right heart failure March 28,  2017  7:30pm EST

Congratulations on returning to school and helping out cardiac patients. A good nurse is what we need! I have both right and left side heart failure. Not sure if that fits in your scope. If so, feel free to private message and I will be happy to help out. Best of luck to you!

I had my heart attack in 1993 and it was a big one. The widow maker as my LAD was totally blocked and they could not even think of trying to open it up. My other arteries were good. Three months later I had an ICD/pacemaker and have had six replacements over the years. I have had a EF of 28% since the attack. Due to many shocks and up to 20 in a few hours on two occasions, I have had four ablations for AFIB and VFIB. I am currently on Amioderone, Lisinopril, cardioval, baby aspirin, hydroxine for panic attacks, simivastin and gabapentin for leg pain. Also take probiotic and vitamins. I have done just about everything since 1993 and do get tired at times now, but at 69, expect that. I see an electrophysiologist twice a year and usually have a MUGA test along with an echo. I also have a home Medtronics monitor that watches my heart and I can send a strip fax if feeling poorly. I have also lost around 140 lbs. since 1996 and have had seven hip replacements, eight inch rods/screws/cages in my back, two severed Achilles tendons, stomach surgery, dislocated clavicle, melanoma removal, several bouts of pneumonia and valley fever. With all this, I am still living a full life and my old, beat up heart keeps hanging in there. I meditate, color and stay busy to avoid depression due to the fact that my doctor told me that I might need a transplant, but at 69, getting somewhat old to be on the list. BUT, I LIVE STRONG. Hope this helps.

Congrats on all the great work that you are doing! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your quest with us! Wishing you all the best, Sarah