ICD Implant and CHF Stage 3 - Seeking Advice and Support

I just poured through all my medical information, and I can find a “stage” listed anywhere. I do have pacemaker and defibrillator in my chest. I’m a little freaked out that I don’t know my stage or what the stages even mean. Is this something I need to know?

Oops. I was sent home with a life vest. I thought you were talking about an LVAD i have had the ICD for past 3 months. After being on the Entresto and rest of meds for 6 months, my EF went to 20-25. Then i was able to tolerate the Entresto 49/51 plus the metoprolol 50 mgs plus other meds and in another 6 months my EF went to 36-40. Just prior to getting that echocardiagram (of which I told him to order!!) that was when he had that talk with me about maxing out on all meds he can give me. And the possibility of the LVAD OR HEART transplant. I am overweight so I highly doubt they would consider me for a heart transplant. I am trying to lose weight. Just lost 20 pounds. Yes the mental part is so important along with support. So glad to hear you have support!!! I have 2 of my kids at home with me ( 38 year old and 26 year old) My husband just passed away this month ( December 3rd). I was his caretaker for past ten plus years. He had a hemorrhagic stroke at 56 years old and in October was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. Well, he is at peace now. I am in Brooklyn New York. Anyway, hope to hear more of your story/experience.

I made a mistake with my original reply. Yes, I have an ICD implant. I was diagnosed with heart failure in February 2020. (The month before we shut down with covid. I had an EF of 16-20.

Good morning! I have Stage 3 CHF. My EF is a 10-15. I have had an ICD implant for 3 years. It is a combination of a pacemaker and a defibrillator. It will keep you from dying. I also need a transplant. The main medication I take is ENTRESTO. I take the maximum dose. It will help you with your symptoms as well as keep from hospitalization. I was in a coma two years ago on life support and I flat-lined twice and after working on me for two hours the brought me back to life. The tried like hell to get my 29 yr old son to let them pull the plug, but he refused. I was 57 at the time. I understand your depression. I have it also. I honestly do not want a heart transplant, but I will have one ( if I have a donor) because of my son. I will send you a list of my meds a bit later as I just left my house. I live in San Antonio, TX and I feel like I have a very good cardiologist and heart transplant team. Have a good day and remember attitude is extremely important for our well being. I have the very best boyfriend and son who offer me so much support and a very small group of friends who keep me positive as well! I will be in touch!

I have NYHA Class 3. Is that what you mean by stages? And no, I have not had an ICD implanted in heart. My doctor told me this past summer that i am maxed out on all the meds he can give me and that eventually my heart would get worse. He brought up the ICD and also brought up heart transplant ( of which i totally had no idea and went home to depression!). What meds are u on?

I’m at stage 1, but I’m relatively young to have this disease.😔 I went to the er after a month with shortness of breath and chest pain. There I had an ultrasound and found out that my heart is barely working. I’m treated with tritace and fusid