"Permission to speak": a carer's experience

Abstract

BILL, MY LIFE PARTNER of 40 years, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2003 when he was 60. The latter is a quite common severe heart disease, usually of people older than Bill. Coronary heart disease saturates publicity about heart disease, making other heart disease invisible. Coronary heart disease tends to be a disease of coronary arteries but Bill?s arteries are very good. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. The damage has led to heart failure, the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to supply his body?s needs. In heart failure or reduced function, the heart is unable to pump as effectively, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness and fluid retention.1 Cases are sometimes treated with a heart transplant.