Worried about my cousin! Shes only 34!

[lvnmyboys]

My cousin is 34 years old and has cardiomyopothy. She has had this for 15 years and it only seems to be getting worse. Im worried about her and dont have the answers she needs or wants to hear. She lately has been saying she feels she isnt going to live much longer, and shes never said that before. She was crying. She has dialated cardiomyopothy and has a pace maker. She is on Coreg, and some other meds. Every month around her period time, she says its SO much worse, her symptoms anyways. She cant get out of bed, weak, VERY fatigued, short of breath...ect. She said she feels like shes 80 years old! Does this mean she is getting worse? How long can someone live with this??

[noheart4me]

I can't speak for her, but I have known when I have progressed to "end stage".  i experience a functional change in terms of fatigue and shortness of breath, etc.  The first time I ended up on an LVAD and at present I don't know what will happen but I believe I am dying.  She may intuitively know her disease is progressing and that is why she is saying that.  As to how long someone can live with this?  Years. Although if she is basically confined to bed, perhaps months.  Her doctor should know if she is near the end. Do not give up hope.  Do listen to her she probably is scared and needs to talk about it.  Do not dismiss her feelings just validate her.  I am so sorry for you both,
sending prayers and good vibes,
Alyce

[brittarkansas]

I am a 26 year old female with CHF.   I am not in the same situation (I don't think).  I do know that I feel the same as she does.  When my time of the month is here it is the worst.  I have not found much information about others with these problems.  I am very encouraged to find someone else that feels the same.  I think she will too!  As far as long term I am new to this too, I just take it a day at a time.  Please post back, hopefully we can help each other through this.