If you have ever visited a hospital in another country, you will generally be quite pleased with our health system. You do not want to end up in a hospital in Cancun. I am with Peggy In Alaska, cancel the trip, find out what is going on and go from there.
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
SHerrin Hutt
Well-known member
Welcome to the sight. The year before my stroke and valve replacement. I went on a rip to Jamica with my daughter not knowing what was going to happen later. I had a mitri- valve repair and it was supposed to last for 10 yrs. But as you can see it didn't work out that way. I was on oxygen on the trip too! My primary care Dr. was not in favor of me going either. So I took out extra medical insurance from the the travel co. It was supposed to cover things like if I got sick and had to take a flight home in the middle of the trip. But I with yours I think you should get your Dr's to do has much as they can before you go anywhere. Also 10 yrs ago we were going to Hawaii for our 20 ann. and my PCp didn't want me to go then either. I told him they had hospitals there and could have a room with a view. But again this was in the US, not a foreign country. This is a hard call. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hi Sheila,
Let me also add my welcome. For the last several years we have actually spent a month or so each year in Cancun. In fact, after I had a surgery date we still went there to decompress for a week then came home and had my surgery about ten days later. Cancun feels like a second home to me. We have a very comfortable place to stay and I really can relax there.
I was not doing my own protime testing before my surgery and I needed to have an INR drawn down there. The nurse at our resort's medical office called the lab who sent over an RN, called me in our condo on her arrival, and arranged to have the results faxed to me at the front desk. It was also very cheap and required no doctor's order. The nurse even asked me if I wanted any other blood work done. There is an American hospital there but I don't know what caliber it is.
We are usually back in the condo and settled in for the night long before the Cancun that many people see on TV even begins.
If you end up going then be prepared to spend a lot of time in line at the airport especially if you arrive and leave on a Saturday. I found this to be extremely taxing and ended up using a wheelchair on the return trip.
I don't know where you are staying but I doubt that some of the newer developed outlying areas are as prepared to deal with emergencies as most of the resorts in the hotel zone are. I'm not sure what I would have done if I was less familar with the area.
Let me also add my welcome. For the last several years we have actually spent a month or so each year in Cancun. In fact, after I had a surgery date we still went there to decompress for a week then came home and had my surgery about ten days later. Cancun feels like a second home to me. We have a very comfortable place to stay and I really can relax there.
I was not doing my own protime testing before my surgery and I needed to have an INR drawn down there. The nurse at our resort's medical office called the lab who sent over an RN, called me in our condo on her arrival, and arranged to have the results faxed to me at the front desk. It was also very cheap and required no doctor's order. The nurse even asked me if I wanted any other blood work done. There is an American hospital there but I don't know what caliber it is.
We are usually back in the condo and settled in for the night long before the Cancun that many people see on TV even begins.
If you end up going then be prepared to spend a lot of time in line at the airport especially if you arrive and leave on a Saturday. I found this to be extremely taxing and ended up using a wheelchair on the return trip.
I don't know where you are staying but I doubt that some of the newer developed outlying areas are as prepared to deal with emergencies as most of the resorts in the hotel zone are. I'm not sure what I would have done if I was less familar with the area.
K
kia
new Bicuspid Aortic Valve website
new Bicuspid Aortic Valve website
Sheila, there is a new website, www.bicuspidfoundation.com, recently created by the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation that can give you information, and support.
The Foundation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to those with thoracic aortic disease, their loved ones, and the medical professionals who treat it.
You will find that you're not alone and that many many people with bicuspid aortic valves are doing very well years later. And you will find resources to check in order to educate yourself.
Best wishes, Kia
mother of a 33 yr old daughter with 2 aortic dissections (one ascending and one descending), an MI, and resulting OHS in Dec 03. Now in CHF, with implanted BVD, and looking at valve repair or replacement down the road for severely leaking tricuspid and mitral valves.
new Bicuspid Aortic Valve website
Sheila, there is a new website, www.bicuspidfoundation.com, recently created by the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation that can give you information, and support.
The Foundation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to those with thoracic aortic disease, their loved ones, and the medical professionals who treat it.
You will find that you're not alone and that many many people with bicuspid aortic valves are doing very well years later. And you will find resources to check in order to educate yourself.
Best wishes, Kia
mother of a 33 yr old daughter with 2 aortic dissections (one ascending and one descending), an MI, and resulting OHS in Dec 03. Now in CHF, with implanted BVD, and looking at valve repair or replacement down the road for severely leaking tricuspid and mitral valves.
M
MitralMan
I'll be a semi-wet noodle: forget about Cancun IF you can get this taken care of 1st
I'll be a semi-wet noodle: forget about Cancun IF you can get this taken care of 1st
I was (I thought) asymptomatic for years with mitral valve prolapse. I started recognizing what I thought were symptoms, so went in to see my cardiologist. He'd told me only two years earlier that in "ten to 15 years" I'd need a repair, but now I was in his office listening to him tell me I needed to get it done next 3 - 6 months. Even though I think he's a great cardiologist and human being, this didn't feel right to me -- it felt more urgent.
Saw the cardiac surgeon, he said "next 3 - 6 weeks."
I knew instinctively this had to be taken care of -- NOW.
Between the first echo with my regular cardiologist and the second echo by the cardiologist working with the surgeon, (a 3 week period) my heart dilated from 6.3 to 6.8.
I am two weeks' post-recovery from mitral valve repair. Between initial diagnosis and surgery was 3 weeks. I'm REALLY glad I had it done.
So my basic thought to you: there is NOTHING more important than sorting this stuff out. Now.
BTW, went to Cancun for our honeymoon. Sand is like powder. But it will still be there a couple of months from now!
I'll be a semi-wet noodle: forget about Cancun IF you can get this taken care of 1st
I was (I thought) asymptomatic for years with mitral valve prolapse. I started recognizing what I thought were symptoms, so went in to see my cardiologist. He'd told me only two years earlier that in "ten to 15 years" I'd need a repair, but now I was in his office listening to him tell me I needed to get it done next 3 - 6 months. Even though I think he's a great cardiologist and human being, this didn't feel right to me -- it felt more urgent.
Saw the cardiac surgeon, he said "next 3 - 6 weeks."
I knew instinctively this had to be taken care of -- NOW.
Between the first echo with my regular cardiologist and the second echo by the cardiologist working with the surgeon, (a 3 week period) my heart dilated from 6.3 to 6.8.
I am two weeks' post-recovery from mitral valve repair. Between initial diagnosis and surgery was 3 weeks. I'm REALLY glad I had it done.
So my basic thought to you: there is NOTHING more important than sorting this stuff out. Now.
BTW, went to Cancun for our honeymoon. Sand is like powder. But it will still be there a couple of months from now!
P
prttyprttyprncss
Here we go again...
Here we go again...
Again, I am overwhelmed and very appreciative of the support and information I've received from you all!
Talked to my dr again. I know he's just a few years from retiring, but man, I'm ready to help him along!! He prescribed clorazepate for me earlier in the week and told me to take it to help keep my bp down and calm me. He said "I know this can be scary, but staying calm is really the best thing you can do right now". He also said to enjoy myself in Cancun. Well, 3 very lightheaded episodes later, and hubby called him. I would like to note that I have not passed out again and while I'm still getting lightheaded upon changing postions and my heart seems to pound when I lay in bed on my side at night (only in one direction!), I am doing better. I even had a light workout the other day. Other than a killer headache and an HR that wouldn't drop below 165, I did fine. (I didn't work up a sweat, but my hr was high?!) Anyhow, hubby called the dr, he says "well, is she taking the medication like she's supposed to?" My dear husband says "she's taking it like it says on the bottle, AS NEEDED and SHE never thinks she needs it". So, the two of them are bullying me into taking it every 4 hours. I've been on it 2 days and I can't say that I see a real difference. I'm beginning to suspect that despite what the echo says, my dr just thinks it's stress.
My husband did request a copy of the CT scan and the 2d Echo. At least if something happens, we'll have some history and I figured you all could tell me just what it REALLY means! We tried to get into the cardio dr early, but her nurse has that place shut down tight. She needs to be working for NSA. Basically, if I want to see her before the 19th, it'll have to be in the ER! And without a consult, the rest won't even talk to us! So, here's the plan... Take it easy, take the stupid pills, TRY to relax, go to Cacun, come back and take it from there. Because really, what else can I do?
We are in the middle of an ice storm, I worked 14 hours today (I work for an electrical contractor) and got home to find my beautiful Bradford Pear tree that was as tall as my 2 story house blocking the street. Cancun has become a necessity!
Hugs,
Shelia
Here we go again...
Again, I am overwhelmed and very appreciative of the support and information I've received from you all!
Talked to my dr again. I know he's just a few years from retiring, but man, I'm ready to help him along!! He prescribed clorazepate for me earlier in the week and told me to take it to help keep my bp down and calm me. He said "I know this can be scary, but staying calm is really the best thing you can do right now". He also said to enjoy myself in Cancun. Well, 3 very lightheaded episodes later, and hubby called him. I would like to note that I have not passed out again and while I'm still getting lightheaded upon changing postions and my heart seems to pound when I lay in bed on my side at night (only in one direction!), I am doing better. I even had a light workout the other day. Other than a killer headache and an HR that wouldn't drop below 165, I did fine. (I didn't work up a sweat, but my hr was high?!) Anyhow, hubby called the dr, he says "well, is she taking the medication like she's supposed to?" My dear husband says "she's taking it like it says on the bottle, AS NEEDED and SHE never thinks she needs it". So, the two of them are bullying me into taking it every 4 hours. I've been on it 2 days and I can't say that I see a real difference. I'm beginning to suspect that despite what the echo says, my dr just thinks it's stress.
My husband did request a copy of the CT scan and the 2d Echo. At least if something happens, we'll have some history and I figured you all could tell me just what it REALLY means! We tried to get into the cardio dr early, but her nurse has that place shut down tight. She needs to be working for NSA. Basically, if I want to see her before the 19th, it'll have to be in the ER! And without a consult, the rest won't even talk to us! So, here's the plan... Take it easy, take the stupid pills, TRY to relax, go to Cacun, come back and take it from there. Because really, what else can I do?
We are in the middle of an ice storm, I worked 14 hours today (I work for an electrical contractor) and got home to find my beautiful Bradford Pear tree that was as tall as my 2 story house blocking the street. Cancun has become a necessity!
Hugs,
Shelia
K
Karlynn
I would seriously reconsider working out right now if your HR won't maintain below 165. That's too fast for someone having your problems.
If a trip to the ER is what will help you to see a cardio, go the next time you get light-headed. Sometimes we need to do an end-run to get what we need.
If a trip to the ER is what will help you to see a cardio, go the next time you get light-headed. Sometimes we need to do an end-run to get what we need.
M
McCln
Hey Priceness
Hey Priceness
Welcome to this great place. As you can tell, I am from Mo, KCMO. I go see my cardio at KU Med Center. You are not too young to have heart problems. So many people think that. I was born with mine, congential heart defect, aortic heart murmur, corrected with St. Jude's aortic valve in 2001. You may have to forget Cancun and get this heart thing check very throughly. It is very important to keep your own health in check. You are a very luck person so far to have so an attentive husband. You keep the appointment. You need to make sure to know from the cardio all the problems you are having. And be sure to ask all the questions you need to the cardio. And if you get confused about the jargen or procedure, come here and ask away. You have many friends here. Take care.
Hey Priceness
Welcome to this great place. As you can tell, I am from Mo, KCMO. I go see my cardio at KU Med Center. You are not too young to have heart problems. So many people think that. I was born with mine, congential heart defect, aortic heart murmur, corrected with St. Jude's aortic valve in 2001. You may have to forget Cancun and get this heart thing check very throughly. It is very important to keep your own health in check. You are a very luck person so far to have so an attentive husband. You keep the appointment. You need to make sure to know from the cardio all the problems you are having. And be sure to ask all the questions you need to the cardio. And if you get confused about the jargen or procedure, come here and ask away. You have many friends here. Take care.
ALCapshaw2
Well-known member
With a resting HR of 165, you really need to have an EKG or be placed on a monitor of some sort. Perhaps your Primary Care Physician can order a 24 hour monitor for you. You may have some sort of arrhythmia / electrical problem with your heart that should be documented.
IF /when you experience such a high HR again, find someone who can do an EKG on the spot, either one of your doctors, a walk-in clinic, or an ER. Maybe then your cardio will decide that you need to be seen.
'AL'
IF /when you experience such a high HR again, find someone who can do an EKG on the spot, either one of your doctors, a walk-in clinic, or an ER. Maybe then your cardio will decide that you need to be seen.
'AL'
strawberry
Well-known member
At least the tree fell toward the street and not toward the house!
P
prttyprttyprncss
The real skinny.. or.. Shelia's echo results
The real skinny.. or.. Shelia's echo results
Ok, maybe I'm making a molehill out of nothing. The verbage in this report is different than that of my doctor on his initial call? What do you all think?
Right Vent Dimension - 1.3
Left Vent Diastole - 4.8
Left Vent Systole - 2.9
Post LV wall thickness - .4
Septal wall thickness - 1.1
%LV systolic thickening - 40%
Ejection Fraction - 71%
Aortic leaflet separation - 1.8
Aortic root diameter - 2.0
Left atrial dimension - 3.2
This echo is of good quality. It reveals the following:
1. There is a whiff of aortic insufficiency. This appears to be due to a bicuspid aortic valve. There is no aortic stenosis.
2. There is mitral valve prolapse with mild mitral insufficiency. There is no mitral stenosis.
3. Pulmonary valve is normal.
4. There is a trace of tricuspid insufficiency.
5. Chamber sizes are normal.
6. The LV ejection Fraction is normal at 71%.
7. Left ventrical is normal at 4.8 cm.
8. No pericardial effusion is seen. There is no thrombi or vegetations identified.
Ok.. that's it. Never knew "whiff" was a medical term and I KNEW I should have ate more vegetables! The things they can find out by looking at your heart!! (I swear, the dog WANTED my peas!!!)
Sorry to be a pain, but this has been a scary experience. Maybe I'm over worrying. I trust your judgements far more than my own!
Oh yeah, everything on my CBC was normal except wbc it was low at 3.3 (normal range - 4.0-12.5) and 3 spots under that was something?? MO# and it was high at 13.1 (normal range - 4.0-13.0) ok, barely high I found numerous sites on cbc interpretation, but can't figure out mo#. Nor how the two are related. Then again, it's late and I'm sleepy!
Smoochies to all!
The real skinny.. or.. Shelia's echo results
Ok, maybe I'm making a molehill out of nothing. The verbage in this report is different than that of my doctor on his initial call? What do you all think? Right Vent Dimension - 1.3
Left Vent Diastole - 4.8
Left Vent Systole - 2.9
Post LV wall thickness - .4
Septal wall thickness - 1.1
%LV systolic thickening - 40%
Ejection Fraction - 71%
Aortic leaflet separation - 1.8
Aortic root diameter - 2.0
Left atrial dimension - 3.2
This echo is of good quality. It reveals the following:
1. There is a whiff of aortic insufficiency. This appears to be due to a bicuspid aortic valve. There is no aortic stenosis.
2. There is mitral valve prolapse with mild mitral insufficiency. There is no mitral stenosis.
3. Pulmonary valve is normal.
4. There is a trace of tricuspid insufficiency.
5. Chamber sizes are normal.
6. The LV ejection Fraction is normal at 71%.
7. Left ventrical is normal at 4.8 cm.
8. No pericardial effusion is seen. There is no thrombi or vegetations identified.
Ok.. that's it. Never knew "whiff" was a medical term and I KNEW I should have ate more vegetables! The things they can find out by looking at your heart!! (I swear, the dog WANTED my peas!!!)
Sorry to be a pain, but this has been a scary experience. Maybe I'm over worrying. I trust your judgements far more than my own!
Oh yeah, everything on my CBC was normal except wbc it was low at 3.3 (normal range - 4.0-12.5) and 3 spots under that was something?? MO# and it was high at 13.1 (normal range - 4.0-13.0) ok, barely high
I found numerous sites on cbc interpretation, but can't figure out mo#. Nor how the two are related. Then again, it's late and I'm sleepy! Smoochies to all!
H
Harpoon
vegetation=microbiotic infections=fungi....
More or less.
That was a term that came up early on when I sent for my tricuspid valve surgery and it's kind of ironic now.
They did a pre-operative echo which revealed (or so they thought) some vegetation on the leaflets of the tricuspid valve. I saw it during the exam as well as a NUMBER of doctors who all came into the room after the echo tech stepped out to get their attention when she saw it....
I kinda figured out pretty quickly on my own what they were talking about, an infection had developed on part of the valve which meant they wouldn't be able to perform surgery the next day as planned because they could knock that infectious material loose spreading it all throughout my body, causing all KINDS of nasty things to happen.
They started treating me with some heavy duty antibiotics. The plan was to clear out the infection before performing surgery, something that might take 6 to 8 weeks to do....
Low and behold, I couldn't have BEEN that lucky.
What they thought was vegetation actually turned out to be the last remaining vestages of my tricuspid valve, flapping wildly away in a near constant flow of blood doing absolutely NOTHING to control it. In essense, at least for a little while, I had only three valves in my heart....
Ickypoo.
I got better, barely.
Be happy there's no "veggies" in your heart. That's a REAL good thing to know. =)
More or less.
That was a term that came up early on when I sent for my tricuspid valve surgery and it's kind of ironic now.
They did a pre-operative echo which revealed (or so they thought) some vegetation on the leaflets of the tricuspid valve. I saw it during the exam as well as a NUMBER of doctors who all came into the room after the echo tech stepped out to get their attention when she saw it....
I kinda figured out pretty quickly on my own what they were talking about, an infection had developed on part of the valve which meant they wouldn't be able to perform surgery the next day as planned because they could knock that infectious material loose spreading it all throughout my body, causing all KINDS of nasty things to happen.
They started treating me with some heavy duty antibiotics. The plan was to clear out the infection before performing surgery, something that might take 6 to 8 weeks to do....
Low and behold, I couldn't have BEEN that lucky.
What they thought was vegetation actually turned out to be the last remaining vestages of my tricuspid valve, flapping wildly away in a near constant flow of blood doing absolutely NOTHING to control it. In essense, at least for a little while, I had only three valves in my heart....
Ickypoo.
I got better, barely.
Be happy there's no "veggies" in your heart. That's a REAL good thing to know. =)
