Hi James,
Thanks for sharing your story. Have you seen a vascular specialist? Your symptoms sound just like mine and I was diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in both legs just 6 weeks after open heart surgery. I have learned the two (heart and leg blockages) often go hand in hand.
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Jeff Novak
San Antonio TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-10-2018 13:52
From: James Matthews
Subject: Heart Failure and increased muscle fatigue and chest aches
Hi, I'm 37 years old, and was diagnosed with CHF and idiopathic cardiomyopathy last November, with an EF of 25%. Up until the last month the medications had helped tremendously. However, I've noticed over the past couple of weeks I get really tired and sore, just from walking short distances, and then out of breath. It seems like my leg and shoulder muscles get sore and tired with minimal exertion, even before I experience shortness of breath. Even going up 1 flight of stairs is now really tough! Prior to my diagnosis, I was overweight (and unfortunately still am!) but other than that & hypothyroidism was in good health. Also, for the past 3-4 months, I've had intermittent aches/pain in the left chest area, which are now occuring more frequently and a little sharper. From what I've read CHF is not usually associated with chest pain, and my pain is not nearly as severe as angina is normally portrayed. Currently my next cardiologist appointment is in six weeks, but I don't know if I should wait that long. If I can't get an earlier appointment, should I go to an urgent care clinic or ER for the pain and increased fatigue? Also, has anyone else experienced problems with carpal tunnel syndrome and CHF? I've never had problems before but now wake up with numbness and tingling in my right wrist
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James Matthews
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