What are some tips for mamanaging the fatigue of CHF?
This isn’t the easiest question for me to answer because I am also a Lupus patient as well. I’ve been diagnosed with Lupus for 30 years now and before I had my h.a. in 2017, I managed to do most things including working and raising a child, going out with friends and dating (I was a single, divorced mother) normally. In other words I didn’t let it stop me.
I’m a Librarian (of all sorts) including a Medical Librarian and Editor. I’ve taught physicians and veterinarians how to research and edited articles for the medical and veterinary journals.
After my h.a., not that much changed until in early 2022 I developed thyroiditis. That affected my CHF and made it worse. For the past 3 years I’ve been seeing a wonderful Heart Failure specialist at a top University Hospital and he’s been trying to treat my CHF medically but it’s not working the way we want. I’m nowhere near a crisis but he wants me to have a defibrillator implanted and I also want to try and get a CCM or Barostim, both of which would make me feel more energetic.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Comorbidities and life can get in the way of managing heart failure, don't they?! It sounds like you have a good team and knowledge base. Please let us know what you decide to do. All the best, kathy (Team member) I had Barostim inplanted April 2nd, and it has been 90 days now. My only regret is that I didn't get it sooner! I was advised that it takes 3-6 months to feel the full benefit, but I am thrilled to already have my life back. I am rarely breathless anymore, sleep soundly, walk farther and feel more "normal" than I have in years. My EF was around 20. Studies have shown Barostim improves EF significantly, but I won't know for almost another year, until my next echo.
Hi
,
Thanks so much for sharing your Barostim experience.
It's great to hear that you are already noticing a difference!
We hope you'll keep us updated.
Stay well, Doreen (Team Member)
