Originally Posted by
almostgone
Similar experience here. Viral myocarditis caused by Coxsackie B virus. It really wrecked my heart...ejection fraction down into the 12-15% range. Fired cardiologist, got in with a more modern cardiologist that was connected to Medical University of SC. Was seeing my cardiologist and a professor/specialist from M-USC. Had biventricular pacemaker implanted to help with arrhythmia and to improve function and better cardiac medication.
Left arm became very swollen biceps was literally 2"/51mm larger than the right. Cardiologist immediately had me in for ultrasound and clots were identified. Started on anticoagulant therapy, apparently my body is resistant to Coumadin. PT/INR could never be accurately checked, it clotted before the sample could be checked. Sent to an oncologist because they specialize in all types of blood disorders. Found out I have a genetic clotting disorder called Leiden Factor V. Started on short term Arixtra therapy due to risks with long term heparin usage.
Got multiple strains of staph in my blood, but didn't know it. Just knew I was running weird fevers and was very weak. Went to cardiologist, they hooked me up and discovered I had coughed loose a pacemaker lead. Sent for lead revision and at admission to hospital they said I was running fever of 103.8°F. Was in and out of it/in very bad shape...fever hit 104.3°F, wasn't really expected to recover Had pacemaker removed to clear staph from my body.
Wore IV pump for 12 weeks with 2 lines going into artery my arm and running over to my heart. They wanted to implant a Greenfield filter/ IVC device to catch blood clots but I refused. I didn't want anything artificial in my body again after the staph problems. (ended up with a bunch of hardware in my neck, but anyway....).
Eventually worked back up my heart to 40% through stubbornness and cardio, plus the better meds the specialist from USC and my cardiologist put me on.
Started TRT through my PCP about 6-8 years ago. Have had no issues yet. Currently on .33cc of test cyp twice per week.
So, get your clotting problem straightened out. If it's a genetic issue, keep your Hct and platelet levels in range. Stay well hydrated.
Don't give up hope. There's absolutely nothing unhealthy about maintaining a healthy testosterone level , in my opinion and my experience.
At my last cardiologist appointment, my active cardiac problems are:
Left bundle branch block
Cardiomyopathy
Congestive heart failure
Mitral valve disorder
Atrial fibrillation
Coagulopathy
Left ventricular hypertrophy
PM if you have questions. Don't know if I'll have an answer, but if I can help, I will.
Edit: I may have left out some details, but I hit all of the major points.