Karen Kording karenk@machlink.com Muscatine, Iowa age 54 married 33 years to Glenn 2 children, Wendy - 31 & Jason - 23 2 grandchildren, Christian - 6 & Katie - 4

I was born and raised in a town just north of San Francisco. I met my husband while he was in the Navy, attending Nuclear Power School. After his discharge, we moved to Minneapolis where my husband attended the University of Minnesota. Following his graduation, he began his employment as an engineer. We currently live in Muscatine, Iowa, which is a small town close to Iowa City and the Quad Cities of Bettendorf & Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island & Moline, Illinois.

My Health

In January of 1991, I noticed that I had a slightly swollen ankle. I made an appointment at our local clinic. The doctor who saw me didn't even let me put my clothes back on; he put me in a wheelchair and had his nurse take me to the emergency room. I was admitted and stayed in the hospital from Tuesday evening until Friday afternoon. I was discharged with the diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy. At that time my ejection fraction was 19%.
     I believe that I spent the first 6 months or so in a state of shock. I returned to work because no one told me I shouldn't. Actually, I faired well but eventually decided to quit because of a second diagnosis - degenerative disc disease, myofascial pain syndrome and severe osteoarthritis. I was and still am in a lot of pain as a result of these two conditions.

My Meds

I also take another 5-10mg of Librium during the day. If I am doing okay with just 5mg, I usually take it at about 2 PM. If my anxiety is high, I take 5mg at 10 AM and another 5mg around 5 PM. Also in the past, if I hadn't gone to sleep within one hour of going to bed, I took an additional 10mg of Librium.
     The medications I was prescribed were Propanalol, Coumadin, Lasix, and Capoten. I was referred to a cardiologist who did a cardiac cath and heart biopsy in hopes of finding a cause for the condition. He hoped that it had resulted from a viral infection but the tests did not indicate that, so my diagnosis is idiopathic. Following a second MUGA in October of 1991, my EF had improved to 42%. The following spring, two of my meds - Propanalol and Coumadin - were discontinued. I've only had to take a total of 20 Darvocet since November.
     My doctor has indicated that Coreg is an appropriate medication for me to take, so I will soon be starting this in conjunction with my current meds. He has told me that my condition might worsen when I initially start the medication but should improve within 1 - 3 months. I am looking forward to taking Coreg but also have some apprehension.

Life After CHF

When I first stopped working, I became very depressed. My work had been (or so I thought) my life. My kids were both grown and I didn't know what to do with my time. I volunteered at our local blood bank and the hospital gift shop. I typed a manual for our domestic violence program; anything to keep me busy and my mind occupied. I returned to work part-time for a while. Eventually I decided to stop working completely. It wasn't until the fall of 1996 that I accepted my condition and felt comfortable with myself.
     My husband's job requires that he travel a lot, so I spend many hours alone. I still miss people but I try to remain active and I facilitate a support group for people suffering from anxiety and depression -- I am one of these people. I serve on the Board of our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. I am a member of our church's Altar Guild and also chairperson of the Social Outreach Committee.
     I am very fortunate in that my condition has stabilized. I've learned to live with the pain and know what causes it to worsen. I try to pace myself but find it difficult. I religiously watch my weight and salt intake. I exercise on my treadmill as often as I can.

My Interests

My hobbies are, of course, computer activities. I enjoy e-mail and surfing the Net as well as doing some desktop publishing. I also enjoy reading. And of utmost importance are my two grandchildren.

Coping

My father died from CHF as a result of cardiomyopathy. He was diagnosed and very ill for 2 years. I've been told mine is not genetic. My family knows of my diagnosis but I'm not sure they accept it or realize how serious it really is. I look well, so I must be well, right? My husband has yet to read the information on Coreg that I printed from the Net.
     I know there are times that I push myself too hard. I won't allow myself to think of death or dying. I also realize that this might not be healthy but for me it is a means of avoiding depression. I realize that there will come a day when my condition will probably worsen but until that time, I celebrate life to the fullest.

Karen -- August 16, 1997

All information on this site is opinion only. All concepts, explanations, trials, and studies have been re-written in plain English and may contain errors. No one here is a doctor. No information on this page should be used by any person to affect their medical, legal, educational, social, or psychological treatment in any way. This web site and all its pages copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Jon C.