Good news from my 6 monthly check-up with cardiology.
Had an echocardiogram and consult with the cardio and it seems my gradients have lowered a fair bit since last February, thanks to the warfarin I began in April.
I started warfarin for my cerebellar infarcts (TIA/mini stroke) last December.
The cardiologist said the valve is functioning well, other than moderate stenosis – Aortic Valve Area now showing 1.04cm² (moderate). She will see me again in 6 months. And if all steady then, once every year.
She said to contact their team anytime, if I have concerns or worsening symptoms.
She said the lower leg swelling I’ve been experiencing is not valve related and not heart failure. I suspect the cellulitis I had some time ago may have caused damage. Will chat with the GP for an opinion and ask for a diuretic pill, if that’s an option (and tolerable).
Cardio has prescribed a statin… Atorvastatin –
– not for high cholesterol (my cholesterol/LDL levels are low) but because of some mild cardiovascular (LAD – Left Anterior Descending Artery) disease, plus previous mini stroke.
Probably unpleasant side effects from the statin. Not that keen, but hey ho, if it helps. I’ll give it a go and see how my body reacts. She said if any side effects are intolerable, to ask to be switched to an alternative.
She wants me to stay on the Bisoprolol. *Warfarin’s permanent.
Will be interesting to see if the warfarin keeps the blood flow on an even keel and my gradients... and stenosis!... stay reasonable.
** Time will reveal all.
February 2025 echo here I come!
* Hoping to start the anticoag clinic’s official warfarin self-testing programme at my next clinic appointment/INR test on August 20.
Having said that, I’ve been unofficially self-testing for some months now. Testing my new machine. Privately learning the ropes and intricacies of self-management and how my body responds to the dance of a vitamin K antagonist. My INR is currently stable. (2.5 this morning).
For the record, it was my valve's five-year anniversary 7 August.
Happy Birthday valve.
** This was Big Ben from Westminster Bridge yesterday morning, en route to my early cardiology appointment at St Thomas' Hospital, just across the river.
Was a sunny day.
Had an echocardiogram and consult with the cardio and it seems my gradients have lowered a fair bit since last February, thanks to the warfarin I began in April.
I started warfarin for my cerebellar infarcts (TIA/mini stroke) last December.
The cardiologist said the valve is functioning well, other than moderate stenosis – Aortic Valve Area now showing 1.04cm² (moderate). She will see me again in 6 months. And if all steady then, once every year.
She said to contact their team anytime, if I have concerns or worsening symptoms.
She said the lower leg swelling I’ve been experiencing is not valve related and not heart failure. I suspect the cellulitis I had some time ago may have caused damage. Will chat with the GP for an opinion and ask for a diuretic pill, if that’s an option (and tolerable).
Cardio has prescribed a statin… Atorvastatin –
– not for high cholesterol (my cholesterol/LDL levels are low) but because of some mild cardiovascular (LAD – Left Anterior Descending Artery) disease, plus previous mini stroke.Probably unpleasant side effects from the statin. Not that keen, but hey ho, if it helps. I’ll give it a go and see how my body reacts. She said if any side effects are intolerable, to ask to be switched to an alternative.
She wants me to stay on the Bisoprolol. *Warfarin’s permanent.
Will be interesting to see if the warfarin keeps the blood flow on an even keel and my gradients... and stenosis!... stay reasonable.
** Time will reveal all.
February 2025 echo here I come!
* Hoping to start the anticoag clinic’s official warfarin self-testing programme at my next clinic appointment/INR test on August 20.
Having said that, I’ve been unofficially self-testing for some months now. Testing my new machine. Privately learning the ropes and intricacies of self-management and how my body responds to the dance of a vitamin K antagonist. My INR is currently stable. (2.5 this morning).
For the record, it was my valve's five-year anniversary 7 August.
Happy Birthday valve.
** This was Big Ben from Westminster Bridge yesterday morning, en route to my early cardiology appointment at St Thomas' Hospital, just across the river.
Was a sunny day.
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