Lol, yeah, it was basically a 2-stage train wreck process, but I'm much improved these days. Don't post up too much about it, but just for a brief rundown...I tweaked my lower back years ago, caught bronchitis/pneumonia while I was down with the back, started feeling really bad, doc did EKG and I had suddenly developed left bundle branch block. Sent to cardiologist, echocardiogram revealed a lot of heart damage/enlarged heart. Ejection fraction was down to under 15%. Was eligible go be worked up for a transplant, but that wasn't an option I would consider. Continued to do cardiac rehab, showed slight improvement. Cardiologist recommended a biventricular pacemaker. Had pacer put in, 7 months later I had another bout with bronchitis and was running crazy fevers. Employer sent me.to company doctor be cause they were afraid I would crap out at work (ruined my plans, lol). Company doc was stupid said I had chronic fatigue syndrome. Continued to run crazy fevers that would go.over 101°F and then break. Went to cardiologist to see if she would clear me for work. Found out I had coughed a pacemaker lead loose. It would touch my heart at random times and I.would pass out....fell and ruptured shoulder bursa. Admitted to hospital for pacer lead revision, during processing in they discovered I was running a fever over 102°F. Admitted to CCU, fever topped out at over 104°F and I about shot the crapper. Found out I had multiple types of staph, removed pacemaker.so.staph could be cleared.from body. Wore an IV and.pump for 12.weeks with a line that went in my right arm.and ran over towards heart. Pump dripped on 2 types of antibiotics 24/7. Finally got staph cleared, they wanted.to.schedule a nee pacemaker surgery..I refused and managed to get eje took fraction back up to 40% through hard work, medication, and a small miracle or two...and man, the staph infections REALLY stripped away some muscle.

.I've been cleared for heavy lifting by cardiologist as long I breathe. I'm thankful I still have the job I had when all of this happened and that I can lift.
My original heart damage was caused by a virus called coxsackie B. It was the root cause.of the viral.cadiomyopathy and they think it slid in on me when I originally had pneumonia.