From intensive care to a fitness class

[dg2024]

Today is a milestone day. I've just come back from a fitness class. To many no big deal. To me, it brings a tear to my eye.Last may, I had to go to hospital by ambulance. Irregular heartbeats confirmed by a cardiologist. I was in intensive care for 2 nights under observation. I lost 4 kgs. I was stabilised and moved to the general ward where I spent 6 more nights. Nurses rushed in at times to wake me up when my pulse was irregular or too slow. "He's a awake I'm talking with him" they'd report to the monitoring station. Scary. My ejection fraction had dropped to 25%. I don't drink, smoke and am a life long sportsman. Totally perplexing. But it seems to be myocarditis.

After getting home, my journey back to health was just beginning. Of course, I was on all the heart failure medication. 5 weeks later, my ejection fraction was 45%. 4 months later 49%. But the doctor told me I had a blood clot in my heart. So I had to take injections and tablets to thin my blood.

All that was 5 months ago. Blood clot gone. I feel well, normal. I am attending rehab and have even restarted my fitness at the local gym. I'm so grateful to all the staff that have helped me get better.

My message here....even when things look dark as they did for me when I had 25% ejection fraction in intensive care, there is hope of recovery. The heart is incredibly resilient and it can recover. I just want to share this message of hope. Keep fighting, you can get better.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Well done and it really is a post to encourage hope and to keep going for those that are struggling thank you for taking the time to post with your experience and words of encouragement x

[Strawweddrain]

Wonderful post. So glad to hear this, it will encourage us all to strive on. Totally understand your joy at getting back to a fitness class. I’ve just finished cardio rehab and although it was only a few minutes on the treadmill or bike, it made me feel alive again, wishing you continued success in your recovery 💕

[PenelopePitstop-]

Thank you for your post. I ended up in the CCU for 3 weeks last month, couldn't take even a few steps without gasping for breath ( I am 50). Spent months trying to get answers after onset of breathlessness following thyroid removal. Finally told I have dilated cardiomyopathy 20% EF and needed referring for heart transplant! I'm on full heart meds and home 4 weeks ago and feeling so much better. I'm praying the meds work and my EF improves but all very scary and, like you, no obvious reason for it. Great to know how much you have improved and I wish you the best of luck.