I got the results of my most recent echocardiogram and am just elated by the news. My Ejection Fraction is 42%!!! This is a huge improvement for me, and means that not only am I stable on my medication, my heart is actually healing and improving! I'm feeling better too--a definite reduction in fatigue and the ability to walk farther. Maybe I'll give up my handicapped parking permit...Nah :).
The Ejection Fraction (EF) is the main measure doctors use to determine heart function. The EF is the percentage of blood that your heart is able to pump out. A normal EF is in the 55-60% range. When I was first diagnosed, my EF was 16% (well within the range for transplant). At my last echo in Feb. I had improved to 32%, so a result of 42% is a big step up not only from my initial level but from my last echo as well. I'm nearing normal levels! All from a heart that a year ago was hovering close to transplant and the doctors feared the heart damage was permanent and irreversible.
This medicine has truly been a miracle drug for me. I'm feeling so much better and this latest test says I really am making great strides towards healing. Even if I don't make anymore progress, I'm thrilled with these results. But the way things are going, it looks like I can still improve. Modern medicine is truly a godsend. 10 years ago my outlook would have been much more bleak. Now...the sky's the limit!
Posted by Shelby at September 19, 2003 12:07 PMShelby -- thats wonderful news!!!!!
-Mary
Posted by: Mary at September 19, 2003 01:48 PMYES!!! I am so happy for you Shelby!
Posted by: Ileen at September 19, 2003 05:24 PMSorry if I'm being too nosy, but I'm a nurse and would like to know what drug you are referring to if you don't mind.
That's wonderful that you are getting such a good response.
Posted by: suzi at September 20, 2003 10:14 AMA healthier Shelby is a good, good thing...
I'm very glad to hear it!