Rick
Well-known member
Hi all, I have not posted in a bit. I am in my early 40s with moderate-severe aortic regurgitation and a bicuspid aortic valve. Was diagnosed 4 years ago at the Cleveland Clinic (took an international flight just to get there) and was told I'd probably need surgery in about 5 years or so but that there were things I could do to help perhaps elongate the time to needing surgery. Was also told I had a mildly dilated ascending aorta.
So I lost 30 pounds, walked regularly, gave up caffeine, only drink moderately and take my meds since then (Altace 10mg, half of 6.25 Coreg, and now also Lipitor), also tried to reduce stress (which I have never been successful on this). In December I had to travel our of town for work a lot, had a lot of social and professional engagements and had also started a brief weight lifting routine in the AM - nothing to bad, at most 30 pounds (I just felt weak after losing weight and not doing a lot of exercise).
In late December, I was exhausted, got a really bad migraine at work to the point where I could not speak. I was taken to the hospital where I could not answer my name when asked. I could understand what people were saying. I just could not speak. I was hospitalized overnight as at first the MDs thought I could be having a stroke though it was just a migraine and was on anticonvulsants for a week or so.
My November echo had shown a more stable or slower deterioration of the heart valve condition than the MDs expected 4 years ago but the ascending aorta I understand is only partially seen. So in late December, after the hospitalization, I had an appointment with the local cardiologist.
1) Lifestyle: he told me that I should not engage in sports like I had been. The day prior to my hospitalization I had played a one hour soccer game in the hot sun 90 degree weather. He also told me not to take up surfing, which I was beginning to try to learn. I really enjoy these things a lot.
2) Weights: he did tell me this was fine though small weights without straining.
3) Migraines: discussed this but he did not say much.
4) Ascending aorta: we did discuss doing an MRI or other exam to visualize since the ascencing aorta well since it has been 4 years since last MRI.
5) Overall: he said he was happy and that things had been more stable than he had thought 4 years ago.
So though overall I should feel very pleased, I cannot help but feel frustrated on lifestyle -- my son is getting to an age where he likes all the sports, and I want to surf or go skiing with him. It is also hard to slow down at work etc. My significant other is also athletic and not being able to share is frustrating - she oscillated between thinking I have a horrible condition which scares her to thinking it's all in my mind and she wants to talk to my docs.
So feeling frustrated and want a normal life. Any thoughts? Anyone have had similar recommendations? Anyone gone through a migraine like that? I think the weights may contribute to the headache but unsure.
Best wishes to all of you,
Rick
So I lost 30 pounds, walked regularly, gave up caffeine, only drink moderately and take my meds since then (Altace 10mg, half of 6.25 Coreg, and now also Lipitor), also tried to reduce stress (which I have never been successful on this). In December I had to travel our of town for work a lot, had a lot of social and professional engagements and had also started a brief weight lifting routine in the AM - nothing to bad, at most 30 pounds (I just felt weak after losing weight and not doing a lot of exercise).
In late December, I was exhausted, got a really bad migraine at work to the point where I could not speak. I was taken to the hospital where I could not answer my name when asked. I could understand what people were saying. I just could not speak. I was hospitalized overnight as at first the MDs thought I could be having a stroke though it was just a migraine and was on anticonvulsants for a week or so.
My November echo had shown a more stable or slower deterioration of the heart valve condition than the MDs expected 4 years ago but the ascending aorta I understand is only partially seen. So in late December, after the hospitalization, I had an appointment with the local cardiologist.
1) Lifestyle: he told me that I should not engage in sports like I had been. The day prior to my hospitalization I had played a one hour soccer game in the hot sun 90 degree weather. He also told me not to take up surfing, which I was beginning to try to learn. I really enjoy these things a lot.
2) Weights: he did tell me this was fine though small weights without straining.
3) Migraines: discussed this but he did not say much.
4) Ascending aorta: we did discuss doing an MRI or other exam to visualize since the ascencing aorta well since it has been 4 years since last MRI.
5) Overall: he said he was happy and that things had been more stable than he had thought 4 years ago.
So though overall I should feel very pleased, I cannot help but feel frustrated on lifestyle -- my son is getting to an age where he likes all the sports, and I want to surf or go skiing with him. It is also hard to slow down at work etc. My significant other is also athletic and not being able to share is frustrating - she oscillated between thinking I have a horrible condition which scares her to thinking it's all in my mind and she wants to talk to my docs.
So feeling frustrated and want a normal life. Any thoughts? Anyone have had similar recommendations? Anyone gone through a migraine like that? I think the weights may contribute to the headache but unsure.
Best wishes to all of you,
Rick