I want you to know I appreciate what you're going through. I've had CHF/cardiomyopathy since 1990 but it was diagnosed 2 years later. I also believe mine was caused by a virus (or bacteria) but it's taken me several years to convince my cardiologist I haven't had a heart attack to precipitate this!
I'm also on Coreg (carvedilol). Unfortunately, I am on the smallest dose of this because I've encountered major emotional side effects, as well as some physiological ones, from this med. It's good that your doctor is increasing it because it helps strengthen your heart.
It's also good that you've quit smoking. I also used to smoke but I quit--I couldn't breathe! Keep it up, you'll feel much better for it.
My ef is 20-23% now but I feel very well. I have, however, been on disability since 1996 because work is just too stressful and fast paced for me these days. Although I miss work, and the money (!), I keep almost as busy as I was when I worked. Your lack of motivation is probably due to worry and anxiety. If it doesn't pass in time, just do stuff anyway and the motivation should follow. If it doesn't, you may have a hidden depression. It's quite common in people with heart disease.
I hope you walk as much as you can. This is very good for you and I think it's better for your heart to be as active as you can. It also serves to distract you from your worry. Worry and anxiety are certainly understandable when you've first been diagnosed but, if you believe in a higher power of some sort, it's good to make frequent contact with it and work on being as positive as you can. I've learned that a positive attitud is extremely beneficial to people with heart conditions.
Watching your diet is very important as well. If you eat fatty and salty foods, I'd strongly recommend you stop those as well, once you feel better about not smoking and think you can tackle another challenge.
I hope I've helped some and I hope you'll write me and let me know how things are going for you.
Deb
Posted on May 26, 2002, 2:19 PM from IP address 198.169.5.15