All new to me so please be gentle 🙂Diagnosed 3 weeks ago after chest x Ray after attending A&E by ambulance due to breathlessness when lying down ... I don't seem as bad when sat/stood up ... aching pain in back and in-between shoulder blades most of the time ... waiting on consultant appointment to find out what is happening next ... what can I expect to happen next ???
Can I go back to work ???
Will it get worse quickly ???
That all sounds frightening and shocking. Were you given any medications to take when you left hospital?
If you can keep a diary of whatever symptoms you have - when, how long etc. include any changes you notice anywhere in your body and things like tiredness or changes in appetite. These may help the cardiologist work out what is underlying / causing the heart failure.
Look at Pumping Marvellous, Arrhythmia Alliance and British Heart Foundation for information about heart failure (everyone on here agrees it is a poor name heart inefficiency might be less frightening) rather than using a general search engine. Usually there are medicines that are used long-term to help the heart beat more efficiently which helps .
You may be advised to make some life style changes. Right now when it isn't known what is underlying your symptoms don't hesitate if you feel worse to ring 999 and go back into hospital. You don't say what your work is but unless it is highly physical you are likely to go back.
Thank you .... yes medication was given ... atorvastatin famotidine furosemide ramiprilI. i will start to keep a note of everything that occurs thanks again
These take a while to have their full impact and the body can take time to accept them and you can feel pretty lousy during this time. We kept our GP surgery up to date with my husband's symptoms using their online form and they picked up when my husband needed to go into hospital and make a referral to SDEC - same day emergency care. I drove him to the hospital and was admitted through this route. Saved going to A & E.
If you look at Related Posts you will find lots of other responses and thoughts.
Hi, I'm guessing if they've given you an initial diagnosis of Heart Failure based on an XRay, it's possible that you have fluid in your Lungs/Chest Cavity which is one of the causes.
See attached from the BHF.
bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
From my experience, next step will be appt with a Cardiologist, followed by an Echocardiagram or MRI which should enable a better diagnosis. They'll be looking at factors such as Ejection Fraction which is a measurement on how efficient your heart is working. If HF, probably referred to Heart Failure Team, who will determine best meds for you. Possible Cardio Rehab in time.
Everyone is different, but, most hospitals will follow the 4 pillars for HF treatment.
Going back to work depends on many factors, not least how you respond to the meds.
I had been complaining of mid back ache and breathlessness when lying down and had a chest xray referred by GP.. then ended up in a&e suffering chest pain and vomiting with blood ... chest xray clear from Gp referral and consultant had another chest x Ray done also clear sent home and was put done to acid reflux ... 24 hours later in the middle of night couldn't breath again... ambulance to A&E for more tests and another chest x Ray... same consultant then apologises for getting it wrong diagnosis and tells me fluid on x ray heart failure prescribed medication and now waiting for appointment with consultant and more tests no doubt
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