Scared and Depressed

[babigirl28]

I am a 42 yr old female who was diagnosed with post partum CM 3 days after giving birth to my daughter in June 2008.  I was placed in ICU and downgraded for a total of 11 days in the hospital.  Upon being admitted, I had an EF of 5% and upon discharge it increased to 10%.  It's been a little over a year and my EF has only improved to about 20-25%.  My  cardio doc is now suggesting and ICD implant due to VF/VT.  Oh I forgot to mention I am wearing an external defribulator to this very day.  My concern is getting the surgery and what can be done to help increase my EF.  From What I understand the ICD  helps to safe guard me from sudden cardiac arrest  by shocking the heart back into it's proper rythym but that's it.  I am feeling real down and depressed about my condition and really don't know what to say.  My other concern is my doctor does not feel that I am a candidate for a heart transplant as of yet. This will only be determined if my heart functiong begins to decline further.  Hello how much decline needs to happen.  Any suggestions or encouraging words will be appreciated.


This discussion is related to Re: Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.