First Post

[Aesculus]

Having found this group I am amazed how supportive it is! I had a 'heart event' ...still don't not what yet.. at the end of September after 3 'phone triages' with GP who was convinced my persistent cough was just a 'bad cold'..!!

A real appointment revealed it to be viral pneumonia and somehow this caused rapid oedema...I looked and felt like the Michelin Man walking through glue... I was admitted with a scribbled note from the GP which just said 'HF?'

After 2 nights in hospital I was sent home with Bisoprolol 2.5mg Bumetanide 1mg, Digoxin 62.5mg with a follow up echo (consultant was brilliant)..but not much else in terms of information, advice or support.. it is really scary as I now worry about any ache or pain....and sleeping with a dripping nose is challenging

I do too much research into everything but I have come to the conclusion that 'Dr Google' is a dangerous idiot offering unfiltered and often completely contradictory information, combined with journalists 'click bait' as 'fact' so I am incredibly grateful for the BHF phone line and this group...Perhaps in Jan when I see the Cardiologist I might just find out what is going on!

[RufusScamp]

Welcome to the group. It is very helpful, as is the website. Did you not get a discharge letter from the hospital?

I agree, Dr Google is not your friend!

[Aesculus in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks for the Welcome!

[RufusScamp in reply to Aesculus]

You're welcome. The site none of us wanted to be on, but we try to support each other.

[Redfloyd]

Dr Google should be struck off!!I do use the NHS and BHF though, I find that very helpful

[Anothernewbie in reply to Redfloyd]

Totally agree. Dr Google can be very ill advised. BHF - brilliant - NHS - very helpful.

[Asteroids]

I confess I’ve found out some useful stuff via Google, but you won’t get the real answers. My cardiologist isn’t the most informative, but over the last 5 years I’ve grown to understand my condition.

Use this forum to discuss how you’re ”feeling”, both physically and mentally. When you talk to your medical experts, they want to know what you’re feeling. It’s far more useful to them than anything else.

[Aesculus in reply to Asteroids]

Thanks Asteroids! Feelings range from 'Can some PLEASE tell me what I can /can't do?' e.g 'Can I take a headache tablet?' or 'Can I go out with friends?' to 'Can I still work?' to 'What IS that ache/pain that is (in fact) nowhere near my heart?..Is it referred pain?' Etc etc ...The BHF nurse helpline has reduced my stressing enormously and the help I have read here has been exceptional!

[Staffylover67 in reply to Aesculus]

I hope you are ok

I feel the same since my diagnosis ILVT. What can I do and can’t do, I’ve found the information is varied and a bit vague?

I’m slowly navigating my way with this diagnosis but still learning about it.

I’ve just joined here, Im hoping to find out a better understanding of this condition and read other posts on different conditions.

[TasteLessFood4Life]

Hope you are feeling better. It is strange that they let you go without giving an explanation about whats going on, but treating you nonetheless. Is that NHS? Maybe it is not that serious, hence why they havent discussed it further. Only speculating, but I would insist on answers.

[Staffylover67 in reply to TasteLessFood4Life]

Thank you..

Yes it’s nhs, have an appointment end of January,