Heart Failure and the Road I’ve Traveled

In 1998, doctors diagnosed me with pulmonary sarcoidosis, which later contributed to heart failure. It’s been a big part of my life ever since. Thankfully, in 2019, my doctor started me on Humira, which has kept the sarcoidosis mostly under control.

The onset of Supraventricular Tachycardia

About ten years ago, I developed supraventricular tachycardia. I was scheduled for an ablation, and during the procedure, the doctor triggered the tachycardia but couldn’t keep it long enough to fix it. Instead, I started taking a beta blocker, which worked well for a while.

Cardiac Sarcoidosis & Heart Failure

After a flare-up in 2018, I had a catheterization. That’s when doctors found some cardiomyopathy and diastolic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In 2019, I learned I had cardiac sarcoidosis, and they implanted an AICD to help prevent sudden cardiac death. Living with heart failure now became part of my daily reality.

A wave of new diagnoses

In 2022, doctors diagnosed me with pulmonary arterial hypertension and placed a CardioMEMS device to track my arterial pressures. Since then, I’ve also developed mild atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease with a stent, sleep apnea, and GERD. Through it all, heart failure remains a constant concern that I manage carefully.

Life after COVID

Even with all these conditions, I can still do almost everything I want with just a few limits and not much difficulty. I’ve lived alone the past two years and managed well—until a mild case of COVID hit last month. I’ve recovered, but now I feel a bit more tired and short of breath than before.

Doctors and advocacy

For me, heart failure and its companions are more annoying than dangerous. Every diagnosis has been stressful, but I’ve had some great doctors who take the time to explain things. I’ve also had some less helpful ones, so I’ve learned to educate myself using strong, reliable sources when needed.

Many years ago, I decided that my body wouldn’t control me. I focus on finding pleasure in life and refuse to let negative thoughts take over.