Husband now the valve patient (we think)

[catwoman]

Arrgh! My husband John has his annual physical today and called me to say our PCP has found a murmur. I was suspecting something because John's energy level has really declined.

The PCP is setting him up with referrals & an echo to determine exactly what is going on. John mentioned aortic, calcification, perhaps even injury to a valve from his car accident last December (airbag fractured his sternum). I'm suspecting a calcified valve.

 

[Karlynn]

Marsha, they say married people start to look alike, but this is taking it to new heights!

I wish your husband the best. Keep us posted on what you find out.

 

[catwoman]

Karlynn:

Thanks! John sounded a little subdued when he called me on his cell on leaving the doctor's office. He seldom uses his cell phone (a pay-as-you-go since he hates talking on the phone).

I had gotten him to up his group life insurance during sign-up last month. Our PCP had mentioned in the spring about doing a stress test this fall, so I thought it prudent to up his insurance.

I am anticipating surgery. Rather anticipate it than to be surprised by it.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Marsha,
Sorry to hear this about your husband. I hope everything turns out OK.
I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Sandy SHields]

Hi sorry to hear about your husband It is hard enough for one person to deal with this now possible both. Good luck and God Bless you both.

 

[pipersmith]

Sorry for the news...

Sorry for the news...

I wish you both the best. Thank goodness for your great base of knowledge, and support of VR family!!
Adding you to prayer list.

 

[twinmaker]

Hey Marsha! Sorry to hear about your husband's report. We'll be anxious to hear the results of his echo. Keep us posted, and I'll be keeping you both in my prayers. LINDA

 

[bvdr]

Karlynn:

Thanks! John sounded a little subdued when he called me on his cell on leaving the doctor's office. He seldom uses his cell phone (a pay-as-you-go since he hates talking on the phone).

I had gotten him to up his group life insurance during sign-up last month. Our PCP had mentioned in the spring about doing a stress test this fall, so I thought it prudent to up his insurance.

I am anticipating surgery. Rather anticipate it than to be surprised by it.

I'm hoping everything turns out OK for you both. My husband is a really hard one to get into a doctor. His "I''ll take care of it" used to mean he'd buy more life insurance rather than go to a doctor. Now since insurance sompanies aren't too keen on having either of us for clients it has become a bit easier to get him in. He had prostate surgery a few weeks back but he waited until he had no choice. I hope catman is a good patient!

 

[geebee]

Marsha,

Keeping your husband (and you) in my prayers. I hope things go well whatever happens.

 

[JohnnyV_46]

Sorry to hear of your worries....We have known for some time that my wife has Mitral valve prolapse...See see's a cardiologist once a year for check up...She also has problems with Tachycardia? I think its called....Well, she's been having some chest pains that she hasn't told me about until we were at her cardiologist last week for her checkup... She told me yesterday she was having some discomfort in her Jaw....Oh boy...Anyways, she's going monday for a Stress Echo... I told her to knock it off, the "Heart" thing is mine! I know I couldn't possibly give her as good of care as she gave me before and after my surgery...

I hope they both turn out to be nothing serious...

 

[catwoman]

Surprisingly, John is not reluctant to go to our doctor. (Somewhat unusual for many men.) I had urged him to discuss the dwindling energy level today during his physical.

John has excellent BP & cholesterol levels. Never had a cavity in his life. He walks about 30 minutes a day while at work; the community college where he works is near a small lake, and he walks on the trails there for exercise.
He does have sleep apnea -- took his machine w/ him today so he could get an Rx for a new mask -- and is on an Rx for a prostate problem.

Are there any couples here who both have valve problems and how many have both had VR surgery?

 

[catwoman]

JohnnyV:

Sorry to hear about your wife. Your post answered my question about other couples here who both have valve problems.

Will be looking for word of your wife's stress echo next week.

 

[Mary]

Marsha,
Wasn't it tiggerangelgal who had valve problems as a result of a car accident?
I hope the murmur is the only symptom, and he can keep his valve for a long time.

 

[catwoman]

Mary:

John fractured his sternum in December during a car accident. The radiologist who read one of the X-rays (probably at the hospital the day after the accident) noted something about the aortic valve. I asked John to quiz our PCP about the aortic valve reference during a visit in late February, early March. Our PCP said he would schedule an echo or stress test when John had his annual physical. But no murmur was heard at that time.

A friend in Houston insists that her MV problem was related to a car accident she had some years before the diagnosis.

 

[Marty]

JohnnyV:

Sorry to hear about your wife. Your post answered my question about other couples here who both have valve problems.

Will be looking for word of your wife's stress echo next week.

Alice has had mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation for at least 50 years. She had atrial fibrillation taken care of by cardioversion five years ago and now takes Betapace and stays in sinus rythym. She's 78 now and thinks she probably will never have surgery. Her exercise tolerance is low but she is willing to accept it. Her cardiologist agrees.

 

[cam4est]

Marsha, I wish your husband good luck when he goes for his echo. Seriously I dont know if I could stand my husband if he had OHS. He cant stand having a headache, nor remember where we put the aspirin if he does have one. I love him dearly but he makes a wretched patient. I will be thinking of you both. Let us know as soon as you do! Karen

 

[gijanet]

Oh, Marsha...........

Oh, Marsha...........

I am so sorry to read this. YOu have our love and prayers and please, please keep us posted. Many hugs. P.S. Does your hubby teach at Weatherford, by any chance?

 

[catwoman]

Janet:

John's at Tarrant County College Northwest Campus, off I-820 North, near Lake Worth. Been there about 20 years, I think.

 

[tommy]

Marsha, sorry to hear about John. Wishing you both the best.

 

[Nancy]

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. It must have you both reeling. Sending you my best wishes and (((((hugs)))))