Things Change Quickly.

[Telboy1162]

I started with mild breathlessness 4 months ago, that got worse and led to an ECG revealing an LBBB. My breathlesness gradually got worse and that led to an 8 hour spell in A&E then 2 weeks later, a day in the observation ward. An ultrasound scan on the 12th of September revealed the bad news that i have severe heart failure and a blood clot as well. I got kept in that day and was there for 3 days. I've been on several meds since and have actually been feeling quite well. Until Monday, when i had a appointment with the consultant. I am now priorotised for an MRI closely followed by a pacemaker that will have 2 wires attached to my heart and a defibrillator will be fitted. This has came completely out of the blue as i expected to be on meds and improve gradually with that, but all this has frightened me somewhat. Has anyone else had a similar experience to me?

[RufusScamp]

I was diagnosed with LBBB and severe heart failure 4 years ago, quite out of the blue. With medication and a pacemaker my condition has improved.

Obviously, all cases are different, but improvement is possible. If you are offered a cardio rehab course I would strongly recommend it.

[Telboy1162 in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks for reply pal. What's involved in the cardio course?

[RufusScamp in reply to Telboy1162]

Mine was twice weekly monitored exercise, and weekly talks from a dietician, a pharmacist, a cardiac nurse etc. so you had a chance to ask detailed questions.

[Teresarc]

After an ecg I was advised I have complete LBBB and after echo and MRIs it has been found that I am borderline to heart failure . So now careful use of meds to help my heart pump better but doesn’t worsen my condition and keeping my blood pressure above 120 . Frightening at first but I am in good hands with a great cardio consultant who will keep reviewing me along with my GP . To be

I hope you get the great treatment too . It’s a shock

[Telboy1162]

Thanks for your reply Teresarc. Hope you stay well enough to keep on the medication only. Just 5 months ago i was completely normal, working a physical job and enjoying life. Now i'm booked in for a pacemaker and a defib. Scary how quick it happened.

[wischo]

Why when the ECG found LBBB did they not prioritise an echo then. May have made no difference but it looks like incompetence to me. Anyway I am sure the pacemaker will stabilise your heartrate and wishing you all the best.

[Teresarc in reply to wischo]

It was it took 1 year for it to be taken seriously and that’s only because I was going for whole of life and the insurance people picked it up