dobutamine in treating cardiomyopathy

  I have dilatd cardiomyopathy, adn went into failure in NOv. 97. At that time I stayed on Primacor infusions for 4 months and then was sent home on dobutamine infusions for 5 days a week, 12 hrs at a time. I have been on this since Mar. 98.I function rather well with these infusions and my EF is about 30% when infusing. Without these infusions I get in respiratory difficulty and ;ife isn't worth living. I have been told I would not be a good candidate for a transplant since I also have GI problems. I want to know if there is any long term use history on dobutamine and if I'm on the right drug. Medicare won't pay for Primacor at home. My Doctor only says that he had a patient last 4 years on dobutamine. Joy R.

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

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Dear Joy
Long-term dobutamine use can make some patients with CHF feel better, but it does not make them live any longer. You have been on it quite a while and that makes me think you either do not really need it or you have been very lucky to survive this long. It sounds like you should be evaluated for a heart transplant - at a center that does heart transplants.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
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