Good News, Bad News

[KimC]

Hi, everyone.

Thanks for your well-wishes today. My cath went smoothly.

The good news is that I qualified to take part in the NHLB's WISE study on women with heart disease. The bad news is that I have heart disease, as proved by the results of my cath.

All of my questions were answered today by the "cutting-edge," compassionate, intelligent staff at SHANDS in Gainesville, Florida. I was told the dysfunction explains why I had a severe reaction to ergonovine last summer during my cath in Cleveland.

I also experienced arrythymia during the test and saw with my own eyes on the EKG that it was my heart. (Have you ever wondered if the irregular beats you experience are heart-related? I did).

Finally, I have the answer to my chest pain and am being treated while helping future generations of women. I also have what's called a myocardial bridge that may need revasculation, i.e., a stent. Apparently, this is a congenital defect that sometimes accompanies aortic valve defects. (Anyone else have this?)

So, there you have it.

Blessings,

 

[perkicar]

Hi, everyone.

Thanks for your well-wishes today. My cath went smoothly.

The good news is that I qualified to take part in the NHLB's WISE study on women with heart disease. The bad news is that I have heart disease, as proved by the results of my cath.

All of my questions were answered today by the "cutting-edge," compassionate, intelligent staff at SHANDS in Gainesville, Florida. I was told the dysfunction explains why I had a severe reaction to ergonovine last summer during my cath in Cleveland.


Blessings,

I'm so glad you found someplace that listened and took your concerns seriously. I'm sorry they found problems, but glad that you know what's going on and can move forward!

 

[Mary]

Kim,
I don't know much about this, but I assume (?) that this greatly reduces your chances of having OHS? If that's a correct assumption, then you really have been given good news. It must be a relief to know that you can move on without having surgery hanging over your head.

Congratulations!
Mary

 

[Karlynn]

Kim,
I'm happy for you that you got some definative news. Not happy that it's confirmed heart disease, but then you knew that it was something. Since you are part of this study, let's hope that it gives you access to cutting edge technology and quick responses.

You remain in my prayers.

 

[hensylee]

SHANDS is a great teaching hospital, isn't it.

Perhaps now you are on the right track with answers and these days there is so much available for 'heart' people. Please keep us informed as you go through this study. Good thoughts going your way, Kim.

 

[bvdr]

Hi Kim,

I'm glad the cath went smoothly and finally the answers are coming forth. It has taken a very long time. Has your treatment changed as a result? Do you have any more tests scheduled? Will your follow-up be with the doctors there?

 

[KimC]

Muchas Gracias a Todas

Muchas Gracias a Todas

Thank you, everyone.

Betty, yes, my treatment plan has changed and I am under the care of Dr. Carl Pepine's research staff for at least the next year. I'll be followed for several years, and my health records are now in the government "vault" for better or worse!

First, they took me off the calcium channel blocker, Cardizem LA and put me on a low-dose ACE-inhibitor, Lisinoprol which almost immediately haulted the angina decubitis. I also began feeling more energy. This should be a warning to others with even mild heart failure who take CCB's. I believe the Cardizem worsened my heart failure symptoms.

Second, they enrolled me in a drug study to test whether Eplerenone improves endothelial function. (My coronary arteries constrict versus dilate under stress). I'm either taking the new drug to treat heart failure or a placebo. Their theory is that Eplerenone targets this particular type of heart dysfunction.

Third, I'm pursuing the usual dietary and exercise regimes for heart patients which is challenging. Although I enjoy exercising, I'm addicted to red meat and ice-cream. I plan to purchase a nutritional book later today.

Fourth, I was told to try biofeedback and reduce stress, as I'm at risk for heart attack and stroke. The first thing I did was to relinquish all control over our family's new home construction. As Ross knows, that project was literally killing me! I'm trying to let it go, which is hard. My dream was to create the "perfect" home for my family. Ce la vi.

BTW, my doc told me that myocardial bridges rarely need intervention. I guess just knowing it's there was chilling!

Thanks again for your support and compassion. I truly feel like a different person today -- I'm at peace.

With love,

 

[bvdr]

Kim, thanks for the reply. I feel better that you are now obviously under competant care. Each time I was on CCB I had problems with excessive fluid build up and complete lack of energy. Not an uncommon occurance when there is underlying heart failure. I'm glad your energy level is climbing again.

We finished building a house and moved into it a couple of months before I had valve replacement. It was a house we designed for a retirement home. I really like most of it but I do know that a few areas I would have changed a little if I had had the energy to be "more into it" at the time. If someone else can manage it for you than by all means let him/her.

Has your dad commented much about your diagnosis? Having medical people in your family can prevent challenges.

 

[Marguerite53]

This is all good.

This is all good.

Kim. I'm so glad to hear your peaceful tone. Not only are you in better hands, you are also helping with research and development for everyone's future. I'm very glad that your situation took a positive turn. You earned it!!!

I hope this will begin a new, less harried and worrisome chapter for you. I hope that your comfort level is tolerable now and that it's clear sailing for a really long time!

Marguerite