I'm a 52-year-old woman with advanced congestive heart failure -- stage 3. I was diagnosed in March 2006. I'm currently taking two diuretics (aldactone and lasix), digoxin, micardis, metoprolol, and cardizem. I'm also on several meds for chronic asthma/COPD, which has been a problem for several years now. I had a pacemaker/ defribrillator implanted in fall of '06; I have had only one episode of sudden cardiac arrest. I continue to be plagued with a resting heart rate of 125 minimum most days, which keeps me from doing a lot. I'm desperately looking for a straight answer as to my possible life expectancy if things continue at this current rate, so I and my family may take whatever steps are needed in preparation. Sorry for the length of this question and thanks in advance for your response.
Expert Answer by Stephanie Trelogan
Anjilwing55, I'm so sorry you're dealing with so many health issues – not to mention the uncertainty you're grappling with. I wish I could give you the straight answer you so desperately need; unfortunately, it's not possible. I'm assuming you've asked your doctor to tell you how much time you have left, and she probably told you that there's no real way to say. That is the absolute truth, believe it or not: it's been more than two years since your diagnosis, and if you continue to take good care of yourself, you could have years left. Caring.com expert Virginia Frantz recently answered a similar question about heart failure and life expectancy; you can read her answer here.
That said, I think it's always worth living your life as if it could end at any time, and this is even more important when you have a serious, chronic health condition. Your family and you should sit down now and talk about what needs to be done to get your affairs in order. Once you have sorted out those practical, mundane issues, you can get on with the business of living your life to the fullest.
Best of luck to you, and much love to you and yours.
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Hello, I just visited this place an hour or so ago. I need help in matters that are ugly in a legal way. But I am sending you this little e-mail because there are things YOU can do, not only to prolong your life, but make it easier. I have a doctor who supports my investigation of what is done in countries with medicine sometimes more advanced than ours. Japan and Germany are the 2 better known. First, after investigating and finding that some legal natural remedy is available, and how it is used etc.. I print this and share with him MD. I have been on stage III to IV since March 07. It's bilateral (considered worse) an ejection fraction of just barely 20%, so transplant is out. And in a way, this was an "accident" A dental infection caused an infection of the heart's lining. Feeling too tired, I lay around for a while which then caused no less than 3 simultaneous pulmonary emboli. The odds of surviving that was considered rare. I did,and for 3 weeks without treatment. Insurance issues... I periodically have an echo. At one time, it appeared my heart might be healing. It is interesting that it seems to loose ground when I have painful upsets. Lots, in fact. So, I learned to use meditation to calm my system. To calm palpitations and that chocking feeling, I use magnesium, a citrate base one is better absorbed. In Germany and Japan, an amino-acid (protein) TAURINE is the main medication used. I like it because if I take consistently, I feel a wonderful calm. Look it up & make sure to put the word: "studies" to prevent snake-oil vendors (joke) CQ-10, Vinpocetine, curcumin (tumeric) and definitely: wild salmon oil. Everything needs to be checked with what meds you take. Doc cannot be kept in the dark. Walk. Walk and walk.
12 meds= Mach '07. Lisinopril and diuretic now.
There is something powerful about doing your own research. A doc cannot be with us 24 hrs a day, and they can and do, miss stuff. When you research, you begin to get a picture of your own body. Doctors are beginning to appreciate patients who, in a way, become lab trials. Since my heart was so damaged, I had been told to make end of life plans. 6 months would be a miracle. It has been 2 1/2 years.
IMPORTANT. Never follow another's advise, check all on and for yourself.
Intend for all, what you wish for yourself. And the good you desire, wish it for all. Intentions are like boomerangs.
Love, Diana
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My Mom lived with CHF for over 30 years. She had a great wonderful active life even with CHF. She recently passed away at age 60 on July 5th. There is no 'set' time limit put on your life. I am not saying it was always easy but she had a great full life even living with CHF. I wish you joy, peace & love and many happy years with your loved ones.
Christine
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