Distressed

[fl79eh74me]

I am 28 years old and I have been diagnosed with CHF.  My last echo showed an ef of 37.  I have since been placed on Coreg, Avapro, Nitroquick, Lasix, Potassium, Imdur and Lisinapril.  My angiogram was normal and as of today I have not had any heart attacks.  I try to walk to improve my condition, but, I am usually too short of breath to take a shower.  I had a pacemaker implanted when I was 26 because my heart rate was dropping to 21 bpm.  I am very concerned that my days are numbered.  What questions should I be asking my physician?

Distressed

[lulama]

Please check current posts by zyngle

[often]

How long have you been on the meds?  The Coreg is notorious for causing fatigue while you titrate to target dosage.  My doctor worked closely with me and titrated it slowly so that I would have some energy.

Are you avoiding sodium...?  That is critical.  You should consume at the most 2000mg per day.  That pretty much eliminates pre-packaged foods, fast foods, etc.  Read labels, paying attention to servings per pkg.

I was diagnosed with 10-13% ef....could barely make it 10 feet..today my heart is normal size, normal function.  I take my meds, watch my sodium, and try to get some exercise daily...

Talk to your doc...let him know your concerns...if he is any good he should be able to advise you...but there are a lot of us out here, many worse off than you...and we are having normal lives.

[ohiofill]

I'M ALSO 28 AND I HAD A VIRUS ATTACK MY HEART AND I WAS AT 25% NOW WITH MEDICATION AND 7 MONTHS LATER MINE IS BACK UP TO 45%. I JUST STARTED ALSO TAKING COQ10 BECAUSE I HAVE READ ABOUT SOME MANY GOOD THINGS SO CHECK INTO IT.

[momtofourboys]

I ma so sorry that you aregoing through this. I took care of a 32 year old with CHF  hers was some kind of inheriated one. any ways she live an okay life. she had to make sure she tool her meds and wre followed by a doctor on a regualr basis.
In my opinion, I would come out and ask the doctor WHAT CAN I EXPECT MY LIFE TO BE LIKE FROM NOW ON.
I know it is easier said then done. trust me. Ihad to do that not for me but for my new born that has several issues with his heart. I asked him IS HE GOING TO DIE ON ME. no i couoldn't hold back the tears and the doctor explain to me everything to expect. knowing what to expect helped out so very much it was hard to ask but it is harder not knowing wither.
GOOD LUCK and I hope you can get some answers
Michelle