---
title: Living with Congestive Heart Failure
date: 2022-05-01T18:09:22-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Living with Congestive Heart Failure

## Transcript

**OBOS Today:** Yeah, it's actually a really great way to explain it. After the diagnosis, what happened next, what was the next step or your immediate reaction?

**TC**: Actually, my immediate reaction, my cardiologist tells me all the time, that I gave him a reaction that he's not familiar with. When he explained, you know, he just bluntly, he said, "You have congestive heart failure," and my response to him was, "Can it be reversed?”

That was my immediate response, can it be reversed? I’m a fighter, you know, and he was like, "Wow yeah, I mean you know, with the right medicine, the right exercise and diet, we can at least try to slow it down and maybe you know get some of the fluid off of you and I’m not going to say it’s a definite." And that's what I needed to hear, you know, what can I do? And that's all we can do is our part.

**OBOS Today:** Wow, yeah. That's really amazing that he had not heard that response until you.

**TC:** Yeah, I mean I’m not gonna say that he didn't shake my world up because I actually had to—that was actually, I left work on a Friday. I never went back to work.

The doctor told me, I had to quit work. So, I mean this really turned my whole world upside down. I’ve retired after 33 years of service in the criminal justice field, but I was not anticipating retiring that young at 54.

**OBOS Today:** In your quest to revert the diagnosis, how did your lifestyle change?

**TC:** I had to change my diet considerably. I mean that was one of the main things and then upon released from the hospital, I could not leave the hospital without wearing what they call a LifeBase. I had to wear external defibrillators.

And the reason for the external defibrillator is that I was a candidate for sudden cardiac arrest and the external defibrillator would get me back, you know, my heart back beating.

So, I wore them off and on for about two years because I was convinced that I could get my ejection fraction up high enough to where I would not have to have the external defibrillator. I could not. So now, I have an internal defibrillator pacemaker.

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ understanding heart conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-heart-conditions)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.

![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure)

[ResourcesRead

## Heart Failure in Women

This article provides a detailed overview of heart failure in women, addressing causes, types, symptoms, diagnostic testing, prevention, and treatment.

![Heart failure woman grabbing chest jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article provides a detailed overview of heart failure in women, addressing causes, types, symptoms, diagnostic testing, prevention, and treatment.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-failure-in-women)

[Where We StandRead

## Disability and Chronic Illness through a Feminist Lens

We need to demand societal changes so that fewer disabling conditions exist, and so that those of us who are disabled or chronically ill can live as well as possible.

![Diverse group of young people chatting in college library including female student in wheelchair.](data:image/png;base64,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)

We need to demand societal changes so that fewer disabling conditions exist, and so that those of us who are disabled or chronically ill can live as well as possible.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/where-we-stand/where-we-stand-disability-and-chronic-illness)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Interacting with My Cardiologist

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Personal Stories of Living with Heart Failure

Hear from patients living with heart failure on how it impacts their lives, how they cope with their diagnoses, and how they find hope despite their condition.

![Image (3)](data:image/png;base64,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)

Hear from patients living with heart failure on how it impacts their lives, how they cope with their diagnoses, and how they find hope despite their condition.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/personal-stories-of-living-with-heart-failure)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.

![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)

[ResourcesRead

## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.

![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)