had my pre op yesterday and have a CT Angiogram on 25/01 and a Coronary Angiogram on 30/01.

I know that technically I am no worse off than before the diagnosis and I should just crack on until I get the results ... but ... you'll all know that it isn't that easy. The place you go to mentally, especially at night, is not nice and all anyone says is that you'll be alright.

I have changed my diet and lifestyle. Lost 8kg. Check for water retention every day, check and record my BP 3 or 4 times a day and try and walk at least 3 miles. But I can't help feeling it is too little too late.

[Calliope153]

We've all been there in differing ways. First off you will get through it and arrive at a place where you accept it (two years on and I can truly say you don;t get used to the idea that something is wrong but you do accept it). I too had problems with the Ome whatsit - couldn;t leave the bathroom for three days - and when I saw the registrar he said it was prescribed as a stomach protector (aspirin can cause bleeding) and he said as taking it was making my life worse then stop. So far no problems. Go to your GP and ask for an alternative - there are other things you can take. It;s never too late to improve things - diet and exercise are the way ahead. I am pretty impressed with your daily three miles. When you can put your feet up - helps to reduce swollen ankles. The great thing is you have someone who has really got you organised with appointments and you are moving forward. Get yourself into the best shape you can - losing 8kg is also an exceptional effort in such a short space of time. If you smoke stop immediately. This forum is a great place for support - post whenever you feel the need and I am sure there will be others along in the near future to give you better words of wisdom. Take care.

[Tubbylardo in reply to Calliope153]

Cheers for the support. I have never smoked and as I drive for work I haven't drunk alcohol for many many years. I do feel like I maybe should have now ....

I will discuss the Omeprazol at my medication review in a weeks time. It is good to know that there are alternatives.

[Calliope153 in reply to Tubbylardo]

Oh the regrets over a blameless life..... been there with that one too. Should have played the field more and been an underwear on head, singing sort of person but no, I went the sensible route.......... still I have the GTN spray (nitroglycerin) and tell my husband I am seriously considering giving the idea of a second career as a safe blower serious thought....

[Malsch]

I also got sick from Omeprazole. See if you can take famotidine. It is the generic for pepcid. I'm in the US but it is a common drug. I know they can fix regurgitation from a valve which will improve your ejection fraction. I wish you the best