Was diagnosed in May 2020 with dilated cardiomyopathy and EF 14% which is really low, so was a little worried to say the least. After a bit of time coming to terms with a serious diagnosis, I took on board what the doctors told me and changed the way I went about things, starting with changing some of my diet (I didn't change completely as I would have not stuck to it, but little things like sugar, snacking and avoid butter and things like that where I could, and added some more fruit and veg. I still treat myself to some fish and chips on a Friday!!!!). Most importantly i took exercise seriously to give myself the best chance I could. That along with medication over the last 7 months has changed me into a different person.
I went for my echocardiogram a few weeks ago and had a call from the Cardio ward recently cancelling my appointment, before I could start to moan the Nurse stopped me to say that for a change it wasn't because of COVID for a change! She then broke the news to me that my heart had returned to a normal size and my EF was 55-60%, and that they were discharging me back to my doctor to monitor my blood pressure control. I was floored by this and actually got a bit emotional (I had to dive into a meeting room at work and shed a few tears, and I'm not embarrassed to tell anyone that), and can't express the relief and pride in myself that I felt. I have since been told that there is some dilation of the left atrium still, but to all intents I am almost back to normal.
Anyway, the point of this is that I wanted to write to everyone that is suffering and dealing with the emotional strain of heart conditions similar to mine, and hopefully give you a little bit of hope and motivation for the future. It isn't the end of the world, and you can still enjoy your life, you just need to focus on what you do on a daily basis, and dont be afraid to let people (either on here or your family) know what is going through your mind as you will have bad days and good. I had days that were pretty dark and my family helped me cope, and keep up with my exercise and diet, which it was really hard, and I couldn't have done it without them.
I wish you all the very best and hope my story helps some of you motivate yourselves and be more positive. Thanks also to the people that have replied to my posts in the past, it really helps.
Matt
Has this really happened
Has this happened to you?
What happens next?
What happens now and when 
Uhh... what's happening to me?
