---
title: Personal Stories of Living with Heart Failure
date: 2022-08-09T21:50:42-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/personal-stories-of-living-with-heart-failure"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Personal Stories of Living with Heart Failure

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

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ chronic conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/chronic-conditions)
- [ understanding heart conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-heart-conditions)
- [ living with chronic health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/living-with-chronic-health-conditions)
- [ diverse experiences of chronic health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-chronic-health-conditions)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)
- [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease)

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[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

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

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[ResourcesRead

## What is Heart Failure?

Though “heart failure” may sound like your heart has completely stopped working, many people live with this diagnosis for years.

![pexels-polina-tankilevitch-5234500](data:image/png;base64,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)

Though “heart failure” may sound like your heart has completely stopped working, many people live with this diagnosis for years.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-does-heart-failure-mean)

[ResourcesRead

## Questions to Ask Your Doctor After A Heart Failure Diagnosis

This article provides guidance on questions to ask your doctor about some of the most common concerns of people diagnosed with heart failure.

![pexels-cedric-fauntleroy-4266938](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article provides guidance on questions to ask your doctor about some of the most common concerns of people diagnosed with heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-after-a-heart-failure-diagnosis)

[ResourcesRead

## After Acute Heart Failure, Women Experience Worse Quality of Life

Women who experience acute heart failure report worse quality of life than men, even when other health factors seem similar.

![Camellia faceless older woman in chair in dark unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Women who experience acute heart failure report worse quality of life than men, even when other health factors seem similar.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/after-acute-heart-failure-women-experience-worse-quality-of-life)

[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)

[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

## To Survive on This Shore: The Experiences of Older Trans and Gender Nonconforming People

Photographs and interviews by Jess Dugan and Vanessa Fabbre portray the joyful and difficult lived experiences of older transgender adults in the U.S.

![A lighter-skinned Black woman sits on a red couch in red pants and a white tank top](data:image/png;base64,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)

Photographs and interviews by Jess Dugan and Vanessa Fabbre portray the joyful and difficult lived experiences of older transgender adults in the U.S.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/experiences-older-trans-gnc-people)