I now have end stage heart failure

I was reading on the internet about my disease, and I was so upset that I called my cardio Dr. to find out if what I have is end stage heart failure(stage 4).He said yes that is what I have, of course I asked him alot of questions which he gave me answers to, he's a very good Dr.I did further study on the internet about lifespan at this stage of my illness.What I found was not good news.One site said 2yr.,all the other ones I found said 1yr. or less.Of course I'm going to ask my Dr.I have an appointment at the end of this month.What I was wanting to know is how accurate is the internet about this kind of information? Also when I ask the Dr. about my lifespan, will He tell me the truth. I mean, I don't know if he would want me to know. I asked him one time before it had reached the end stage,and he told me they just don't know with heart disease.I guess I will know more about this when I have my appointment.I want to know, but at the same time am scared to know the truth. I would appreciate any information about how accurate the internet is when it comes to health issues.Thank You!

~Wanda~

 

Dear Wanda,

First, I am so sorry about your heart condition. That must be very difficult for you, physically and emotionally.

I don't think anyone can say how accurate the 'net is for medical info. I would be more likely to trust sites that are connected to major universities or hospitals, such as John Hopkins, etc.

New medical information is discovered every day and it can change treatments and prognoses. I think a doctor could only guess at the lifespan question and I think a doctor would have to reserve the right to change that answer as time passes and symptoms change and responses to treatments are evaluated. But I would want to know too; at least a 'best-guess' or ballpark estimate. Before you ask the question, be sure to tell your doctor you want all the facts and that you need to know.

I hope for the very best for you, Wanda. I will certainly keep you in my thoughts.

nanse