Beginner... Got call from my GP this morning.

[prttyprttyprncss]

Hi! I've read many of the posts here, but don't see an area for newbies, really, so I'm going to just jump right in with my story and see if anyone can give me some information & ideas.

Tuesday morning, I woke up as normal, did my tinkle/toothbrush/towel routine and got in the shower. Midway through, I felt lightheaded, nauseated and just bad in general. I opened the shower door, got some air, felt better and went back to it. Next thing I know, hubby has me on the bed yelling into my face to open my eyes. I refused to go to the dr, thought maybe I had overdone it on the EFX machine at the Y the night before or hadn't eaten enough or something. We were carpooling so he drove me to work. About 2 hours later, I stood up from my desk to talk to someone and got the same nauseated/lightheadedness. To make a long story short, co-worker called hubby, hubby called our MD, md got me in w/n the hour. He went over some things, bp, hr, etc and stress. Said if he didn't know me better he'd think it was stress. I told him I couldn't be less stressed at this point in my life. I went from 220 in June to my current weight of 175 through exercise and just watching what I eat 6 out of 7 days. I just had my 35th birthday and hubby and I are going to Cancun Jan 12th for our anniversary. Until that morning, I hadn't felt so good in years! He said he wanted to have some tests done before I run out of the country, just to be on the safe side. I figured he meant over the next couple of weeks. He got me in for the CT scan (head)the same day and the 2d Echo the next. Took till today to get the echo back. He had called yesterday with the ct scan results (normal) so I was expecting the same with the 2d. I have had several fainting incidents since then and almost anytime I stand up from a sitting postion I have to stand still, holding on to something for the "wave" to pass. Anyhow, I was pretty shocked to hear him tell me that the results weren't "ideal". I have a bicuspid aortic valve, mitrol valve prolapse and moderate regurgitation. Once he started listing things off, my head started swimming and I am not sure what else he said with the regurgitation.. I know there was something else. He said he was referring me to a cardiologist. I said, "what about Cancun"? He said, oh, we'll get you in before the 12th. Well, the nurse called back this afternoon and said that the doctor he wanted me to see was booked until March but she told her the urgency (??) of the situation and they got you in Jan 19th. I asked about Cancun to her, but that was the first she had heard of it but did tell me if I faint or continue to have symptoms to call the Kansas Heart Hospital and tell the cardio's nurse so maybe they can get me in sooner. This has been a lot for hubby and I to digest and I am kicking myself for not asking my doctor more questions. I read through all the stuff on webMD, but none of it sounds very promising.

So, my questions are these... Should I cancel the trip to Cancun? Should I call my doctor back and bug him with questions? The last thing he said to me, after I sort of jokingly said "told ya I wasn't stressed!" was "this is real, and it can be serious, let's get you to a specialist". Should I be concerned that I'm still getting dizzy and lightheaded? I haven't passed out since Monday, when I went tanning (getting ready for Cancun, silly me). For the most part, I feel ok. I carry my paper bag, my doctor told me to start taking baby aspirin, stay out of the tanning booth and to cut back on my exercising to just walking until I see the specialist. Should I try to get in sooner to the specialist?

Frankly, I'm scared. I'm the healthiest I've been in 20 years. I've never been on any meds other than allergy medicine. Several months ago, when I was ready to up my exercise to more rigorous routines, I had to see the dr because I had no stamina and felt like someone was putting a weight on my chest when I tried to take a deep breath. He prescribed albuterol for exercise induced asthma. Other than an occasional bout with IBS, that I normally don't take meds for, I'm fit. I just don't understand where this came from. Other than left field. Well, the left fielder can have it back!

Thank you for reading.. if nothing else, it's helped just getting it down and out of my head.

Shelia

 

[JimL]

Welcome, Shelia, I don't have answers to your questions; perhaps someone else does. I know I had similar experiences of lightheadedness, but that happened a few weeks after my surgery when I did too much too quickly. Before surgery, I was diagnosed with bronchitis and pneumonia and given something like albuterol, which didn't help at all. I can also relate to the experience of thinking of all kinds of questions I should have asked the doctor.

I think you need to get those answers from your doctor.

 

[Rebecca]

Congratulations on your weight loss!! Welcome to this wonderful web family. Today you and your husband should see if you can visit your family doctor. Bring paper and pen so you can take notes. Also take along your list of questions. Asked your doctor if you should post prone your trip to Cancun? Asked if there is another cardiologist that you can see next week?

Eight days before Thanksgiving my mother fainted. The doctor sent her for EKG that day. The next day she had Echo. The following day she saw cardiologists. She went to the hospital that could get her in for a heart catatheterizatrion the fasted. (Two days wait) During the heart catatheterizatrion the doctor did angioplasty and stent on two arteries. My mother went to her sister house on Thanksgiving Day for dinner.

Some airlines will give you full credit for cancel trips if you have a doctor note. AirTrans Airway gave us full credit to delay our trip home because my daughter had a high fever and was vomiting. They did not ask for a note but knew her main seat on the flight would be in the bathroom.

 

[Bionic Valve Tim]

First, welcome to the site and good luck with all of this! My story is a little different than yours, but I'll share it:

I found out I needed my valve replaced about 3 weeks before my wedding and honeymoon to Jamaica. My cardiologist very strongly advised against leaving the country before my surgery. He understood that it was my honeymoon and that my fiancee might not like the idea of canceling, but he insisted that I bring her in the following day so that he could talk to both of us about it. We ended up rescheduling at an additional cost of ~$900

As far as I was concered at the time, I was asymptomatic--I was getting tired easily, but was not having any other symptoms such as light-headedness or severe shortness of breath. So, this was all pretty much a shock!

My cardiologist explained everything to my fiancee and brought up canceling the honeymoon. He said that, generally, people in my situation deteriorate slowly rather than having a life-threatening event--he didn't think I would have any problems, but he couldn't make any promises. He pointed out that this was major surgery, and we didn't want to face the prospect of having it done in an emergency in a foreign country.

After he talked about the medical concerns that he is of course obligated to address, he said that his biggest reason for recommending that we reschedule was so that we could go when we would both enjoy the trip. Did we really want to spend our one-week honeymoon dreading the major surgery I'd be having as soon as I stepped off of the plane?

He was right of course, and now that I'm coming up on 3 months post-op, I'm really looking forward to my honeymoon in March. I would have enjoyed it in October, but not like I will now!


Your situation is obviously different since you don't have a diagnosis from a cardiologist yet. I guess I would talk to my doctor and ask if he thinks it's okay to go on the vacation before seeing the cardio. If he thinks it's a bad idea, maybe he can recommend a different cardio or even push the first one to get you in. If he thinks it's fine, then go enjoy your vacation.

Be sure to keep us informed and good luck,
Tim

 

[Jean]

Shelia, welcome. There is much here to learn and many, many good people to guide you through it all. Lean on us.

I have two things...well, three...to say right now. First read this whole site; much info. Second, the exercise induced asthma may be false symptoms of your heart problems. I also had a bicuspid aortic valve and had been told since about 3 or 4 that I had asthma. Was treated with all kinds of stuff. After my surgery I have no asthma, not even to horses who used to give me major attacks within minutes. When things started getting bad, my GP spent about 4 weeks tweaking my asthma meds until I insisted he send me to a cardiologist (I'd known about the valve since I was 36 ((I was 56 when it bit the dust)).

Thirdly, after surgery, most of us live normally...read that like normal people not like normal had been for us before surgery. I'm looking at my 5th anniversary in Jan.

Good luck. Ask lots of questions if you have a need...from us , your doctors, any one who can help.

 

[Harpoon]

... Before surgery, I was diagnosed with bronchitis and pneumonia and given something like albuterol, which didn't help at all. I can also relate to the experience of thinking of all kinds of questions I should have asked the doctor....

WTF? Albuterol for bronchitis????


Whoah, get the hell outta there and find a new doctor, PRONTO!


Sorry, if you have a heart condition you should NOT be on a medication like Albuterol which causes yoru heart to race and can actually DAMAGE heart valves over time....


More on the topic at hand (Cancun) in a moment...

 

[Harpoon]

Shelia:

Hiya, welcome. =)

This is a great place and people with bicuspid valves are VERY common here, lots of good references and stories to share.


On your trip. You should probably talk it over with your GP (or primary physician) and or your cardiologist if you have one by now.

There may be some medications that you can take that will help ease the fainting spells, but those spells are happening because your heart isn't pumping enough oxygen to your brain. That isn't good at all.

The problem may be exacerbated by travel (pressurized aircraft can do some strange things) and you might be better off postponing the trip until your doctors have your condition under better control. It doesn't mean cancelling everything outright, just making sure you're not going to put yourself in danger by travelling with a bad heart valve.

How often are the fainting spells? What are you doing (if anything) when they come up? If they're random that would be more serious than if they're only happening during heavy exercise or some other kind of "stressor" activity.

I agree with backing off on the exercise some and staying out of the tanning salon. You might extend that to avoiding really hot showers, hot tubs/jacuzzis, and saunas for the time being. The intense heat can lower your blood pressure which may induce one of those fainting spells or make it harder for you to come out of one. Stay away from rigorous activity for a while too, no snow shovelling.


Generally, we can all be pretty active and live a normal lifestyle without too much fear over our hearts. In fact, for most of us, the more exercise we can get the better and many of us aren't getting enough. However, in saying that, you need to know where your boundries are and right now, for you, those boundries seem to be changing rather suddenly and it would be best to lay off until you've got a more accurate picture of what's going on inside your chest.

Not getting to Cancun as planned sucks rocks.

Getting to Cancun and dying on the beach because your heart wasn't ready to take the trip sucks worse.

Ask the docs, see what they say, and be prepared to put your trip plans off a bit until the good cardiologist says it's OK.

And be sure to bring back some photos to share! =)

Good luck...

 

[geebee]

Sheila,
Welcome to the site and the VR.com family. Sorry to here you are having problems but, as you guessed, we are all in the same boat so help is here.
My reaction to your question about cancelling your trip is that you probably feel you should but still really want to go. However, you should consider a couple of things.
1) What happens if you have medical problems while away? Are there good hospitals that can help you? Does your insurance cover such a situation?
2) Can you really enjoy yourself with this hanging over your head?
My then hubby and I had a trip to St. Thomas planned when I had a fainting spell that turned out to indicate a need for OHS. We cancelled the trip (airline and hotel were great). I then had my surgery and 3 months later, we had our St. Thomas trip. I even learned to scuba dive.
Ultimately this will be your choice but, if it were me (and it was), I would wait to travel until I knew what was REALLY going on.
Hope this helps some.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Nan]

Hi Sheila, and welcome!

It seems to me that if you are symptomatic, that you should consider postponing your trip to Cancun...discouraging to hear, I know, but as others have said, you don't want to find yourself in an emergency situation far from home and your medical providers. With any luck you can get into a cardio and get cleared, and then go off on your vacation! Hope that is the case. But if you do need treatment/surgery etc. better to have it planned at home, than as an emergency elsewhere.

And, there is no reason you can't ask your MD questions now...call the office and say you need to talk to him/her ...make a list of your questions so you can be sure they are all answered. Maybe it can be done on the phone, or perhaps you could fax your questions and then they could fax answers back.

Good Luck, and keep us posted.

 

[prttyprttyprncss]

Talked to my MD!

Talked to my MD!

You all are just a DELIGHT! After reading your posts this afternoon, I am feeling better and not so alone in this! I tossed and turned all night stressing over "what-if, how's-about, and omg's". My husband must have done some of the same because first thing this am, he called our MD. The doctor said that he thinks we will be ok. He said the ct ruled out any pressure problems that could be associated with flying. He did prescribe something for my nerves. We had talked about that several months ago, as I hate flying. He said that he spoke with the doctor that viewed the 2d Echo tape and he also feels like there is no imminent danger. We are traveling with two other couples and I really don't want to change everyone's plans! I guess I just won't be climbing the steps of the ruins. I can't/don't swim, so that won't change.

To the person that asked about what/when/where on the passing out. I was in the shower the first time (the 23rd of Dec, not 22nd), in my MIL's living room (standing) the second, (the 24th) and standing in the tanning both the third (the 27th). The lightheadedness/dizziness comes on whenever I stand up from a sitting position (usually if I've sat for awhile) or if I stand in one place for awhile. Btw, MIL's living room was sweltering and I had on a turtleneck. I haven't passed out since this past Monday, but then, I haven't done much either. In fact, most of the bruises all the falling left are beginning to fade! Hubby is still shuttling me back and forth to work. I did work out at the Y last night, but a very mild work out, just walking. I actually felt good while working out, it was about an hour afterwards that I felt like someone had sat an anvil on my chest and I started coughing and felt like my heart was going to leap out of my chest.

We've decided to wait until after the Cardio visit on the 19th to mention anything to our boys. (15 & 11). Just don't want to scare them unnecessarily. When did you all share with family members? What was the time span from diagnosis to surgery? I'm not saying I'll have to have surgery, maybe this can be controlled with medication?? But I was curious, was it a 2-week window or are there more tests involved and months are involved.

I'm so grateful for you all! I've been on newsgroups and forums, but not where I need support, usually just giving my humble opinion.

Thanks again,

Shelia

 

[geebee]

It sounds to me that you are having problems with high heat situations (tanning booth, shower, sweltering MIL's LR). High heat can affect blood pressure and/or heart rate so it may be triggering irregularities and thus blood flow problems causing fainting.
You should make a point to avoid overheating especially in Cancun. Stay in the shade, wear hats and drink plenty of water.
Good luck, keep us posted.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome to our family.

If I were you I would definately see a cardiologist prior to going on your trip. With episodes of passing out, and the sudden onset of the episodes (several within a short time) it means something is going on. Hopefully, it is something that can be explained and treated with either a routine change or medication, but I wouldn't recommend going on a trip not knowing why it's happening. With the episodes you are having/had, this would be a good reason for a reputable, caring cardiologist to work you in to his/her schedule.

Some doctors just aren't used to having young patients with heart problems, so when they get them, they assume it's not a big deal. This is just some I'm speaking of. I had 2 doctors that missed a pretty serious diagnosis because it wasn't something they were considering simply because of my age.

I would also question the exercise induced asthma. This could be a symptom of your valve troubles.

I would tell your boys that you do have something going while trying not to pass along your fears. Simply because if you pass out or become ill when one of them is around, it will put them into a situation where they aren't sure what to do.

I'm not trying to scare you. Be assured that whatever they turn up with your valves, you have an issue that has a lot of solid science and successful treatment behind it. All of us here are witness to that. But I would definately try and get a handle on why this is happening now, before you take your trip.

Best wishes

 

[inlaguna]

Time span from diagnosis to surgery depends on the severity of the issue and is best left to your cardiologist and surgeon. I was given about 6 months to make a decision and I was classified as having critical aortic stenosis. I had the Surgery about 2 months after the conversation.

I would think twice about the trip ( looks like you have) until there is more info available. It would be best to stick close to good medical care just in case. The tropics will be there for you when you are ready.

I waited until I had some facts to tell most of the family. Wanted to know details so I could lay it all out.....not only to quell their fears, but to organize my thoughts to answer questions.

Good luck.

 

[Nancy]

If something were to happen to you in a strange country with doctors who don't know your conditions, and medical care that might not be up to US standards, you could be in serious trouble. It would be unfortunate if you were to become too ill to travel back home, and had to have some emergency procedure in Mexico.

You should also check out what your medical insurance has to say about foreign travel, and also check out what would be required of you payment-wise in a Mexican hopital. Some foreign countries want cash only, and some want it upfront.

Frequent fainting spells are not something to take lightly, especially in the view of the fact that some of your tests were abnormal.

Right at this time in your life, you have to be protective of yourself and be cautious. Once things have been thoroughly investigated and properly diagnosed and you are in stable condition, you will have lots of time for travel and doing what you want. But this is not the case at present. Your condition is not yet stable.

Do take care.

 

[Marge]

Hi, Shelia! This is a great site, it was very helpful to me when my valve condition was diagnosed a year or so ago & I was in a panic. I am glad you found it.

Reading your post I thought: Wow, that's me a year ago!!! Perhaps telling you my experience may help.

We had a Mexico vacation planned (10 days in Oaxaca, south of Mexico City)in November/December of 2003. That was BEFORE my GP decided he heard a heart murmur and sent me out for an EKG and an echocardiagram. Which disclosed mitral valve regurgitation and a poor left ventricular function.

After that it was on to the cardiologist, who sent me for a cardiac catheritization. All along I kept asking: But what about Mexico? Can I go? My GP said, Ask the cardiologist. The cardiologist said, Ask the invasive cardiologist after you have the catheritization. After the catheritization (which showed the same thing, basically, that the echo had, with the additional notation that the mitral regurgitation was "moderate to severe") the invasive cardiologist said she could not absolutely forbid me from going, but that it would be better not to -- until I was more "stable" -- in case "something" happened.

Had to agree, Mexico might not be the best place for "something" to happen. So, VERY reluctantly, we cancelled the trip. After the catheritization, I was sent on to a surgeon and eventually had successful mitral valve surgery (repair) in February of 2004.

We were able to cancel our reservations at the B&B where we had been going to stay without penalty. The airline tickets were unrefundable. But they were re-issuable for a minimal charge as long as you did it within one year from the original date.

There is a happy ending. Last month (about a year almost to the day after the the cancelled vacation) we used the re-issued tickets, and went on the Mexico vacation. I felt fine (not even a touch of Montezuma's revenge!) had a wonderful time.

During intervening year, believe me, I thought a LOT about that cancelled vacation, which we had been really looking forward to. There were plenty of times that I wished we hadn't cancelled. After all, "something" didn't happen! Most likely it wouldn't have happened in Mexico any more than back home. But on the other hand -- if it DID happen .... On the whole, I am glad, really glad that I waited.

Unlike you, I hadn't had symptoms -- I went to my doctor because I had been having trouble sleeping since my mom's death in the summer of that year. If I had had symptoms like the ones you describe, I think I would have been even more likely to cancel.

What is great now is that I am able to travel without worrying about "something." In February we're going to France for a couple of weeks.

 

[Rebecca]

Hi Shelia,

I have been on the waiting list for moderate aortic regurgitation for over eight years. Every six months my doctor tells me it is not time yet for surgery. In the past I did have lots of symptoms. I have given up on tossing and turning at night. In the last eight years I have went on lots of vacations. This last summer my doctor gave me an okay to go to the top of Mount Kea HI, but not to do any hiking. One young girl fainted because of the lack of oxygen. Next week I am going to attempt to ski in VT. I have not ski in years.

When I was having lots of symptoms my top number of my blood pressure was high even at rest. My heart would be pounding so hard that it would wake me up in the middle of night.

If you go on your trip check to make sure your medical insurance covers foreign travel. Call the hotel you plan on staying at and asked if the hospital is any good.

Best of Luck!

 

[KathyH]

Hi Sheila.
Welcome to this great site. I would ask to see a cardiologist sooner rather than later. I would be afraid to go to a foreign country if I were having episodes of passing out. Once or twice is one thing, but you say you feel weak anytime you sit for awhile and then stand up. Maybe you would be fine traveling, but I would think your hubby and friends would be worried about you too and that would put a damper on the vacation. I definitely would not chance it.
As far as your kids go, they are old enough to understand something is going on with you fainting. I wouldn't go into too much detail, just keep it basic.

I'm sorry I can't say- go, but one thing you will find on this site is that we are honest and will give your our opinion. No one wants to scare anyone but the fact that we all have, or will be facing open heart surgery kind of makes us like brothers and sisters- trying to protect each other and look out for them. Good luck and keep us posted.
Kathy H

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Cancel the Trip!

Cancel the Trip!

Sheila:

Cancel the trip. Talk to your doctor. You don't want to end up in a Mexican hospital in an emergency situation, now do you? You can always go another time.

Take care.

 

[perkicar]

Fainting

Fainting

I'd also ask them to check your BP both sitting and standing. It could be something as simple as orthostatic hypotension, and just require a med change. I'm kind of in the "cancel your trip" camp, I'd hat the think of you being in mexico and need to see a doctor. Between the language barrier and the quality of care, the whole idea scares me!
Let us know what you decide on!
Carolyn

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Sheila,

I will get straight to my point:

Fainting when standing up can be a SERIOUS Symptom.

I would be looking to have that properly diagnosed ASAP, tomorrow if possible, if not, then at least next week.

FWIW, heart disease / issues are FREQUENTLY misdiagnosed in young women because most doctors are NOT looking for them and don't think that is a 'likely' cause. We have MANY women members who have been misdiagnosed multiple times before finally getting a correct diagnosis.

Have you heard the stories of the young Basketball Players who suddenly collapse and die on the court?
Valve issues are frequently the cause.
I would advise that you DISCONTINUE any and all strenuous exercise until you have an ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS.

I also would not want to be out of country
'IF something serious' were to happen.

Sorry to sound so negative, but people I've known with fainting episodes have had SERIOUS heart issues that needed prompt attention.

'AL'