dj/utvolsfan
Well-known member
I am so impressed with Cleveland Clinic! Over the top impressed! I was there 3 hours and had a diagnosis. Of course, my historical files, videos, tapes, had preceeded my arrival. I had one new TEE and a 2 hour long appointment with the specialist and his fellow! Then lo and behold, a diagnosis. I do not have Rheumatic Heart Disease as diagnosed in WV. It is questionable if I ever actually had rheumatic fever. Never truely documented with blood test - only symptoms. That is another story which doesn't seem too awfully important at this time. Anyways, I was diagnosed with a congenital condition which involves the 'subaortic membrane'. Some of us are born with missing parts (holes in heart, etc); I was born with the 'extra something' - the above mentioned membrane. My history since age 17 supports the CCF's findings. I had a hard time fighting my emotions at my appt. My doctor and his fellow were incredibly compassionate. I have been so consumed by feeling so rotten for so long that I was overwhelmed with the notion that I will soon be feeling better than I ever have my entire life. I was also alone in Cleveland having travelled by myself. I am saving my support people for surgery. I'm single, kids in college, dad in Florida and sister out of state as well. It wasn't bad. I was so exhasted I fell right to sleep after my arrival back at my hotel. Then was admitted following the cath yesterday. The drive home today was not so easy. Felt so drowsy. Not to mention very sore.
I guess I am officially in the infamous 'waiting room'!!! Dr. Stewart wants me to have surgery within the next few weeks. He sees my life as one of zero quality. So in his opinion, why put off living since I have already sacrified years of my life as it is now. We are looking at late March so that I can have any and all dental work completed in the next 6 weeks or so.
I had a rather extensive catherization yesterday which might indicate a need for repair to my aortic and mitral valve as opposed to replacement. Both options will be discussed with me Monday when Dr. Stewart calls. I will let you guys know the exact date when I find out.
I am going to be scouring this site for info such as what to take, what to expect post-op, etc. Gosh, I have such post-op anxiety and nausea following simple surgeries. I cannot imagine post-op following OHS. I absoultely dread it, but I keep thinking of how good I am going to feel within weeks of the surgery. I'm keeping my eyes on the prize!!!
Thanks again for all of your support. Debbi
PS Every woman I saw that first morning at CCF made me wonder if it was Arlene. Any word from her or her family?
I guess I am officially in the infamous 'waiting room'!!! Dr. Stewart wants me to have surgery within the next few weeks. He sees my life as one of zero quality. So in his opinion, why put off living since I have already sacrified years of my life as it is now. We are looking at late March so that I can have any and all dental work completed in the next 6 weeks or so.
I had a rather extensive catherization yesterday which might indicate a need for repair to my aortic and mitral valve as opposed to replacement. Both options will be discussed with me Monday when Dr. Stewart calls. I will let you guys know the exact date when I find out.
I am going to be scouring this site for info such as what to take, what to expect post-op, etc. Gosh, I have such post-op anxiety and nausea following simple surgeries. I cannot imagine post-op following OHS. I absoultely dread it, but I keep thinking of how good I am going to feel within weeks of the surgery. I'm keeping my eyes on the prize!!!
Thanks again for all of your support. Debbi
PS Every woman I saw that first morning at CCF made me wonder if it was Arlene. Any word from her or her family?
