Dilated cardiomyopathy

RE: Dilated cardiomyopathy

Whilst it's not a 'named' condition that I'm familiar with I have a few ideas based on my assumptions from breaking down the medical name given. [sm=scratchchin.gif]

That said - I've no idea what 'dh' stands for! [&:]

A disease or condition that is 'recognised' as being hereditary, even if there is a genetic marker - does not necessarily mean that they will develope the problem.

The most extreme case that I can think of is that there are people walking around that 'should', according to their genes have 'Downs' syndrome, but they don't.

Genetic markers mean that someone is predisposed to a condition and unless thay are actually displaying the signs & symptoms, then, as yet, if ever they don't have it.

Belief that they will get it, won't help, of course, but certain precautions should be taken.

I would say that the shift work would have to go ASAP. We have evolved to function to a diurnal (day & night) rythym. [sm=sleep.gif] Evolution is extremely slow.

In the short term - taking things that will support connective tissue (in elasticity & strength) and therefore the cardiac vessels & muscle tone.

A good quality vitamin C with bioflavenoids. Other antioxidant supplements may well be helpful, but aught not mention brand names, but increase fresh fruit & veg intake.

A copper supplement.

And look into CoQ10.

For the long term seek out a NAET practitioner, there's a practitioner database via the NAET website below. As odd as it sounds, because NAET is presented as an allergy treatment, but some have hidden allergies to basic nutrients, so if some of these aren't being assimilated properly then serious health problems arise. There's more stuff on this in the Allergies forum and I'm usually to be found skulking amongst the Ailments or you can send me a PM.

Will try & remember to check back here though.

Good luck - Andrew. 😉

RE: Dilated cardiomyopathy

At a guess Andrew 'dh' could stand for 'dear husband'

Jx

RE: Dilated cardiomyopathy

Hello thanks for replying
Sorry about the abbreviation I meant dear husband:). Heres a link to the Cardiomyopathy web site [DLMURL] http://www.cardiomyopathy.org/html/which_card_dcm.htm [/DLMURL] [link] this gives a bit more info about the illness if you want to have a look.
Thanks
Sally x

RE: Dilated cardiomyopathy

Yep - sticking with what I already said.

Another product should also help in theory & that's called Vitamin 'O'. This link is for info only -
We're not setup for mail order & you can get directly from the manufacturers - RGarden in the US.

A chi machine should also, raise oxygen levels to the tissues & reduce any oedema, but personally I would go for NAET.

If you see a NAET practitioner print off the info from the weblink you gave. The important points are;

*Genetic/familial & possible problem with metabolism of certain proteins - that's a best guess on my part.

*Viral Infection, esp - 'Coxsackie B viruses'. Often viruses remain dormant in our in our system, but some seem to be adversely affected by them long after the original infection & subsequent immune battle.

*Auto-Immune Disease - one can think of this as an allergy to oneself or maybe just certain tissues, i.e. heart & vessels. They'll have test & treatment sample vials for the different tissues, as well as viruses above.

*Alcohol, if relevent & any possible - exposure to exposure to toxic compounds.

Andrew.

PS The unreadable diagram given for DCM is trying to show a weakness of the mitral valve. Called mitral reguritation, as when the Left Ventricle contracts some of the blood leaks back into the Left Atrium, thus reducing efficiency of total pumping action.

RE: Dilated cardiomyopathy

Thanks for taking the time to reply again Andrew, my hubby had an episode of attrial fibrilations recently and has to go to hospital agian soon to be checked out to see if his hearts got any worse (still waiting for an appointment grrr at NHS).
I will definatly look into what you've told me about NAET practitioners, Vitamin 'O', looks interesting too (I'll get some of that for my dad as well he had 2 heart attacks last september).

My hubby gets very stressed out and suffers from tiredness alot.
Although hes in heart failure, his DCM is still considered mild, hopefully it will stay that way.
Although the hours he works dont help, he dosent want to give up work yet and the job he has isnt physically demanding, its just the shifts which dont help. (I cant force him to leave believe me Ive tried) he's scared if he gives up work he'll have nothing to do, also financially it would be a huge struggle, Im not working at the moment because Im studying, as soon as I qualify though he'll be leaving work or going part time.

As for the condition being hereditory, I understand that means my children aren't necessarily going to have it, but its still like having a dark cloud above me, however much I try to pretend everythings fine.

My husband was formally diagnosed 2 years ago when I was 2 weeks away from having our second child (by c-section as I was in a wheelchair at the time with pelvic problems) it was a really hard time for us all especially with the family history ( loosing his brother to the illness after 2 heart transplants). In a way I think we have gone through a greiving process (I think we are still going through it).
Not knowing whats going to happen in the future is what I find the hardest.
But there you go I try my best to stay positive it could be a lot worse ( and it is for a lot of people)
Thanks again for taking the time to read and reply to my message
Sally x

RE: Dilated cardiomyopathy

Hi Sally

I am new here and I found your post - it has been some time since you were last on this Forum and I wondered if you are still viewing and would like to ask how things are going for you and your DH. I too have recently been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and it also runs in the family. Would be good to hear from you and chat more.