Hello

[Grasshopper1976]

Hello everybody from this community. This is my first time connecting to a community. Thank you for your replies and likes I now have a life changing condition, my time left has shortened and my general health will deteriorate, something I am trying to come too term's with. But iam a optimist generally. So like you all we have loads in common. Sharing is therapeutic and important, so if you want to know more or have any questions, say hello 👋 . Communities like this are a support network with help and advice.

[LSCE]

Hi Grasshopper, sorry to hear about your declining health. Stay positive and best wishes to you.

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to LSCE]

Hello LSCE, Thank you for your support and wishes, at present my medication as helped. And information from the Cardiology team has been helpful and insightful . Being positive is fairly easy considering. There is much more help and support out there . Best wishes.

[MountainGoat52]

Hi Grasshopper,

I have a friend who has heart failure. He is determined not to let it rule his life and has found that keeping active has been a positive experience and his heart has actually improved somewhat with the medication. He was a fit person before diagnosis, climbing hills on a regular basis and he has continued to do this, though he has told me that realistically he has had to lower his sights and climbing the Scottish Munros is now out of the question. Keeping a positive frame of mind has helped him deal with the situation.

I hope that you can similarly remain positive and continue to do what you want to do, perhaps with a lighter touch on the accelerator, if you see what I mean.

With my very best wishes for the future,

Gerald

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Hello ,GWP1952 thank you for your reply, I am just learning about HF, and how it will affect me and what lays ahead of me. I work part-time in retail, noticed difference in my health and fitness. Iam a cyclists and walk a lot, generally quite fit, looking after myself and slowing down is top priority.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Grasshopper1976]

We are all different, so you will need to find your own level. I had a heart attack when I was 65, stents and then a triple bypass. I could have said that was it and put my feet up, but I decided to see how much I could achieve and bit by bit I got to know my limits. In some ways having the heart attack did me a favour as the stents and bypass improved my cardio-vascular system and I no longer suffer the aches and pains I used to have before it all kicked off. I hope that the course of treatment that you are on will prove similarly fortuitous and you will soon feel the benefits.

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to MountainGoat52]

GWP1952, yes agree we are also different, and our conditions vary, getting the right treatment and the best Cardiology team. Is key I am sorry to hear previously things where tough, and glad your treatment as improved your quality of life, that does make a big different. Testing your health and some small limitations.Thank you for your support and insight.

Best wishes

[gorillaqueen]

Hello Grasshopper I agree with GWP 1952 and hope you can remain positive and strong so you are able to live your best life. Best wishes and good luck 🍀 take care and be happy 😊

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to gorillaqueen]

Hellogorillaqueen, thank you, yes staying healthy and positive is the best solution, I have began to make peace with my condition. Thank you for your advice and regards.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi and welcome to the forum, I am sorry to hear of your health issues, it is daunting when you get diagnosed with heart failure, with suitable medication the ejection fraction has improved vastly In some people and helped them lead a normal life. Do you have a dedicated heart failure nurse? They are usually very helpful to discuss meds and lifestyle with. It's great to hear you are an optimistic that will definitely help as well. Take care char

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Thanksnhs]

Hello Thanksnhs , I was only diagnosed August 2023, not got a dedicated Heart Failure nurse yet, go my first MRI Friday and a appointment one week after with Cardiology consultant or member of the team. The Heart meds currently prescribed have made a difference to my heart rhythm. And already feel more at ease and remain positive. Take care to.

[Fullofheart]

Hi grasshopper. I'm 48 and was diagnosed with mild heart faure couple years ago which is a result of long term uncontrolled AF. I am in sinus rhythm currently for the first time in 20 years. Im waiting for MRI results which I'm hoping will show that this has improved ejection fraction.I had been due to start heart failure meds before that positive development.

I can understand how you feel as it was a really daunting and worrying time for me, trying to absorb the news about heart failure.

You don't say if you have other conditions or how severe your HF is so we might be on very different paths but I'm wishing you well and hoping you are having good guidance and treatment from a cardiac team. There is lots of support and potentially many treatment options out there but I find you have to be very proactive.

I tend to hold in mind that my health is more important to me than anyone else so I have to be my own advocate and ask questions/ politely push for information if it isn't forthcoming. Not always easy if you're feeling fragile or health compromised. But, does tend to work when I have the energy for it.

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Fullofheart]

Hello Fullofheart, my condition at present is injection fraction of 35% normal heart wall thickness and a enlarged heart and inpaired pumping function and frequently ectopic beats. I also have long term depression and chronic insomnia and OCD none of which is related to my diagnosis my meds keep my stable and I've learnt too be more Optimistic in life we play the hand we are delt. Thank you for your insight and words of encouragement. Take care.

[Fullofheart]

That sounds very similar to me grasshopper. EF between 35 and 45. Depending on what test they went with. Enlarged heart from AF. Pump function impared. I have underactive thyroid and some other stuff going on too.But doing good. Working full time. Keeping as fit as I can... much easier since being in normal rhythm. But not like I used to manage.

Keep positive. Your cardiologist is your gateway to treatment options that can, hopefully, improve your quality of life.

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Fullofheart]

Hello, Fulloheart good to hear that from yourself, yes it's a roller coaster of a ride. Lot to learn, load of information to absorb. And a great, lesson to never give in take the positive things and not too dwell on downsides. Yeah I am going become best friends with Cardiology team. Strength in numbers.Best wishes

[Fullofheart in reply to Grasshopper1976]

That's it grasshopper. I'm on first name terms with my cardiologist. 😂

[Grasshopper1976 in reply to Fullofheart]

Yeah I like your situation. My Cardiologist is a very nice man, very helpful and knowledgeable and honest. Just the person I need inmy corner. We have too always make sure we're fully aware and informed throughout our care of any changes to our health, treatments and test.Thank you

Best wishes.