Heart Problems

[SHerrin Hutt]

HI All
Well, I made it to the cardiologist last tues. he gave me two new meds. two take because of my injection fraction of 15%. They are Digoxin & avapro does anyone know anything about theses drugs. I fell as bad as I did before the valve replacement. No engery and I have had trouble with my balance. I went to lunch with ny youngest daughter last week and we went into this little art store and I manged to fall down all of three steps on my face. I have brusies everywhere. I go back to the Dr. in a month and if theses meds. don't help I am going somewhere else for another opinion. Any body out there have any ideals?I had lab. work last week and I can't even get the dr. to return my phone call.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

"Not returing a patients phone call should be a major crime"!

"Not returing a patients phone call should be a major crime"!

What is wrong with these guys? They never call you back and leave you hanging! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Sherrin,

I am so sorry to hear it. Are you certain your EF is 15%? Thinking back on your history......the mechanical valve was your second surgery correct? How is the valve doing? Are there other contributing factors to the low EF?

Last year an echo gave a false reading on my EF. Think they said 40% which had them very concerned. They sent me for a MUGA scan which proved the echo wrong. My EF was actually closer to 60. I would insist on additional testing and also a stress echo may be helpful.

Thinking of you. Please take good care and keep us posted.

 

[Guest]

HI All
Well, I made it to the cardiologist last tues. he gave me two new meds. They are Digoxin ... does anyone know anything about theses drugs.

Sherrin,

I'm sorry you are continuing to experience difficulties.... I hope things start to turn around for you soon.

As for those meds, I recognize Digoxin. I took that when I was a "young lad", but unfortunately, I've no idea why. That was back when I did as I was told...lol. I remember I first took it as a liquid...green in color...not exactly pleasing to the palate, as I recall. Then, I was able to switch to pills...which seemed to go down easier .

Cort, "Mr Road Trip"/"The Uniter", 30swm w/pig valve & pacemaker
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[bvdr]

Sherrin,

Digoxin has been around for a very long time. In a nutshell it is used to slow the heartrate and increase the strength of contraction. It is also a very effective anti-arrythmic for rapid heart rates like atrial fib.

I think they are hoping to increase the amount pumped with each of your contractions and hoping that your ejection fraction will increase by doing so. If it works you should soon be feeling a bit improved. Read the information given you by the pharmacist as it is a drug that needs to be kept in a set range to be effective. If you have too much (dig toxic) then there are all kinds of side effects but you don't even want to go there at this point.

It is made from the digitalis flower.....Foxglove.

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Well, I had a stess test and a echo and a heart cath . All in the same week. After the cath that is when they gave me the good news. I was supposed to had a surgery on the 5/2 but that didn't happens. I sure don't have a death wish. I just want them to call me back. I have called the cardiologist office twice over labs and I am not supposed to start taking the Aavapro till they read the lab. report. So right now I am left hanging.Thanks for your support.

 

[Nancy]

Sherrin-

I'm sorry to hear about your problems. Joe's been on Digoxin forever, or so it seems. It's a very good old time drug which helps the heart a great deal. Your cardiologist will keep an eye out for any potential high levels in your system (I would hope). In all the years Joe's been on it, he's only had high levels a couple of times. Then they just reduce the dosage. Other than that, it works very well.

Now, as to the lack of response from your cardiologist---do you have a Primary Care Physician? I would give him/her a call regarding your loss od balance and other symptoms. You need some kind of workup. You should be getting much better attention from your doctors.

Best wishes.

 

[epstns]

Sherrin,

Can't help on digoxin. Avapro, though, I know. Avapro itself is the compound irbesartin -- an angiotensin receptor blocker. It is one of the more benign new drugs used to treat high blood pressure. I'm taking a version called Avalide -- mine also contains hydrochlorozide (a diuretic). Avapro is just the ARB. It blocks the receptors that react to the enzyme angiotensin II and cause arteries to constrict. Blocking the enzyme allows arteries to expand, lowering blood pressure. I've had good results and no side effects with it.

Sure hope all this works out soon for you. We're watching (and praying. . . )

 

[Glenda]

Sherrin. what a mess! I certainly hope you will find out what your problems are. Bless your heart. I wish I was there to give you a big hug!! Just keep bugging those doctor's to give you some answeres. There has to be a solution. You are in my prayers.

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Thanks all for your support! After thee third call they finally called back. But it was not the nurse it was a tech. and she couldn't answer all my questions though, so I am still waiting for the RN to call me back.

 

[LDS4ME]

drs.who dont return calls

drs.who dont return calls

Hi, my name is Chris, I am a ole timer here just changed my user name, I have had so many problems with my Dr. as it stands right now it will take 3 mth. to get a appt with him. and he never returns my calls. best thing to do is find another Dr. ASAP. take care of your self i try im a single mom for 2 teens still at home love chris

 

[NEWHEARTPT]

reply

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I had 2 valves repaired last year. I take digoxin along with a ton of other meds. I feel tired all the time and worn out. BUT-- I have talked to my doctor about this many times and he said that some of the meds I take do that and there is nothing that can be done because of their benefits to the heart! You have to listen to your body. I have good days and bad days. I am wondering if you have any cardiomyopathy from the valve problems My heart was damaged due to my valve problems. What tests have you had lately? Maybe those could tell you something. If You DO find out what is causing your problems. PLEASE let us all know. I am very interested in hearing what your doc has to say.