First Post-Op Echo

[coach14]

I am scheduled to go in for my first echo after my 7/27 AVR surgery. I am a bit nervous to find out how things are, although I really have no physical reasons to worry. I have had a mostly uneventful recovery, except for a bit of a-flutter, which seems to be staying away after the cardiovert. I have started running again and outside some occassional tightness, feel pretty good.

I think it is mostly in my head. My last echo was at my intitial diagnosis with my cardiologist. I had a echo and nuclear stress test done. After the tests, she sat down and told me my heart was in very bad shape and I would most likely need a heart transplant. She scheduled a TEE and cath for 5 days later and after those results and consulting with my surgeon (Dr. Cameron), they determined my heart would be strong enough for an AVR. But those 5 days were pretty much the longest of my life.

So I think a lot of it will be in my mind, as I remember that first visit when I go in there tomorrow. At least it is early (7:30 am) so I will get it over with. It is just that I am worried things may not have improved.......

 

[njean]

Here's wishing you positive news when you go for your Echo tomorrow. Since you say that you have been feeling so well, I wouldn't fret if I were you...no sense in getting yourself all worked up ahead of time.

Let us know how everything goes! Good luck!

 

[Superbob]

It is only natural to feel nervous, but it certainly sounds like you are doing very well. Chances are good the echo results will be fine. Good luck tomorrow, and let us know how it goes.

 

[hall]

Best of luck for a good echo tomorrow.

 

[coach14]

Just got back and went better than expected. Actually, the cardiologist said that in all her years of practice, she had never seen such a change. My pre-surgery EF was 20% and today it was at a completely normal 60%. Also, my ventricle has shrunk by 2.1 cm and everthing looked good. Still some dilation, but more improvement than she ever expected. Her words were that she was "completely gobsmacked" by the numbers (she is British). Now we are going to concentrate on getting my BP regulated.......

 

[Bina]

Good for you. Were the 2 echos done in the same place with the same tech?

 

[coach14]

Yes, same office and same tech......

 

[Bina]

Good.
I just used the same place and tech as 2 yrs ago, so I'm also interested in comparing results.
Only diff for me is they upgraded the test equipment.

 

[COLLEEN S]

Coach,
I'd like to know what you found out. Keep us posted.

 

[COLLEEN S]

Just got back and went better than expected. Actually, the cardiologist said that in all her years of practice, she had never seen such a change. My pre-surgery EF was 20% and today it was at a completely normal 60%. Also, my ventricle has shrunk by 2.1 cm and everthing looked good. Still some dilation, but more improvement than she ever expected. Her words were that she was "completely gobsmacked" by the numbers (she is British). Now we are going to concentrate on getting my BP regulated.......

WOO HOO Coach, that is great!