Heart Failure?

[lakeguy]

Hi, I am new to this forum.  I am 57 and have had type 1 diabetes for 42 years. I now have many of the long term complications.  The one that is most difficult is heart failure, specifically diastolic heart failure.  I would like to communicate with others who are dealing with this to see if they experience the same issues that I do.  I was diagnosed with this heart condition 5 years ago, and have had a triple bypass 2 years ago.  The problems result from the interaction of the heart condition with my diabetes. Your response would be greatly appreciated.

[JDRF-Team-ES]

I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering with this complication of diabetes.  I also have had Type I for 39 years, but as of yet do not have this complication.  I know that many others read this forum and I urge anyone suffering from this condition to write in and let us know how you are doing.  It really does help to hear fromm others who are having similar experiences.  We all know how devastating the complications from Diabetes can be and all we can hope for is support from others and a cure... very soon!

The good news is that there are so many new procedures for dealing with heart disease. I hope that they have been able to help you maintain the best quality of life possible.  Good luck and I hope others will respond to your request.
es

[Larry68]

I am also a 40+ year type 1 and suffering cardiovascular problems. I am fortunate that my CAD has not yet caused the heart complications you describe and I am sorry to hear of your continuing difficulties. I would expect that you are already on the common drug therapies, and with a triple bypass you have certainly been through the invasive treatments as well.
I have up to 80% blockage in the arteries to my heart and I am doing all I can to avoid invasive procedures. I am currently receiving treatment by EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) at UNC Heart Center for angina, which in my case, painless (due to neuropathy) but resulting in extreme exhaustion after mild exercise. The results have been astonishing in improving the blood flow to my heart, with elimination of the angina after only the first 2 weeks. Blood flow in my legs is improved, as well (peripheral vascular disease).
It is my understanding that this treatment is used for patients who have had angioplasty, stints and bypass to augment flow to the heart, and that studies are now underway on it

[lakeguy]

Thank you Larry for your reply.  I have not heard of EECP, and I will certainly research it and review it with my cardiologist.  You are correct in assuming that I use a regimen of drugs to treat my heart failure, including lots of nitro throughout the day.  I still exercise daily, but if I try to stretch it, my symptoms are appear, and my blood sugar spikes as a result of the stress on the heart ( or so I think).  It is not uncommon in these circumstances to have my blood sugar go into the 400's.  Do you have that blood sugar spike occur?  I am happy to hear that EECP works for you, and continued good luck with it...... Ted

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Hi Lakeguy,
While I don't have experience with or good references for your condition, I do have a recommendation for another JDRF site where you can get personal one-on-one support and advice rather quickly and often with someone in your general geographic location.

If you visit the JDRF website, www.jdrf.org and click on the link (usually in the middle "column") called something like "New to Diabetes? You're Not Alone" You'll be connected to JDRF's Online Diabetes Support Team (which is *not* just for newly dx'd folks, but any of us who want a more personal, individual interaction that just isn't possible in our fabulous - but very public - forum.  Those folks, like us, are not physicians, but their specialty is working 1 on 1 with folks with special needs.  They try to match folks with others who are "like them" (parents of teens with other parents of teens, folks with similar complications/issues, etc.).  They also search for folks in the same region in case the individuals want to talk by phone or perhaps get together.

Let 'em know you were referred from here & I'm sure you'll get a warm welcome.  Actually, I'm sure you'll get a warm welcome even if you don't mention us ;-)

Take good care of you,
LRS