Pericardial Effusion - Cardio Doc Balks and Says It's Normal...On every echo minimal pericardial effusion is noted. I have a history of SVT's, erratic blood pressure and shortness of breath with grade 1 dystolic dysfunction. Went to cardio doc...Reactions0reactionsComments1 replies
Care Managers and Healthcare Advocates...A chronic condition puts an immense burden on both the patient and their family, physically and mentally. There is the actual caregiving in addition to the mental load of monitoring...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Has anyone been diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis? ...Cardiac Amyloidosis is a severe, progressive, and fatal disease caused by accumulation of misfolded proteins (Amyloid) in cardiac tissue. Having this disease recently Dx did not make me feel too...Reactions0reactionsComments1 repliesTreatmentSymptomsDiagnosis
Types of Health Facilities...The management of a chronic condition can be complex and often confusing. From constant self-observation to consistent practice of management techniques, it’s not easy. Sometimes, we need some extra help...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
What Does a Blood Pressure Reading Mean?...Blood pressure readings are a regular occurrence for heart failure patients, whether it's at the doctor's office, cardiac rehab, or home. But how many of us understand what these numbers...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Let’s Talk Genetics of Heart Failure...There has long been talk of heart disease being hereditary. Since the year 1900, researchers have learned a lot about genetics and now they are attempting to find what exact...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Are There Any Risks to Quitting Smoking?...We all know of the great benefits that come with quitting smoking. From reducing premature death to saving a considerable amount of money, there are clear advantages to quitting smoking...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Playing the weight in game ...I’m on the Transplant list But I’m having a lot of anxiety that I might not be one of the lucky ones...Reactions0reactionsComments2 repliesSurgery
The Strength of Community For Communal Health (Part 2)...Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1! For her job, my mom kept many records to analyze the public health status...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
PRETTY LADY CHRONICLES: Quiet Sickness...Overcoming a chronic illness or "sickness" can consist of a number of variables. While many are seen or expected, others are hidden in plain sight as environmental determinants. One such determinant is...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Board Games...As a CHF patient and someone who previously loved outdoor activity, it has been an adjustment to spend more time inside, especially lately during hot and humid summer days. I...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Links Between Sleep Apnea and Heart Failure...About 2-4 percent of adults have sleep apnea and about 1 in 3 people with heart failure also have sleep apnea. So, is there a connection between these two diseases?...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Managing Fluid Restrictions...Managing your fluid restrictions is tough! I have come across a few tricks and tips. However, please realize that this is hard and there is no way to totally take...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
Life at First Glance...August 20, 2015: the day that changed my life forever. I remember waking up feeling hopeful but prepared for the unknown because at the time in my life the unknown...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Pelvic Floor...Heart failure patients need to have a conversation about the pelvic floor! As a heart failure patient, a lot of medicine that we take (especially the diuretics) are hard on...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Living With Heart Disease Can Be Hard to Open Up About...I have felt discouraged in talking about my heart condition and sometimes even writing about my journey. Now and then, I have felt unmotivated, but recently, the lack of motivation...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Navigating a Heart Failure Diagnosis: 2021 In America Survey...Receiving a heart failure diagnosis is almost always a life-changing experience. Some people get the news after a major cardiac event, while others find out after years of slowly progressing...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
What Are Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction?...I have been writing about things I experience in the hospital setting. Of course, we take care of many patients experiencing myocardial ischemia and infarction (a.k.a. heart attacks). I am...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Stress Test...Please help. After 5 stents from 4 trips to the cath lab over 20 years I know I will not live through another stress test. I am grateful to the...Reactions0reactionsComments9 repliesDiagnosis
Pretty Lady Chronicles: Riding the Wave (Part 2)...Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1! Somewhat blindsided, I didn't expect to hear I had three leaking heart valves, that...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments