Mended Hearts Open Forum

I was diagnosed with viral dilated cardiomyopathy in 2010 with an EF in the low 20s. I was asymptomatic and I was alerted to an anomaly by my gastro doctor and anesthesiologist during a colonoscopy. I received an ICD in 2011 (replaced in 2020) due to risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Over time, with medication and careful management, my EF steadily improved and has been stable at 50–55% for several years. Neither ICD has ever shocked me but has paced me out of several incidents.  I'm currently dealing with frequent PVCs and am scheduled for an ablation soon. I'm here because I remember how overwhelming the early days were, and I'd like to support others who are newly diagnosed or navigating recovery.