looking for some advice please

[Cheesestring]

I found out not long ago that I had a couple of heart problems..yesterday I was told I had heart failure and was diagnosed with af aortic stenosis left branch bundle block and angina..my head is in a whirl at the moment I just don’t know what to do..I have been on medication for a while now but I can’t understand why it’s gone worse as I have take my medication as told to do ..do I try and change my diet? Is there anything I can do ? How do I tell my family? Please can anyone give me some advice..

[Happyrosie]

as far as your lifestyle is concerned, there is lots of advice on the BHF website. Some advice on the NHS website too.

A similar question came up a few hours ago, heading “New Diagnosis of HF”. I suggest you read the answers to that post, too.

But I’m surprised you were not given any advice along with your diagnosis? Perhaps you were too shocked to take it in! My sympathies! When you next see a medic, take someone with you to make notes, and ensure you’ve written down all your queries in advance.

[Cheesestring in reply to Happyrosie]

I have only just joined and your right I didn’t look at other posts.. I wanted a bit of help from someone who might understand what I was going through.. you suggested I take someone with me next time .. sometimes it’s not possible for people to do that.. my husband has just had heart attack and died .. I’m frightened of telling my daughters as I know how bad they will take it with their father just passing recently and I have nobody else to ask to come with me…guess I should take time off and try and work things out for myself..sorry if I have bothered you ..

[RufusScamp in reply to Cheesestring]

First, you are not a bother. I know, and lots of others know just how you feel. I was diagnosed with severe heart failure and LBBB at 69 quite out of the blue. Five years, a lot of meds and a pacemaker, and I'm still coping ok.

I am so sorry to hear about your husband - the shock may have affected your heart a bit? I understand why you are reluctant to tell your daughters, but would they be more upset to know that you didn't tell them about your problems? It would be so much better for you to have at least one of them with you.

There is plenty of advice on diet with recipes on the BHF website, and recommendations for exercise, which is also a good thing, even just walking a bit each day.

You are not alone on here, ask if there's anything else we can say to support you.

[Cheesestring in reply to RufusScamp]

hi ..thank you so much for your caring message I do appreciate what you have just wrote and yes you are right I should tell my daughters they would be so upset if they knew I was withholding this from them,I guess I needed someone to tell me to tell them.. I just didn’t know what to do for the best my head isn’t working right from the worry of everything at the moment..I will tell them first chance I get tomorrow..God bless you and thank you again.

[sandandkev in reply to Cheesestring]

Hi my husband died 2 yrs ago now but last year I had AF,consequently I now have heart disease,angina and large hole in heart but I have a friend that comes with me to appointments incase I forget stuff,I too don't want to tell my children as don't want them to worry that I too am going to die soon, I have told them that have heart disease and hole in heart, I don't tell them that I'm scared sometimes as know they won't cope,but being positive- I've sorted out my funeral and written letters to them, as I just don't know!! It's definitely harder on your own x

[Still_Breathing]

When I was diagnosed with my heart problems I didn't get the full picture until a few months later when I got to see the heart consultant. He gave me 3 to 5 years which came as a shock, however he said we can fix you.

You cannot do anything with your diet or exercise it is a genetic problem not a lifestyle issue, however changing your diet and exercise regime does help your overall health.

As for telling your family that is of course your business but as you have mentioned it, I would strongly advise you to tell them what's going on and be completely honest with them.

They will want to help you and if they know what you know they probably will still worry but not as much by guessing what's going on.

Good luck

[Jedi14]

There is no point hiding it from your family. The way things are developing for you, on the horizon, you may well need family backup as well as hospitalisation.

You will just have to "break the ice." improvise a way to communicate with family, ask them if they would accompany you to an appointment etc.

[Deejay62]

Hello and welcome. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the recent loss of your husband, my condolences to you.

Firstly you need to find out what your Ejection Fraction is (EF) because a normal EF is 50 and above.

I was first diagnosed 21 yrs ago my EF was 43% and I thought it was all over for me. 5yrs ago it went to 10% and with a change of meds and device it’s now 23%. I don’t know much about your illnesses as I have dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias causing mine, which is progressive.

I’m sure once you see the cardiologist they will tell you how they intend to help you. Just keep taking your meds, eat well and do some walking to keep your heart pumping, even if it’s up and down indoors. I hope it won’t be long before you hear from them, and please try and take someone with you to these appointments. I use to go on my own and my concerns were never mentioned since taking one of my daughters I notice a change for the better. I use to blank out most of what was said.

All the best and let us know how you get on.

Don’t forget if you’re worried to contact the BHF nurses.

[Alicant]

it’s all very unnerving..I want told and without pestering and trying to make phone calls no one would tell me..feel so much for you ..I get depressed about it all..

[Bikafella]

You should have been already referred to a Cardiologist for advice and treatment plan. If nit, then get that arranged immediately.