Louise's Journal

Been a while since I was on here. Turns out not significant deterioration in leaky valve but still had worsening symptoms esp breathlessness, coughing and worsening swelling in legs and feet. Moved to private cardiologist who did many tests very quickly and found extra fluid in my heart and lungs. Now on aspirin, diuretic, betablockers, ace inhibitor and nitrolingual spray if needed. Also was anaemic too. My heart drug concoction seems to be working but unfortunately my body reacted to iron injection causing significant swelling in lymph nodes. Hoping it goes down soon but sent me to hospital last week. Some days harder to remain upbeat and a few wee teary moments especially when new unrelated things happen (query gallbladder issues too? :( am slim, normally fit and very healthy, but feels like my body is not recognising the v low blood pressure, cholesterol and weight and thinks it's the opposite! Not helped at all today by pharmacist treating me as if I had weeks to live rather than being treated for minor heart failure with a good predicted outcome. Likely cause probably a virus attacking heart. How do others get through these hard or confronting times? I try to stay strong for my sons but do have some moments (usually in private). Positive getting people to do jobs round the house is good! My dr is hopeful it won't be long term but can you reverse minor heart failure?

Have good and not so good days. Some days feel quite "normalish" and others huge fatigue and exhaustion and at least twice my age! Have had a quite a few tests now and echo next week and back to my cardiologist. This time I see my actual cardio which will be good. I think my drugs for now are almost ok, but would be great if could get them right enough to hold things for now and enable me to exercise (walk) more distance without exhaustion later. Hugs, great friends and support from lovely people on here help with positivity and strength. Kia Kaha (stay strong) everyone :)

Off to cardiologist again today finally and hoping for some answers or at least a way forward. Over last few days have definitely developed increasing fluid retention overnight which scares me a bit. Have also started getting sort of itchy skin. Also have intermittent breathlessness randomly but longer if doing any exercise/physical body moving activity. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms? It will be good to know what's happening, not least because yesterday was a hard day where I had to do some chores and ended up making my 11 yo son stand in line to be served while I sat like an old woman waiting (preferable to alternative of passing out then needing an ambulance!) Will be demanding answers for sure today. Hope I can manage it all on my own. Next time will take my good nurse friend. All the best to anyone having surgery this week.