CHF @ 24?

Hello everyone!

I have had my pacemaker for over a year now, but recently I have been experiancing some strange symptoms. I have been having issues with fluid retention in my face and neck, and also in my legs and feet. I seem to get short of breath much easier than I did just a few months ago, and I have a hard time breathing when I lie down.

I informed my EP, and he told me to stop taking Florinef (which I already had) and to just keep an eye on it. I had an appointment with my pulmonologist (lung doctor) a couple of weeks ago, so I mentioned the sob issues to him. I also told him about the other issues that I was having, so he decided to contact my EP himself (apparantly they are good buddies).

They both came to the conclusion that I should have a CT scan to rule out Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. My CT showed no blockages of my SVC, but it did show fluid on my lungs and a slightly enlarged heart.

I had blood work done, but CHF was not confirmed or ruled out. Both docotrs agreed to start Lasix and more tests will be done in the next few weeks. My pulmonologist is communicating with my EP to decide whether or not my EP will take over from here or if I should see a regular cardiologist.

I must say that I am a bit shocked by this. I knew that heart failure could be a possibility years down the road, but I nerver dreamed I would be facing such a diagnosis this young. I guess I never dreamed that I would have a pacemaker at this age either though, so I suppose nothing should be a surprise. ;)

It seems that just a few months ago my heart was healthy. Is it possible that multiple ablations have caused my heart to become weak? I have had four ablations in total, and no longer have a SA node. I have also been experianing episodes of non-sustained VT which just started about 2 months ago.

Again, CHF has not been confirmed, but both my doctors are concerned and are leaning in this direction. Whatever the problem may be, I pray that it can be easily treated! I just want to feel good again!

Thanks for "listening"!

Amanda

4 Comments

CHF

by scadnama - 2009-03-08 03:03:12

Thanks for sharing Gary. I'll give an update when I know more. Please let me know what you find out as well! Take care.

CHF

by TOGUY - 2009-03-08 03:03:31

Hi I received my PM 22months ago..on a recent trip my legs and feet started to swell, I was SOB. Iwent to the local hospital they said I has having CHF 24 hours later after one night stay and lasic thru IV. I was given permission to fly home. I will see my EP and GP in a few days. I too wonder if this has been caused by my PM. Let us know what you find out from your doctors all the best to you.
Gary

Enlarged Heart

by scadnama - 2009-03-08 11:03:48

Thanks so much for your kind words Tammy. I know that everything will be fine, I just find this a little hard to swallow. I have always had low blood pressure, and actually take meds. to keep it up. I wonder if the meds. could have played a roll?

I'm sorry

by tcrabtree85 - 2009-03-08 12:03:21

Amanda,
Sometimes I wonder why God places so much on our plates all at once. I have no answers for you but can only tell you to stay calm and don't stress yourself out more worrying. Continue to trust that God will take care of it all for you.
I also have a enlarged heart slightly and that can come from high blood pressure also. I'm sure that they will get things undercontrol before you know it and you will be feeling better. That is my prayer. I am here if you need me give me a call anytime.

Much love and many prayers!
Tammy

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