Cardiomyopathy

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Deb Copas on March 24, 2010 at 9:07am

Hi Carol,

I have cardiomyopathy, being diagnosed with it back in Aug of 2004. Heart disease runs in my family, my dad passed away at age 53 with it, and my oldest brother passed away at age 46, 11 months after having a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy. So needless to say, when I found out I had it, I immediately thought it was a death sentence for me. My cardiologist that I met in the hospital and is the same one I see today is just wonderful. They say my disease most likely stems from having the flu sometime in my life, and the virus attacked my heart. Looking back now, I do remember 15 yrs ago, having this "fluttering" in my chest but honestly I ignored it. So I believe I've had it at least that long. In Aug of 2005 I did have a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted due to my electrical system not working the way it should and being told I was a canidate for sudden cardiac death. Wow, have a Dr. tell you that!. It did take me a while to get use to having that in my chest, but today I look at it as my own personal paramedic with me 24/7 and looking out for me. As far as limitations, I guess the biggest thing is I get winded easily. I love playing outside with my grandson and there have been times we just throw a ball back and forth and after a bit, I need to sit down. There are also days when I come home from work, I do still work 40 hours a week, thank God! and I am just exhausted and ready to go to bed at 6pm....I think for me, I know my limits, I know when I need to take it easy and rest my body. I do take heart pills everyday and I know that will be for the rest of my life. I'm trying to do what I can to stay healthy and take care of myself. It would be nice to get more people to join this site and to discuss different issues. Looking forward to hearing from you. Deb

Permalink Reply by Carol Hampton on August 2, 2010 at 7:24pm

Hi Deb,

It has been a really long time since I was on this site and I just got your message. I will definately start checking it more often.

I enjoyed reading your message and definately can relate. I was diagnosed in 2007. So far I have done fairly well. I take Coreg CR and Micarditis. Those are the only meds my cardiologist has me one. I have not had to have a defibrillator yet. We thought last year I was going to have to have one but turned out after they did the heart cath my ejection fraction was better than they thought. I am getting ready to go back for my annual echocardiogram and I always get stressed about it.

I have started taking a host of supplments that are primarly for heart function and we will see if they are helping. I believe they are....I am feeling better and have more energy. I am having to try and lose weight (I am about 100 lbs overweight). I have lost about 35-40 lbs since last summer. I have start walking on the treadmill and I know that has helped my endurance.

I look forward to chatting with you again.

Have a wonderful day!
Carol

Deb Christian said:

Hi Carol,

I have cardiomyopathy, being diagnosed with it back in Aug of 2004. Heart disease runs in my family, my dad passed away at age 53 with it, and my oldest brother passed away at age 46, 11 months after having a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy. So needless to say, when I found out I had it, I immediately thought it was a death sentence for me. My cardiologist that I met in the hospital and is the same one I see today is just wonderful. They say my disease most likely stems from having the flu sometime in my life, and the virus attacked my heart. Looking back now, I do remember 15 yrs ago, having this "fluttering" in my chest but honestly I ignored it. So I believe I've had it at least that long. In Aug of 2005 I did have a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted due to my electrical system not working the way it should and being told I was a canidate for sudden cardiac death. Wow, have a Dr. tell you that!. It did take me a while to get use to having that in my chest, but today I look at it as my own personal paramedic with me 24/7 and looking out for me. As far as limitations, I guess the biggest thing is I get winded easily. I love playing outside with my grandson and there have been times we just throw a ball back and forth and after a bit, I need to sit down. There are also days when I come home from work, I do still work 40 hours a week, thank God! and I am just exhausted and ready to go to bed at 6pm....I think for me, I know my limits, I know when I need to take it easy and rest my body. I do take heart pills everyday and I know that will be for the rest of my life. I'm trying to do what I can to stay healthy and take care of myself. It would be nice to get more people to join this site and to discuss different issues. Looking forward to hearing from you. Deb