Hi, @jlf2. It has been a while since we wrote each other. You are dealing with so much, now cardiomyopathy is added. I want to try to connect you to others (and information) that will help you navigate. I need help first.
You mention some things I do not understand. You have been diagnosed with non-isthmus, and I think this means non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. You also mention IBCD. I do not know what that is. The closest I can come is that it may be a type of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICD). These assumptions I am making here is where am going with my thinking in the rest of this comment, so please let me know if this is not correct.
You may have already reviewed this, but in case you haven’t I wanted to provide a link providing an overview of Cardiomyopathy. One thing I want to specifically point out is the section, Lifestyles and Home Remedies. Information you may find helpful to address lifestyle changes is copied here:
These lifestyle changes can help you manage cardiomyopathy:
-Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit. You can ask your healthcare professional for help.
-Lose weight if you're overweight. Ask your care team what a healthy weight is for you.
-Get regular exercise. Talk to your healthcare professional about what is best for you.
-Eat a healthy diet. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
-Use less salt. Cut back on foods that are high in sodium. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams/day.
-Avoid alcohol.
-Manage stress.
-Get enough sleep.
Take all medicines as prescribed.
Get regular health checkups.
Here is the link:
- Cardiomyopathy Overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cardiomyopathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370714
A couple initial support groups here on Connect you may want to check out:
- Smoking & Quitting Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/smoking-quitting/
- Pacemaker & ICDs Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pacemaker-icds/
What other health conditions are you managing, and is your new Cardiomyopathy diagnosis related? Do any of the lifestyle changes above sound like something you could implement?
@jlharsh @jlf2
jlharsh, I see your post covers everything I was going to write. I have non ischemic cardiomyopathy caused by a virus.
I too did not understand some of the abbreviations. I have a ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) and Pacemaker. Some new defibrillators are in the veins around heart versus mine were wires are leading from ICD to heart.
Any amount of stress when you have medical issues or not will affect your body and mind. Smoking contains so much nicotine affecting heart and pulse.
I again always recommend exercise and hobbies. After checking with medical care givers try to find an exercise you like to do and do it. Not into exercise a hobby. Anything you like to do will help reduce stress in your life and improve your mental and physical health.
I see you have provided links to many helpful topics to help