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21 with CHF
I've just been recently dianosed with CHF. Spent almost 2 weeks in the hospital. Was on the ventilator for four days. And now i just don't really know what to do. I mean it was hard enough to try and figure out how i got CHF. They believe i had an infection from the miscarriage i had a week prior to the hospital visit. When i was discarged from the hospital my heart was only working 22%. I mean I'm 21 i just got married. Has anyone had this for a long period of time? I've seen that only half of the people dianosed die within 5 years. I mean i'm scared to death nothing could have prepared me for this..
I was 20 and in college when diagnosed with CHF. It is no picnic. The physical strain is only dwarfed by the psychological impact it has had on me. I have always been a healthy, active, and positive type person. This diagnoses was a shock to me and my family.
The doctors are important. Find one you can trust and easily communicate with as you get older. I am 34 years old now and my EF has dropped to 28%. I am still as active as I can be, but things do get stressful. I have good days and bad days, the body seems to ebb and flow. Take your medicine religously and monitor your diet. Your family is there for you, but I understand not wanting to ALWAYS be a burden. My wife is a wonderful partner. Be strong. CHF isn't going to take me out if I can help it.
The doctors are important. Find one you can trust and easily communicate with as you get older. I am 34 years old now and my EF has dropped to 28%. I am still as active as I can be, but things do get stressful. I have good days and bad days, the body seems to ebb and flow. Take your medicine religously and monitor your diet. Your family is there for you, but I understand not wanting to ALWAYS be a burden. My wife is a wonderful partner. Be strong. CHF isn't going to take me out if I can help it.
I am a 27 year old female who was diagnosed at age 20 with chf. The most important thing I found was finding a good knowledgeable doctor. The proper doc can improve your odds dramatically. If you want to ask me specific questions feel free to start a private chat.
I am assuming that since you know what your EF is, then you have already had an Echo Cardiogram.
Congestive Heart Failure, simply put, means that your heart isn't moving enough blood to keep the swelling, or fluid buildup at bay. It does not neccessarily mean that your heart is going to "just quit beating."
Your first step is find a good cardiologist who can tell you what to do to improve your situation. I've had CHF for about 4 1/2 years and my EF has improved to about 30% with the use of diurectics, and Coreg. My CHF was caused by a super virus, and also caused stage 5 kidney failure, however, my kidneys were ill to begin with, it just took CHF to push them over the edge of no return. I now receive dialysis 6 days a week, and have a BiV-ICD, which keeps my heart beating at a normal level, and doesn't allow it to speed up, or slow down to dangerous levels.
Be prepared to be put on a strict diet, and if you smoke or drink, be prepared to give it up. Salt is your worst enemy now, along with fatty foods.
So to recap, see a cardiologist, get the proper medication, stick to the diet they give you, and no smoking or drinking. It will take some time to improve, but following the regimine should improve your situation drastically.
CHF in itself won't kill you, but unmanaged symptoms can, so it's imperative to listen to your doctor. If he offers you a defibulator, don't sit on the idea for too long, go ahead and have it placed. It can give you peace of mind, and it can help your situation greatly, but be prepared to spend six weeks waiting for it to heal into place, and taking it easy. No lifting over 10 pounds, no pushing or pulling motion, no lifting the arm above your head, etc. It sounds like a lot, but it's worth it.
I hope the best for you.....
Congestive Heart Failure, simply put, means that your heart isn't moving enough blood to keep the swelling, or fluid buildup at bay. It does not neccessarily mean that your heart is going to "just quit beating."
Your first step is find a good cardiologist who can tell you what to do to improve your situation. I've had CHF for about 4 1/2 years and my EF has improved to about 30% with the use of diurectics, and Coreg. My CHF was caused by a super virus, and also caused stage 5 kidney failure, however, my kidneys were ill to begin with, it just took CHF to push them over the edge of no return. I now receive dialysis 6 days a week, and have a BiV-ICD, which keeps my heart beating at a normal level, and doesn't allow it to speed up, or slow down to dangerous levels.
Be prepared to be put on a strict diet, and if you smoke or drink, be prepared to give it up. Salt is your worst enemy now, along with fatty foods.
So to recap, see a cardiologist, get the proper medication, stick to the diet they give you, and no smoking or drinking. It will take some time to improve, but following the regimine should improve your situation drastically.
CHF in itself won't kill you, but unmanaged symptoms can, so it's imperative to listen to your doctor. If he offers you a defibulator, don't sit on the idea for too long, go ahead and have it placed. It can give you peace of mind, and it can help your situation greatly, but be prepared to spend six weeks waiting for it to heal into place, and taking it easy. No lifting over 10 pounds, no pushing or pulling motion, no lifting the arm above your head, etc. It sounds like a lot, but it's worth it.
I hope the best for you.....
Hey dont be so upsetyou also can get an echo test and what I feel is you MAY have hole in your heart which is by birth and needs to be closed N let me clear I am not a doctor. So ask your cardiologist what else tests are required for you. God bless take care.
Dear Leanna, I am much older, but I can advise you to see a cardiologist who specializes in CHF...the right medication will get you on the path to improving your EF. And, it really is more important how you feel than the number. But, again medication is the key. You might qualify for a pacemaker/defibrillator too. Find a good doctor, and come back here and ask questions. God Bless. annette
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