Prognosis (Life Expectancy)

[dawn66]

Hello,  I am 41 years old and in 2006, I was diagnosed with NonIschemic Cardiomyopathy. My EF was 70%, in 1-08 it was 35% and in March of this year it was 20%.  I feel myself slipping fast now.  I had a defibulator put in on 3-20-8.  I am a widower and I have two small children both under 4 years old.  I am currently taking coreg 100mg, enalapril, furosemide and lasik,  I want to know how long i can expect to live, should i start getting my affairs in order, I cant get a straight answer out of my doctor, we are close and i can only assume he doesnt want to depress me.  He had told me that I have about 1 year or less to live as I am in stage III.  I can't find anything on the web to support his theory.  I do believe him, but I feel fine?  I don't understand why that is?  Should a dying person feel like they are dying?  I have trouble breathing sometimes.  I dont smoke/drink nothing.  I also was told i had lung cancer from enviromental causes, years of overseeing a construction site as a superintendant.  I was told I have noduales masses on both lungs.  severe lung damage. they said they could not consider a heart transplant because of my damaged lungs.  i just need help in someone directing me to a website or something so i can determine if i need to act now or what.  I am not scared of dying, i am scared i w/die unprepared for my children.  if you could find it in your heart to help my heart be put to ease, i would be forever greatful.  My mother died when she was 42 of CHF.  my mom always told me
          "Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin"

I thank you for your time in advance.

[Bon-Bon]

The peace of Jesus Christ come and be with you, right now, at this very moment.

I know what you said; but, what has your Father in Heaven said?
God wants you well Dawn.  Healing is the Will of God, according to Phillippians 2:13, God is at work in you right now, to will and to do His good pleasure.  Healing is at work in you.  Exodus 15:26 - ...for I am the LORD that healeth thee.  

Dawn, speak life into your body right now.  Use your mouth and say it, now.  Say it everyday at every turn.  Do not speak negative; nor, allow "any" negative to be spoken over you.  It is written in Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue...  Watch what you allow to be spoken into your life.  Watch what you speak over yourself; as well as, others.

Proverbs 4:22 - attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.  Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.  For they are life to those that find them, and health to all their flesh (KJV)

Isaiah 55:11 - The Word of God will accomplish what it was sent out to do.

Healing is greater than sickness.  

Dawn, you are a child of GOD, continue partaking of the life and healing energy in HIS WORD.  Continue feeding,  until it penetrates your spirit where it deposits that life and energy.  Do not give note to how you are "feeling" physically whether you feel better, worse, or same at any given moment or day.  Feelings can be fickled.  Feed on the WORD and don't stop.

As you know, GOD is able to use any doctor and / or medicine if HE so chooses; regardless, of their belief in the matter.  GOD will guide you, as well as, others in your healing processes.

Say: MY tongue makes me well.  I have what I say.  I say... The Lord is my Healer.  I say... He takes sickness away from me.  I say... no plague can come nigh my dwelling.  I say... He healeth all my diseases.  What I confess, I possess.  My words make me well.  There is healing power in my words, for they are God's Words.  I speak health to every muscle, tissue, fiber and cell in my body.  I release God's healing power with my words into my whole body.  My body has no choice but to respond to the healing in the WORD of GOD that is being absorbed into me now.  Healing is mine!  Bought and paid for by the blood and the authourity of JESUS CHRIST... my LORD... my SAVIOR!  

Dawn, I stand in agreement with you, in prayer, for your total and complete healing in the name of our CHRIST JESUS.  

GOD's WILL be done.  

[Brooke_38]

The prognosis for heart transplant patients following the  procedure has greatly increased over the past 20 years, and as of Aug. 11, 2006, the survival rates were as follows:

1 year: 86.1% (males), 83.9% (females)
3 years: 78.3% (males), 74.9% (females)
5 years: 71.2% (males), 66.9% (females)



As of the end of 2007, Tony Huesman is the world's longest living heart transplant patient, having survived for 29 years with a transplanted heart.

I hope this sheds some light for you:) Have you discussed your wieght concerns with your Dr?

[jackie2002]

I had a heart transplant in Jan. 02.  I was 61 and had developed myopathy CHF.  I have
done FINE, and would do it again tomorrow.  I do have a question, however, as to the
longevity of a transplant patient.

Today I heard of a 58 yr. old man who died in his sleep.  He had received his heart transplant two months before me.  This has caused concern and I can find nothing on the internet for information on longevity.  As I said the only bad effect I have had from the transplant is weight gain.  I wore a 12-14 before surgery now I am in a 18-20.  It seems I
cannot lose no matter what I do.

thanks

[dawn66]

Thank you for your encouraging words......much appreciated.  thank you!! you made me feel better.  I am glad to hear your father is hanging in there . i am off to work, i wish you well sweetheart.......many thanks and much luv!!

[ireneo]

The doctor can't/won't give you a longevity number because he doesn't know for sure. My Dad was diagnosed as being in end stage heart failure and was put on hospice. The doctor and hospice nurse monitored him, tweaked his meds so he could be as comfortable as possible and yes, he did have an ICD in his chest. But that's been 1 1/2 years ago. He's off hospice care, his ICD battery was running down and they decided to replace it with a pacemaker instead. Strangely enough he hasn't had a bad v-tach or v-fib episode for ages now. He's on Amiodarone plus a host of other meds. He's not strong but he's still with us. And he's almost 80 years old.

So you see it can go either way - short term or long term. Each person is different and you have relative youth on your side. Take care and here's wishing you many years and many memories to come.

[dawn66]

GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.  I WILL TRUST THE LORD WILL SEE ME THROUGH.......THANKS FOR THE KINDNESS......THAT AS WELL IS APPRECIATED.......DAWN

[Sweetwaterguy]

You are indeed in a difficult situation.  I can't address your longevity.  However, everyone regardless of age or health needs to have their affairs in order, especially when there are children involved.  
   With regard to a transplant, my daughter (age 38) had a successful kidney/pancreas transplant two months ago.  She is now back to work.  I realize yours is a different situation, but I believe heart/lung transplants have been performed successfully.  Perhaps there is someone on this forum who has knowledge or experience and could offer further advice.  
   Your comments from your mother are certainly well taken and good advice for us all.