Out of the funk

[Lauren]

I thought alot last night about what some of you had to say about me staying on my meds. It has been a constant concern with me and i feel like it has been consuming my life and my well being. I like to disagree w my cardio because, as you all pretty well know, I do not particularly care for her or her opinion. You girls however I do like and respect. I am giving up, throwing in the towel, letting go. I'm going to take my meds as prescribed and stop worrying about it. I'm sick of being upset for no good reason, I'm going shopping today. Thank you all for being so supportive. i'm off to the mall...

[Natasha]

I think that is a good idea. 2.5 years after my diagnosis and over a year at 50+% EF, I had episodes of ventricular fibrillation recorded on my ICD. Until that point, I thought that I was cured and was waiting for the day that I would be taken off drugs. However, those episodes have convinced me to stay on my drugs. They increased my Coreg to combat the arrythmias. That small dose of reality convinced me that there is no sense in risking my life simply so that I do not need to take meds. Granted, I have insurance, so cost is not an issue.

I am glad that you are at peace with the decision. You have still have the ability to improve your EF. At that point, you can look again at decreasing meds.

Enjoy the mall!

[catintx]

Lauren, I can SO relate!

I developed PPCM 1994. Had a post PPCM baby 1996. 1997 my EF was still holding at 40%. I was taking on Zestril once a day.

My ex husband is very controlling! The ONE thing *I* could control was whether or not I took that one pill. I chose NOT to!

2000, I decide I need to go to the cardiologist. Hadn't seen one in 2-3 years. My EF was only 25%. I'm placed back on Zestril and added Coreg. Not sure if anything else (I'm out of town and my 15 year old son has given me a hard time so I'm stressed.) Then, 6 months later, I am hospitalized. I do not know if it was really pneumonia since I had 2 x rays that didn't show it, but I did have fluid settled in my lower lungs. Congestive heart failure for sure. My EF even dropped to 20%.

Fast forward. 2003 my EF jumps to about 35. I was not informed of this. (Just told it was a bit better.) My EF is still about 35. I contribute this to a 35 pound weight loss, but I did not know I had improved so I stopped trying and gained it all back.

I have had PPCM for 11 years now. Medicine is just a way of life. I hope my story will help those struggling with this (you feel vulnerable because you are depending on this medicine... and that makes you feel unhealthy and it's a daily reminder) because I am there and have been. Do not put yourself and your family in a horrible position. Your options to continue to pay for this medicine or pay higher medical bills for future complications.

I live in TX and I'm about to join a Cattleman's Association so I can get group insurance. Private won't cover PPCM and offers little coverage. (I pay almost the full amount for my prescriptions.) Group insurance isn't really that cheap, but it's a great safety net. Plus, the amount you save in co pays helps offset the cost. There are other associations that can offer group insurance. I'm about to go to real estate school. They have an association and selling houses is quite easy. You don't advertise and you just help your family and friends. Any commission you make just covers the insurance. I haven't fully looked into it, but I do know there are companies (brokers) that do not require you to answer the phones and work in their office. My husband and I are hoping to purchase rental property and this would counter the closing costs involved. May get license and then become broker (need license 2 years) before jumping into this. Anyway, look into an association that can offer insurance to you. If you discontinue paying for medicine you may save in the short run but not the long run.

I'm living proof that an EF below normal NEEDS medicine. I was so depressed about not improving when placed back on meds. I'm still suffering this depression and hope to soon get over the hump to start loosing weight again. (There is so much going on in my life. I can juggle pretty well, but don't focus on any one thing long enough. I own a business and have 4 children... 2 on the Autism Spectrum.) I'll get there!!! Just hope my heart has maintained my 35% I've rebounded back to. (See card in May.)

PLEASE STAY ON MEDICINE! I even worry about those who have EFs of 50+ getting off meds. Please, please, please continue on!!!

I lived 4 years worrying about my function and if I were to need a transplant. You know about your condition, you can do something to remain stable or even possibly improve. Remember those that do not have this choice. (I keep thinking of Terri Schiavo and how her heart condition changed her life.) I am SO glad to be alive!!!

[amyls]

HI Lauren!
Glad you're better today! Shopping ALWAYS helps that!! HAHA. Did you have fun!?
HAppy Easter!
amy

[Lauren]

I feel alot better, thanks. I just kinda window shopped but saw some cute new spring bags...I love bags, shoes, accessories. I love shopping but im very picky. I making my new years resolution late, Im going to be happy. Hey, better late than never.