Decrease in EF for Cardiomyopathy

Firstly let me say what a wonderful site this is - and my thoughts are with all of you going through this sort of event.

My wife was diagnosed around 10 months ago with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.  It was found by accident really as she was undergoing surgery for cancer and her heart rate fell through the floor while in hospital.  As a result, she was admitted to the Cardiac Unit and her EF was 30-35%.  Another echocardiogram was done in March this year which showed a significant improvement to an EF of 50-55%.  This attributed to medications of Trictace (12mg) and Dilatrend (13mg).  Due to developing cough, the Dilatrend was changed to Adacain (26mg).

Today however we find that her echocardiogram was 40-45%.  A notable decrease.  In addition, she cannot undergo any further surgery (she needs shoulder surgery to remove some calcium build-up and a small lump).  Disappointing and I was wondering if this downtrend in EF is 'normal' or 'unusual'.

Thank you all for your time and we both wish you all the best of wishes.

[dolfnlvr]

I wish I had an answer for you as I know you are having a very difficult time.  I'm not sure that anyone on this forum will have the answer you are looking for, as most of us are dealing with heart rhythm disorders moreso than heart disease or heart abnormalities.  I would suggest that you post this question on the Heart Disease forum, and perhaps even the expert forum dedicated to heart disease.  The expert forums are manned by certified physicians/cardiologists who could clearly answer your questions and offer some suggestions for where to go from here.

Please know that our thoughts are with you and your wife as you travel through this particularly difficult phase of your lives.