Congest heart failure

[Rohming]

I am a septuple bypass patient (April 2006), with CHF. I have an ICD/pacemaker and am 54 (diabetic). My EF is 20%.  I have typical CHF problems but they are currently controlled by diuretics and diet. I do cardiac rehab 3x a week and take my medications everyday.   I am disabled from my work of 25years (as a reserach scientist).  I am considered a NYHA class 2 but was a class 3 up until a few months ago.

I have had many echocardiograms and recently a heart cat.  My grafts are clear and my echo hasnt changed in 2 years.
Just last week I had a dysynchronous echo to evlaue me for a biventricular wires.  Currently  have 2 wires on my right side of theh heart and they are considering a third wire on the left.  But I was told last Thursday they want to wait.

I am interested o your thoughts on people of my type and their ability to work.  I do cardiac rehab on treadmill 12min at 2mph, Schwinn bike for 10min and 8 min on treadmill at 2mph. At the end my dypsnea is between 2 to 3 , with 5 beign the worst. Some other dat. my bp is 90-100/60, HBAIC is 6.8, some renal impairment creatine between 1.4 to 1.6.  Total cholesterol 77, HDL 57, LDL about 20, triglycerides 80.   I dont get to speak with many 7 graft patients to compare experiences.  It took me 20+years to  get to the heart attack so I dont expect miracles. It is a miracle I am alive.  My cardiologist  specializes in CHF (in the CARE Group)  and he does heart pumps and transplants at the Indiana Heart Institue in Indianapolis.
I know every patient is unqiue.  I was a research scientist, Ph.D chemist) for 25 years and and am now on disability.
In October it will be decided by my empoyers insurance company whether I am quailifed to work again (though not at my emploer). If they tell me I am not disabled I will take retirement and decide if I could work again otherwise I stay on disability withthe employer.

I am  interested in your thoughts about patients of my overal ltype.  Hoestly I am doing my best to improve but CHF is tough and I have been through many periods of edema.  I soent 5 days in April '08 where the gave me Lasix and Naturecore.  Ultimately I lost about 40lbs of fluids over 3 to 4 weeks.  But as you kow CHF is tough.

Ultimately I am trying t think ..can I ever work again even if it was ina library/book store doing something with minimal
physica activity.

Thankyou
Rohming

















I have lsot about 90 to 100 lbs since my heart attack/pypass.

I was curious to know your thoughts on a) do people with an 20% EF and but are improving gradually via rehab . i.e. treadmill. (Currently I am at 2mph on the treadmill for 12min, followed by the Scwin bike for 10min, and again the treadmill for 8 min at 2mph.  After these 30minutes I am pretty muched exhausted.  My dypsnea (sp?) is about 2 to 3 on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being the worst situation).  After 30min I have pretty much out of breath.)....seem likely to work again..I am a research chemist  (Ph.D) by training

b) any thoughts about long term prognosis for a 7 graft patient who is doing the right diet, medications and trying to improve in exercise.  I dont get to converse with many 7 graft patients.

My cardiologist here in Indianapolis is a CHF soecialist who specializes in heart pumps and transplants,
And he is apart of a large cardiology group (CARE group) and they are apart of the Indiana Heart Institute.

It took me 20+ years to get to the heart attack situation.  Some other dat apoints by blood pressure is about 90-100 over 60.  My HBA1C is latest at 6.8   My total choloesterol is 78,  LDL 57 or so and my HDL about 20

Your comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated..
My triglycerides is about 78.

[Sirenet]

Hello, I'm Steve. I am sorry to hear of your condition, but I truly admire your courage. I hear the tested inner strength and reserve in your post. As Connie mentioned, we are not Drs here, however we can offer one another invaluable support.
I myself, wound up in hosp late Dec 2007. Went in with severe ab pain ( needed gall bladder removed) and I came out with DCM and a good case of CHF.  I was devistated. Stayed healthy all my life.  (save from banging into things with my a car, lol - serious head-on MVA in 1999).
  I am in the continuous phase of trying to figure it all out. Had ICD implanted  4/24/08. High risk for SCD due to ventricular tach , low EF (up from 15-20 to 25, with meds), and DCM (left vent severely enlarged 6.94 cm).
  One thing I have tried to accept is thatthis is my reality. All the why's, how come, etc, don't matter. This is what I have been dealt, what am I going to do to handle it.
You are an obviously intelligent person, possessing insight and courage. There is little I can say of true medical value. However, I offer you support. I certainly hope that you are found to be covered as fully disabled, and if you chose to work again, it be of your choice. Best of recovery to you, Steve

[Momto3]

Hi Rohming,

I'm not sure if you are aware, but this particular forum is not one of the expert forums (where doctors respond to posts).  If you like, you can try posting on one of the "expert" forums.  The links for the cardiologists are located on the right hand side of the screen.  Or, you can find ALL of the expert forums by clicking on the "forums" link at the top of this page.

I wanted to stop by and say how much I admire how hard you work at staying healthy.  Your story is inspiring!!  My dad had CABGx4 and he has a similar set of circumstances relative to CHF and EF.  About 1 1/2 years ago, the doctor added the 3rd lead to his pacemaker/ICD and early indications are that it has helped to improve his cardiac function (EF).

Again, kudos to you for your commitment to getting healthier!  Best of luck on your plans to return to work.

Connie