I was diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation in September of 1997. Once again, I supposedly had a virus. I was a police sergeant and I had noticed that work was becoming a living nightmare. I had zero energy to do those things cops must do and I had fluid in my lungs and pulmonary rales (snap, crackle and pop). My doctor diagnosed my heart problems at once following an EKG and sent me to the hospital, where I was referred to a cardiologist. I stayed in the hospital 4 days and was drained and stabilized. By the fourth day, I felt much better and walked out. My ejection fraction in the hospital was either 19%, based on an echo, or 30%, based on a MUGA; each test taken the same day. I chose the MUGA results and the doctor said it was more accurate.
In November of 1997, I tried a cardioversion for my a-fib. The drugs did not convert me so I had 4 shocks with no luck so I am still in a-fib. A MUGA scan taken then showed my EF had declined to 22%.
| 20mg Lasix | Every other day |
| 20mEq K-dur | Every other day |
| 25mg Coreg | Twice a day |
| 0.125mg digoxin | Daily |
| 40mg Prinivil | Daily |
| 10mg Coumadin | Daily |
| 25mg Aldactone | Daily |
My symptoms have improved a great deal and I feel better. I noted the biggest improvement following suffering through the Coreg initiation and also upping my CoQ10 dosage. I'd say on a scale of 1-10 (10 being best), I felt a 1 in September of 1997 and a 7 now.
I had to retire early from my police job due to my heart situation. Luckily, I received my full retirement so that helped a bit during that scary period went I didn't know how to pay my bills. My wife's insurance picked up my bills (I checked carefully first) after my insurance ran out. I also qualified for SSD. The process was fairly easy as my doctor unequivocally stated I can do nothing at all unless I radically improve, which he does not expect.
I have three kids, aged 10, 7 and 5, and I am trying to stay around as long as I can to be with them for as long as possible. That is my main goal in life. I have found Jon's forum a true God-send! My endless thanks to him for all he has done for us all. God bless you all! Marty.
July 5, 2000 - I am about the same with my CHF: fairly well compensated and more or less stable on my meds.
Marty -- July 6, 1998
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.