IgnobleJack

Did your friends parents know about your family situation? Did this cause any issues for you growing up?

Howdy - Not a doctor, but I have viral cardiomyopathy. I was diagnosed about three years ago. My initial EF after my first echo was sub 30. I'm also on Coreg (the generic). Today my EF is around 50 - 55. I've not had any heart failure or serious issues, just some arrhythmia which has cleared up now after taking flecanide for a while. I will say that diet and exercise has probably done more for me than anything else. I am a runner now (started after I got sick). I probably run 20+ miles per week regularly. When I first started it was a serious struggle to do one mile, but I stuck with it and I just did my first half marathon a month ago, and did a ten mile race this morning actually.

Talk to your doctor/cardiologist about what kinds of exercise is okay for you. Mine won't let me do more than a half marathon so for me that was a challenge to get to that distance. I feel great, totally normal now, and I encourage you to keep a positive attitude and don't give up!!!