life expectsncy

[Walkswim]

hi

my doctor told me the prognosis for heart failure survival is worse than any common cancers

I found this sobering

I just want to know what to expect - diagnosed. With hf 4

Months ago and feeling worse than ever

[Prada47]

Hello

Just a quick reply but don't worry I was diagnosed in 2015 after bypass surgery. I have had further work done on my Heart stents in already bypassed arteries !!

I do almost everything I am told, I take E|ntresto and Bisoprolol and Dapa etc. I feel pretty good OK somedays are a little trying but i have no intention of going any time soon, of that I can assure you so 8 years and counting bo**ocks to this 5 year nonsense. My Heart Nurse told me there is every chance something else will get you long before heart failure does, so stay chilled as best you can and look forward to your future because you do have one.

regards

[Threecats]

Hi Walkswim

My mum was hospitalised with heart failure 11 years ago. She was given a combination of meds - beta-blocker, diuretic, Digoxin and Wafarin and is still going strong at 88! She’s slowed down a bit this past 18 months but then she is nearly 90😀 Prior to that she had continued to lead a full and active life.

Heart failure is a horrible term but just means your heart isn’t pumping as efficiently as it once did but, with the right meds to help it and making some lifestyle changes if needed, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go on to enjoy your life despite what you’ve been told.

All the best to you, TC

[DaveTR]

Hi Walkswim,I was diagnosed with Heart Failure in 2003 (20 years ago) and still here.

I'd be interested to know what your Dr used to base the prognosis on.

Diagnosis is certainly a life changing event but not necessarily a life ending one.

[Deejay62]

I was diagnosed with heart failure in 2003 also, 20 yrs ago. My EF went down to 10% 5 yrs ago. This year it’s gone back up to 23% with a cocktail of meds. That’s absolute twaddle what your doctor said. My cardiologists never give up on me. There’s always something new to try. And like someone here said you can be taken out anytime by anyone or anything. Just keep fighting on like the majority of us on here do. All the best.

[Heyjude31 in reply to Deejay62]

Wonderful and heartening post, 👏👏👏

[Keder]

Hello Walkswim

I had a second heart attack on 16th December 2022. Subsequently diagnosed with 'very severe heart failure.' Frightening or what, especially as I had completely recovered from the first attack 14 months before.

My EF was 15% but seems to have improved: I can do more.

I agree that the psychological effects can be more debilitating then the problem itself. As Threecats said: heart failure is a horrible term - to say that one's heart has reduced efficiency would be accurate and less frigthening.

I was told to listen to my body - I have to take frequent rests but the intervals between rests are increasing. Some days or worse than others.

My experience is to carry on doing the things you love doing as far as your body allows. In my case singing, gardening and driving. I also play the piano for stress relief. I'm not much good - it is an electric piano so I use headphones which keeps partner and No 1 carer a little more sane.

Hope that helps.

[gorillaqueen]

Hello iceterraintrek so sorry to hear your news about your husband. I hope you have all the support you need ❤️🤗🤗🙏🙏X

[gorillaqueen]

So sorry to hear your news it must be a very worrying time for you. Try to be positive reading some of the replies on here gives us all hope. I wish you well take care good luck be strong 😊❤️X.

[gorillaqueen]

That’s good to hear thinking of you take care ❤️🙏🙏🤗🤗X

[Anon2023]

Hi. I’m so sorry that you and your family are going through this. I think that you are right about the prognosis for different levels of heart failure but I imagine that how quickly one progresses through each stage is highly individual and dependent upon a multitude of factors. I have heart failure but I’ve never been told what stage I am at and I’ve never been able to get a prognosis from any health professional that I’ve seen (cardiologists, heart failure clinic etc). From my own assessment of symptoms and that I only receive annual cardiac team telephone calls I’m assuming that I’m 1 or 2. How quickly I progress to the next stages is anyone’s guess really or how long I will survive once I reach 4. It’s a highly individual journey.

I hope that you are able to treasure the time left with your husband and create some precious memories. I am thinking of you.

[Deejay62]

I have been classed as end of life and I was offered to go on transplant register but declined it. Just because they class you as end of life with your heart failure doesn’t mean you’re on death row. My heart went from 10% and is now 23%. It does depend on your cardiologist if they have negativity then you will be like that. I’m 62 this started in my 40s. Transplant was discussed 5 years ago for me but I declined. It’s like this person as just been left with not even we can’t do anything more for you but we will put you in contact with people who can tell you what your end will be like. I have never been just left like that. A lot of people on here have 40% diagnoses and they’re left feeling they’re going to die now. I can go on.

My cardiologist saw me months after they put me on heart failure meds and said they didn’t think they would see me again. I know it’s real, I’m living that reality. I have dilated cardiomyopathy and severe pulmonary hypertension and it doesn’t get better it gets worse. This person needs to not just be left feeling afraid not knowing what the end will be like. I’m a positive person, I know not everyone is and I’ve come to terms with my reality because I’ve been helped along the way by my cardiologist. I don’t know this person’s heart problem that’s caused them to be in stage 4 but I hope they get medical help to come to terms with it.

[Anon2023]

It sounds as if you are having a very difficult time of it and I can completely empathise with what you are going through. I feel like I am grieving for the life that I thought I was going to have rather than this new reality that I am facing. I’m sure that many people with heart problems feel exactly the same way. I wish you and your family well. Xx

[Flimflab]

I can only imagine how you feel after that diagnosis. I wondered if your GP had been able to direct you towards any groups that could help with emotional impact of their diagnosis so you can get the correct support?

[Silvertail]

If my doctor told me that I'd find a new doctor. You can live a long reasonably healthy life with heart failure/cardiomyopathy. Best wishes.

[theonethatgotaway1]

There are so many factors that go with this. Age. Heakth status. Etc. Sure the numbers may say this from old studies. But new meds and treatments have changed those numbers already just in the last few years. To say that must be a poor doctor as every doc or nurse I asked that, they wouldn't know where to start to guess that. Even the expert consultant couldn't take a guess at it when I asked him "how long left doc"

It's like looking at a car going by and guessing when that is going to brake down next. Its virtually impossible to correctly say this.

[uzininemm]

Hello Walkswim, I asked my doctor a similar question when i came out of hospital, a big mistake on my part, to give him credit he did say he was no expert.

2 years plus on I have learnt my GPs knowledge of heart failure is limited (no fault of theirs that is why they are general practitioners) and why we have heart consultants.

As other have said age, lifestyle, meds all come into the equation, and if you do the right thing there is no reason why you can't enjoy the rest of your life.