Falling Led to Discovering Heart Failure

I was diagnosed with heart failure in January of 2023. I was standing at my bathroom sink with the water running when my knees buckled, and I fell. I had to call an ambulance for lift assistance and went to the emergency room because I couldn't remember if I had hit my head.

The hospital kept me overnight for observation in case I had a head injury. That overnight stay changed my life because it was the catalyst for being diagnosed with heart failure.

Adapting to a new life

With medications, I've seen improvement in the symptoms of heart failure. However, there are some things I can't do anymore. For example, I can't bend over to pick my dog's bowls up to give her food and water. I've had to adapt. When someone is with me, I ask for help. When alone, I sit in a chair and bend forward to give her food and water.

I'm still adapting to the diagnosis. I feel diminished because I can't do simple things like I used to. People who don't have it don't understand what it's like, nor do they understand the impact of their negative comments regarding my health. However, I choose to be content and at peace. Life is too short for anything else.