Cardiomyopathy and AF

My husband has cardiomyopthy and AF. He had had many procedures and fitted with a pacemaker/defibrillator in March. He has since gone downhill and losing weight and not eating. They are tweaking his meds and another possible ablation. His mental health is suffering. As a wife looking on I find I am helpless and struggling with the life changes we are faced with. He is 68 and I am 63. Just wanted to be part of a community.

[Mirador19]

I am sure you will find all the support you need on this website. I personally cannot help you with the issues for you husband but i do understand about the life changes you are facing.

Joan.

[Hidden in reply to Mirador19]

Thank you I appreciate your response. I can only think of today and no further forward at the moment.

[SaxmanAD]

Hi & thanks for sharing your post. I along with others have been in a similar situation. Mentally struggling was a big issue and fighting my limitations. I hope your Husband finds some positivity & today I will pray for you both🙏. One little step forward a day.

[Hidden in reply to SaxmanAD]

Thank you 😊

[Deejay62]

Hi I have dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and Afib.

I’ve only had Afib for 6 yrs. it can be a struggle. My AF is persistent, I don’t know what his one is doing. Maybe thats why he’s finding it difficult because when your heart is going off constantly it’s hard to eat, sometimes certain foods can make it worse. I hope by his meds being tweaked he can get back to feeling better and eating once more and if he needs another ablation they will offer it to him.

Just keep supporting him and be there for him. Hopefully they will get him back to where his health will improve.

All the best.

[Hidden in reply to Deejay62]

Thank you so much for your message. It has really helped. He has another ablation booked for 9 August. Fingers crossed it will help. Wishing you all the very best too.

[MDROGER]

hi there sorry to hear about your struggles, I had a replacement aortic valve, followed by a pacemaker fitted a year ago, I am 75. Anyway, basically I had to sit myself down for a talk as I realised that life had changed. I realised that I would not be ably to do what I had been doing before. But it is not the end, I have just slowed down taking my time, and there are things I simply can’t do now, but I get some help if that is the case.

I do hope that you find your way through this very trying time, not easy but with encouragement life can be great.

[Hidden in reply to MDROGER]

Thank you for your lovely message. It has really helped. I read the responses to my husband and it does give him hope. All the best to you.

[Shar28]

It’s hard being the partner of someone who is affected by heart issues! Well, it’s it’s hard for both of you but in different ways. As the wife of someone who has Dilated Cardiomyopathy and needed surgery to replace his aortic valve with a mechanical one I have some experience of what you’re going through.

Pleas don’t think that you can’t ask for help for yourself, because you can. In fact, it’s super-important to look after yourself well. I found chatting with the BHF nurses and the Cardiomyopathy UK nurses (depending on my questions) was really helpful. They are so well informed and explain things simply but without talking down to you. They're also very supportive, helping you deal with emotions etc.

Counselling can also be helpful. Your GP should be able to point you in the right direction for this.

In my experience, this forum is full of lovely people who will support you when you just want a rant, a cry, to be cheered up or to share your husband’s progress with.

Best with to both of you.

[Hidden in reply to Shar28]

Thank you for your lovely response. It is so hard looking on and knowing you can't do anything to help. He has another ablation booked for this Friday to try and ease the erratic heartbeat . You feel so alone at times. Our heart team at the hospital are very good but it was Health in Mind that helped out with other resources to help with emotional support. We tend to take each day as it comes at the moment. Wishing you all the best.