Diagnosed with Non Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy at age 44
I am an almost 45 year old mother of 3 (ages 23, 17 and 3 years old). I thought I had bronchitis in November 2016 and was given a z-pak. I literally felt like I was dying, and my cough was horrendous. I started googling and wondered if I was experiencing congetive heart failure. Went to my doctor a bit later for shortness of breath and extreme fatigue, only to be told that it was anxiety. Over the holidays I thought I was just being lazy (which I am not!), and felt guilty for buying gift cards instead of shopping for everyone. But I was just too tired. Mid January 2017, I switched doctors and told the new doctor that something is wrong, especially because of the shortness of breath.
I was given several tests including a stress test, a nuclear stress test, an echo-cardiogram and a heart cath.
I have now been officially diagnosed with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with an EF of 20%, and CHF. This has been very frightening, but at least now I know what is wrong with me. I am also wearing a LifeVest since January 27th. I am on several medications: prozac, losartan, metoprolol, potassium chloride, spironolactone and bumex.
It might sound funny, but after reading so much about my condition, I became so frightened that I almost want an ICD, just for peace of mind.
Thankfully I have a job where I sit most of the day and I am able to keep working for now.
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