Question: Hello Dr Teli,
You helped me very much about a month ago. I'm the woman who had PVC-induced cardiomyopathy which was reversed with ablation. I have OCD which has made me so obsessed with water retention. Since I last spoke to you, I have had two more echoes because I have been so anxious and having symptoms of fatigue and SOB which I've been told are just anxiety. The echo I had 3 weeks ago concerned me because EF in different views was anywhere from 55-60, which seemed like maybe then it had fallen from >60. But I had another echo which was scheduled follow-up by my regular doctor yesterday and EF was 65-70. How could there be such a difference? I worry because if there can be such a difference can't the difference also go downwards, meaning EF could be 45-50 on another day? I am trying to be not so focused on numbers, and take a more calm, spiritual path, as you have instructed but it is, so far, so difficult for me. I am trying very hard but think all the time about my EF and worry when I drink water, that I will retain it all. Drinking is terrifying and even the day after an echo, I'm afraid heart is weakening. Does EF normally fluctuate so much or is this just difference in echo machine and operator and interpreter? My doctor was certain EF was in high 60s which makes me happy but very confused. Thank you, good doctor. You are so knowledgeable and reassuring.

Dear Dr Teli,
Many thanks again for your wisdom and kindness. I am trying to put my energy and faith into God and have gratitude for my blessing of recovery. I think both diagnosis and cure were so shocking that my mind and spirit have not recovered as quickly as my heart did. I know I have to focus on my life and family and stop worrying about a recurrence.

I cannot help it, though, I was very happy to hear EF was 65-70 but at the same time, I worry about why it seemed to go up in such a short time, even though I know it is probably stable. But it seems likely as most tests show EF in 60s that my EF is probably in 60s. But could it not go down in similar fashion to 45-50 as a normal variation or is that not possible without a disease process like return of PVCs?

Finally, my biggest problem- the water retention fears. As heart and kidneys are fine, can I stop daily weighing which causes me so much stress? Even a one pound difference will frighten me because of all the warnings I received when I was sick. And would lowered urine output even be the first symptom
of a recurrence? Is that not a much more advanced symptom?

I am losing my mother to dementia which happened almost overnight and my marriage is ending. So much trauma and sadness but somehow my focus has become the water retention because of all the warnings. I am trying hard to overcome this and live with faith and gratitude.

Many many thanks to you, Dr. Teli. You are helping me very much.

Dear Dr. Teli,
You are so wise and kind and when you say these things it sounds so simple and I think "it makes so much sense, I can do that" but OCD brain is very resilient and my mind plays tricks on me and tells me I must be on high alert.

But is it impossible for me to be retaining water from heart issue with normal heart? Is it truly 100% in my head and psychological? If, as experienced and knowledgeable cardiologist you are saying I can forget about water retention, then I am going to try with all my will to do as you say and focus on my little boy and my work and things that bring me XXXXXXX I know it is not rational to believe that I will suddenly go into CHF when I am cured now but my brain is so stubborn! And it would have to be CHF for me to retain water?

Thank you so much, Dr. Teli. You are a great doctor- I wish you could be my actual local doctor.

Dear Dr. Teli,
Thank you so much for your knowledge and your prayers. I pray for