It's time again!

[Debrinha GT]

Hi all, I can hardly believe it's been seven months already since I had my last echo done! I have been to the cardio a couple of times since then, but this Thursday I'm going to get an echo done again as well as an EKG followed by the consultation. I'm not as anxious as I used to be, but I do admit that I feel a bit aprehensive about what he might say regarding my next operation, I mean, my valve is slowly narrowing and even though my surgeon has told me it whould still be a couple of years until it gets to the point of needing replacing for the fourth time, there's always a chance that something might go unexpectedly wrong. Please, keep your fingers crossed for me and say a few prayers. Thanks for reading.
Débora

 

[tobagotwo]

Fingers, arms, legs, toes, eyes, and wires all duly crossed, Débora!

Best wishes,

 

[Yaps]

fingers,toes,even my eyes are

fingers,toes,even my eyes are

crossed for good luck.. many happy thoughts headed your way. Love Yaps

 

[Debrinha GT]

One day away

One day away

Thank you Bob and Yaps for your thoughts. By this time tomorrow I should be getting the echo done. I'm trying to remain calm but as you all know, my mind keeps playing tricks on me and I can't help wondering if everything really is well. A part of me is kind of ready for any bad news that may be given, but I'm still so hopeful that my surgeon is right regarding my next surgery! He said back in October when I went to have a word with him, that he'd only recommend the operation for me once my valve opening went to 1,00cm2. I've had a pericardium bovine bioprosthetic cardioprothesis valve for over nine years now and last July the echo results showed that its opening was 2,68cm2 so, I hope things haven't changed much since then.I still feel very active around the house,and I only get SOB when I have to climb stairs or walk too fast. If you have any comments on that I'd be very happy to hear it. Thank you all so much for being here for me!
Débora

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Debora...

Hi Debora...

I am sorry I haven't been on much to talk with you as I am right smack dab in the middle of my move....I wish you all the luck in the world with your echocardiogram and everything else. I won't be online for about a week (unless my telephone company says otherwise) due to my dsl connection being switched from my old apartment to my new apartment....Whew! what a move....Anyway, I will be thinking of you...Harrybaby666

 

[Debrinha GT]

I'm surprised!

I'm surprised!

Hello and sorry I didn't post about my doctor's appointment yesterday. You see, I was so anxious the night before my echo, that I ended up taking 1mg of lorax and another mg a couple of hours before the exam. Anyway, my EKG came up normal and the heart rate, 86 per minute which's quite good for me. The echo though , as far as I can understand, showed that my valve seems to be better than the last time I was there. Here's the translation and I'd be very grateful if the members who are more aware of the readings of these exam results could come forward and help me understand the changes and what they really mean. Thanks again for all your support and prayers.
Débora

July22nd 2004, biological prosthesis with slightly thickened cusps, sufficient and competent opening, maximum GRAD = 14mmhg;Medium GRAD =7mmhg; valvular area (Doppler) = 2.68cm2. Increased left atrium.
Tricuspid valve, normal opening with mild regurgitation.
Sistolic pressure in the pulmonary artery estimated at 30mmhg


March3rd 2005, biological prothesis with slightly thickened cusps, sufficient and competent opening, maximum GRAD=12mmhg ;medium GRA=05mmhg; valvular area (doppler) = 2.80cm. Increased left atrium.
*Ventrículo esquerdo com dimensão interna e função sistólica global normais

* Sorry about this last part but I was afraid I might translate it wrong. Anyway, I hope you can still understand. This time he said he couldn't see any regurgitation on the tricuspid valve, neither did he see the pressure in the pulmonary artery. I don't have any leakage on the mitral valve either. I'll be looking forward to hearing any additional information you may have for me.

 

[tobagotwo]

There's not a lot there, Debora. It indicates your left atrium is somewhat enlarged, but doesn't say how much. I have to wonder if it may have been that way for a long time, say from before your previous surgery.

It doesn't seem to indicate anything gradient-wise that would be severe, or even close to moderate, which is good. Your valve area, if accurate, looks great. Even if they're off, it would have to be pretty good.

I don't know Portugese, but I suspect that Ventrículo esquerdo com dimensão interna e função sistólica global normais means that the internal dimensions of the ventricle are normal, which would also be good.

In my nonprofessional estimation: Don't worry - Be happy. Party time, woman!

Best wishes,

 

[Debrinha GT]

left atrium

left atrium

Thank you again Bob for replying. As for my left atrium the answer is yes, it has always been like that as a result of all the strain put on my heart, especially prior to the first surgery. However, I don't get why the results came up better six months later since the tendency is for things to get worse over time. I'm not complaining at all, just curious!!??? And what about lorax? It made me feel relaxed but I just couldn't think straight for a good while. I'm just happy it's all over now, at least for the next few months! LOL!!

Débora