hello, new member

[Blake777]

hello, new member

Hello everyone I am a new member to the forum. I just recently found out I have moderate to severe mitral regurgitation and the only treatment is surgery, I am 40 yrs old and will be 41 next month. I just had my first cardiology appt. yesterday and still got the same results that my pulmonary doctor told me. I was seeing him for severe asthma when I suddenly started having other symptoms : dizziness, chest pain, near blackouts and sob. They sent me for a TEE and found this heart problem. Well now I'm at the point where I get sob from just taking a shower or walking a few feet. Cardiologist said he will do another TEE since it's been almost 6 months and he put me on lisinopril. My pulmonary doctor put me on ativan before I went to the cardiologist and I can really tell the difference, meaning I feel so much better after I take the ativan. I have a lot of anxiety attacks and heart palpatations. I just started taking the lisinopril, just made me a little sleepy and can't really tell a difference right now. I just burried my brother last week and now this I am just scared out of my mind and all I can do is pray for strength to make a discision to have this surgery. Does anyone know if peridontitis (gum disease) can cause more problems? I asked my pulmonary doctor and he said know and I forgot to ask my cardiologist. I also have a lot of chronic disc problems and right knee and arm problems. I wonder is this from lack of blood and oxygen to limbs. Have been going to ER for years due to chest pain and they still say it's my disc problem in neck, because EKG always comes back normal. I have learned a lot from this forum just from reading your stories and I have came a little closer to the reality of surgery because of everyone here. God Bless.

 

[Ross]

Hi Blake777 and welcome to our humble abode.

Sorry to hear about your brother, do you know if it was by chance heart related?

No need to worry, though that is exactly what everyone does. Your human, so you don't have a choice. Many have gone before you and many will follow. It's not as terrible as it all seems at this point. The surgery, surgeons, etc, have all got this down to a fine science.

Others will be along to discuss things shortly.

The gum thing----It could lead to endocarditis or swelling around the heart and infection sometime. You really have to be careful with that.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Blake-

Welcome to the site. I'm glad you found it. First of all, let me express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your brother. The pain is so new, and now you have these heart problems to deal with.

I'm glad you've been reading some of the posts. There is so much info here and reading as much as you can will really start to diminish your fears. Of course you will be scared at first. Sometimes the reading is tough. Lots of problems.

Regarding your periodontal disease. I think you should run it by your cardiologist. Many heart surgeons want their patients free of dental disease prior to surgery, and it may take some time to get your dental problems straightened out so it doesn't delay your surgery date. You will also want to discuss the need for antibiotic prophylaxis to be used prior to any dental treatments, because germs from dental problems can cause diseases in your heart.

Hope to see you here often.

 

[Blake777]

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you all for your warm welcome. I feel a little closer to you all than my own family, and I guess it's because we all have some same issues. Seems like friends and relatives get more scared than you and then you are left out there to worry by yourself. Or maybe that's me and my mind playing tricks on me.
My brother died of pneumonia, it was not heart related. I'll tell my cardiologist about my gum disease and get it taken care of. I am prescribed antibiotics each time I receive dental work.
Thanks for everything. I will be hanging around here for a while.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi There Blake

Hi There Blake

Hi There Blake,

Welcome to the club and I am very sorry about your loss. I hope that the stress from your brother's passing is not taking it's toll on your heart problem. The reason I say this is that my father is in need of a heart transplant and I have found out that I have Cardiomyopathy and Mitral Valve Regurgitation as well. Now, I know that all bodies are not the same in the way that they experience illnesses, but let me tell you something that might (I pray that it will because it happens to me and I feel aweful when it does). Whenever I get stressed from some problem (a really serious problem) I really get short of breath, and I get fluid around my heart and lungs to the point where I think my next breath is my last breath. What I am trying to say is, If you start finding that your having dry cough episodes along with your shortness of breath, you might want tp take an extra diuretic (if the doc has given you one). I have found a big difference in the way that I breath once I get the fluid under control and stomp it out with the Lasix that I am on...I have taken 2 tabs(80 mg) for 2 days now and it has helped immensly....I try to pass on my own experiences in hopes that it helps others.. By the way, I am 2 years younger than you and I just felt that I should try to help if I can...Let me know how you make out. Take Care, Harrybaby666

 

[Blake777]

Thanks for your concern Harrybaby666, I don't have a lot of fluid around my heart that I know of. But I have been struggling with inflammation from a productive cough, sometimes a little bloody. Not a dry cough and this has been going on for over 6 yrs. That's why I went to Dr. in the first place and they still can't tell me where it is coming from or just won't mention that it is from my heart whenever I ask. It's always, "we don't know" or "it's the asthma". And I have been to the ER for it for the last 6yrs. But I will tell you this, I do have chest pain now when I get upset or sad. Hopefully it's just the valve problem. Thanks again.

 

[Nancy]

If you have congestive heart failure, you can have a cough and can cough up some blood. When are you having your TEE? Did they do a chest xray to look for fluid?

There is also a blood test that can differentiate congestive heart failure from something like bronchitis or asthma it's called a BNP. You might ask about that and see if it shows any CHF.

 

[Kathy]

Blake,

You and your family have really had plenty of stress in the last few weeks. I am so sorry to hear about your brother's death.

I had difficulty with bleeding gums when I was in my thirties. I started seeing a periodontist once a year and my gum disease has been under control for many years. If you have not been to a periodontist you need to get to one as soon as possible. Your dentist can provide a referral.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome to our world Blake.

My recommendation is to get that TEE scheduled ASAP and to check out whether you have CHF. Do you know how to check your legs for fluid retention? (Press the shin bone near the ankle. If the dent stays visible for 'some time'?, you are probably retaining too much fluid).

The TEE is a very good and definitive test. If it says it's time for surgery, IT'S TIME. DO NOT PASS GO, DO NOT COLLECT $200. Get Thee to a SURGEON and get FIXED.

Yes, it's scary, but the longer you wait, the worse it gets until it is fixed. It's pretty basic plumbing and the Surgeons know how to repair those pipes (and valves). At your age, the risks are VERY LOW and recovery usually goes well.

We've all been there (some more scared than others, but ALL scared) and everyone on this site represents a SUCCESSFUL surgery.

So, check it out, and you may want to start thinking about valve type and selection of a surgeon, preferably one with considerable experience with the type of valve that appeals to you.

Stay the course,

'AL'

 

[Blake777]

You know what's funny about the peridontitis, is I don't have any problems, the dentist says I have it but my gums don't bleed and they don't hurt, I don't have any symptoms. Do you think he is after my money?

I have had one TEE and it showed moderate to severe 5 months ago, I guess they are just checking again. I have had so many chest x-rays and they come back normal and my Internal medicine Dr. has ran every blood test he can think of, so he problably covered the BNP test. But I be sure to ask.

Another problem is I have no Insurance and my husband is on Veterans program. He's in remission for colon cancer now. But I know the Lord will show us the way.

What is the best valve type that has been used?

Thanks Again.

 

[Karlynn]

Hi Blake777,
Let me also say "Welcome"!

Let me also tell you how sorry I am that you lost your brother.

Palpitations and anxiety attacks are definitely symptoms of Mitral Valve problems. I had both before my replacement. My cardiologist told me that no one is really sure why people with bad Mitral Valves have more anxiety attacks than the "normal" person. But stress is definitely a factor.

Why don't you ask your pulomonologist or cardiologist to recommend a dentist to get another check on your teeth. The people I've known with periodontal disease have symptoms of it.

Best Wishes.

 

[Blake777]

Thank you Karlynn,

I will look for another dentist. I was just thinking, when I was about 22 yrs old I had the worst gum disease, I could not eat or anything it hurt so bad. Gums were swollen and bleeding,but after I had 5 teeth surgically removed, 4 wisdom and one at the roof of my mouth. All the symptoms went away. I wonder could this have caused the valve damage. I just don't think it was rheumatic fever. I also have been on high doses of prednisone for the last 3 years for my uncontrolled asthma at times and read somewhere that may damage mitral valves also. I will never get back on that. Well, know I have to get them repaired so why bother trying to figure it out, right?

Thank You

 

[Ross]

I don't know about Prednisone causing valve damage, but it cost me a left hip, so I know it's not a good thing for your bones.

I was on it for 5 years at a high dose level and sometimes raging rivers of it I.V. form in the ICU for my bleeding lung disease.

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Welcome Blake

Welcome Blake

Hi
We all had the same problems. Mine started when I was 40 and it down hill from there. You'll know when it the right time for you to have the surgery a

 

[Glenda]

Isn't there an old saying that "life begins at forty." ha! ha!
Very funny

I guess it could be worse. We're still here!

By the way, WELCOME BLAKE! You will love this web-site. There is so much wealth of information. These people are so wonderful and they have been there, done that, and they are alive to tell the rest of us who are waiting.


Love and God Bless, Glenda

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Blake

Blake

I didn't get to finish my story something happen to my commuter.
I had to have my valve repaired in 5/99 In Cleveland Clinic because no one in this area wanted to do the surgery because I was high risk at that point. So three yrs. later with a repaired cosgrove ring that was supposed last 10 yrs. gave me time for my heart to heal enough . In 1/02 I hada stroke and theey started a whole new set of problems, I spent three weeks in the hosp. but I only remember very little. I had be on oxygen for the three yrs. because I have asthma too! After the second surgery when they did the replacement I have better and more my self than ever. Got to get rid of all the o2 tanks.
Sorry, to hear about you brother. THere is a great book you can read before the surgery it is Written my Dr. Oz. IT is called THE HEALING HEART. IT the great book for anyone going into surgery.
My prayers are with you and your family.


Sherrin Hutt
Valve repair5/99
Valve replacement 3/02

 

[EVELYN]

Hello Blake


Welcome! This is a wonderful site with fantastic people. I've been a member for about 2 years. Found it when we were told my Husband had to have AVR. The members here are the very best, most knowledgeable, and most caring people on earth. You have found a very special place.

I think everyone here has said it all, so I'll just welcome you!! I will say this---when your cardio/surgeon tells you it's time, IT'S TIME!! DON'T WAIT TOO LONG!! Your heart can enlarge and cause irreversible damage. As far as valve choice, it's really up to you. We opted with a mechanical valve as my husband was very adamant about not having surgery again if at all possible. It works well for us and coumadin is not that big a deal...mostly! You will make the choice which will be right for you by reading and learning about the different options.

Again WELCOME!!! It's a great place to be.

Evelyn

 

[JimL]

Welcome Blake! As usual, lots of people cover all the important points, and say them well.

Heart surgery, if you need it, is definitely much more important than any periodontal problems. If you have time before surgery, you can get some of the dental work done first.

If you have specific questions about the periodontal disease, whether you have it or not, etc, you can email my wife, Shirley, from the members list. She's a dental hygienist and understands all the terms. Eg, she's always measuring how deep the pockets are on each tooth, front and back.

 

[Heather Fisher]

Hi Blake

I'm glad you found us. I'm so sorry to hear about your problems. As the others have said, get that valve fixed as soon as possible. Many surgeons recommend fixing them before there are a lot of side effects present, it's better for your heart in the long run. I'm also sorry to hear about your brother and husband. When it rains, it pours! I went through recovery from rectal cancer with my husband 12 years ago. Does your husband have to have radiation and chemo? Take care and let us know what happens!

Heather

 

[Mb]

Hello!

I read this thread, and was not going to post, but have given it a second thought, and will add two cents worth of info. (May not be worth two cents, but what the heck)

It is my understanding that anxiety is one of the symtoms of heart disease. When one gets a beta blocker, the intent of that medication is to create a "blockade" from the sympathetic nervous system, which is overactive with some people with heart disease. I understand that it is neuro hormonal as well. The beta blocker creates this barrier, decreasing both the heart rate and blood pressure. (Any one can step in here and correct me!!) This creates the anxiety or excitation of the heart from the electrical impulses over firing.

Some people with chest pain are not actually having a "heart attack", in that there is no clogged artery or traveling clot/embolus. The heart muscle itself is not receiving enough blood, and just like when you go skiing, and are whipping down that slope and you get the leg burn, same thing with your heart if it is overtaxed. This type of chest pain is actually a bit unusual, in that most people suffering from chest pain do have some atherosclerosis.

So, if you are suffering from more than your fair share of anxiety, panic attacks, etc., you are probably more than entitled to them, given your heart disease, and the troubles you've been experiencing recently. I think there are meds that can help.

I know my husband (dual valve replacement , etc.) can get pretty upset, anxious, and the n sick, if there is a problem in our house. Sometimes its not even a big problem......really minor, and not a problem at all, but for some reason, he gets upset. The anxiety is real. It can take him a day or two to "get over" something that has happened.

I wish you the best in your travels up this mountain. Sounds like you have more than your fair share. And, please let me add my sincerest sympathy in the loss of your brother.

Marybeth