Anything I can ask cardio to do?

[epstns]

I'm in the "watchful waiting" phase of moderate to severe aortic stenosis, and am not having any of the cardinal symptoms. I'm still very active -- work about 10 hrs/day and do 3-4 miles on the treadmill most days. My one complaint is that I'm tired a lot more than I used to be (2-3 years ago) and often am totally wiped out by 8 or 9 PM. Does anybody know of anything I can ask my cardio to do or prescribe that will make life more pleasant/manageable until the right time for VR?

Thanks.

 

[Ross]

Steve all you can do is discuss it with the Cardiologist. I don't know of anything that will help besides surgery. If it's really affecting your life that bad, perhaps it is time.

 

[pegne]

Steve

Steve

I don't think there is anything the doctor can give you for this. I think your body is trying to tell you to slow down. Your profile says you are 55 years old. I am not saying that you are old but you are not a young wippersnapper anymore either. I'm 42 and I couldn't walk 3 to 4 miles a day much less run it on a treadmill. Start listening to your body. If it's telling you to get more rest then do it. There's nothing wrong with that. You earned it.

 

[epstns]

Well guys and gals, I hear you. I'm just not sure if this is a big enough issue to press toward early surgery. I think I am just looking for whatever they may be able to suggest that will maximize quality of life until it really is time for surgery. My life isn't bad, by any means. I just get tired of being asked "Why are you always tired?"

As for being 55 years old -- so what? I've never acted my age (just ask my wife, she'll say . . .) or really felt "middle aged." At my house we always define middle age as our parents' age, and my mom is 80!

Also, I am really not sure how good an idea it would be to give up my current quality of life (which isn't bad) for the unknown. I'm kind of afraid that I might wind up struggling uphill for a long time after surgery just to get back to where I am now.

Sorry for rambling -- I guess I'm also kind of venting. I get this way when I have a "down" day or two.

 

[richie rich]

steve

i am no doctor but if you always seem to be tired than maybe it is time to consider the surgery. you know your body. the docs can perform alot of test but they can not guarantee what kind of condition your heart is in. the heart may look better than it seems on a echo or a tee. they really know for sure when the open you up. if you have alot of symptoms then i think it is time. prolonging the surgery for six months to a year is not worth it. you will only cause more damage to your heart. prior to my surgery they told me that i had severe regurg. and that it was time. when they opened me up the found out that my valve was very calcified ( which suprised me) and that i had a bicuspid aortic valve ( this shocked me, since no one had ever mention this to me before. good luck. listne to your body. it will tell you when it is time.

rich

 

[BillCobit]

Feeling Wiped Out

Feeling Wiped Out

Steve -

It's tough to know if your reduced stamina is indicative of timing for surgery --- but it could be. I consulted a few cardiologists in the few years before my surgery. They all want to delay surgery as long as possible without allowing too much deterioration in heart function. In my case, some of the docs felt that if an "old guy" in his 40s was cycling and doing triathlon, then it was clearly not time for surgery. However, others looked at my heart dimensions, reduced ejection fraction and deteriorating exercise performance & concluded that surgery was indicated. In the end, I had to decide who I wanted to listen too. In order to preserve heart function and lifestyle, I opted to have the surgery earlier rather than later.

My advice: If you think your heart is the cause of your tiredness, consider a second opinion from cardio doc.

 

[epstns]

I am planning to meet with my cardio within the next few weeks to discuss my feelings and fears. Right now all this is still pretty new to me, and I am not sure how much of it is my fear causing me to focus on what might be relatively minor indicators of future changes. I guess I'm still second-guessing myself, wondering if what I feel (much of which has been with me for several years) is significant or not. I hope that my cardiologist will shed some light on it.

A couple of weeks ago I thought I was ready to accept the fact that "When it's time, it's time." Now I'm not so sure, and am probably fanning the flames of my own anxiety. Again, hoping that a frank chat with the doc will clear the air. I don't think I'm in immediate danger, but might be at the beginning of the next phase where the plans are set forth for surgery in the not too distant future. Cardio may disagree, though, and then I have to decide who to believe. First things first -- I'll see what he says.