Little concerned

[shenews]

I noticed yesterday that you can see my heart beating in my carotid artery at the base of my neck. Haven't been able to see that before. Of course, I have lost some weight, so maybe that's why. But, today, that side of my neck appears to be a little swollen. Anyone ever have that happen to them?
I go see my cardiologist today for an echo, so will tell him about it as well.
Just wondering...

 

[Cooker]

I can see mine in my wrist.... When I was in the hospital my cardio said he can take a pulse by watching some peoples neck.... I am one.... I don't think it is anything to worry about.... But it your neck is swollen you may want to call your doctor ... thats what we pay them for

 

[Bina]

I also found that my right side carotid was more puffy and very visible. It seems to have diminished somewhat over time....I'm interested what your cardio has to say about it.

 

[harleygirl528]

My husband has been freaking out ever since my surgery last week....he says he can see my heart beating on my neck....pulsating and visably moving. My doctor said this is totally normal but you should still check with your cardio. My neck has been sore and swollen too, however, I am sure part of that is due to being on the table so long ( 6.5 hours) and the big tube that was stuck in the side of my neck! Best of luck to you!

 

[Magic8Ball]

One of the things to consider is that your heart hasn't had time to fully realise that it doesn't have to pump as hard as it used to to get the blood around the body.

I remember post surgery being able to see my stomach shake slightly after each beat...that has stopped nearly a year later.

It takes time.

but, if you think your neck is swolen, get it checked out...

 

[shenews]

Doc Says not to worry

Doc Says not to worry

My BP and pulse rate were high today when I saw the cardiologist. He says the movement/enlargement in my nect is nothing to worry about. Probably just from the heart pumping more blood through now than in the past thanks to my new valve. He thinks the elevated BP and pulse rate is from the reduction in my Toprol XL. My GP who is managing my cumadin levels cut my Toprol in half a week ago because he believes the Toprol is causing my bronchial inflamation. I had been on Toprol XL since the surgery. Cardiologist wants me to increase my Toprol back to its original dosage, and stop taking a 81 aspirin a day.
Echo showed my new valve is doing fine. Leaking a little, but he said that is normal after surgery. Leakage was not enough to measure.
I think my BP is up because my health insurance is trying not to pay any of my OHS hospital bill or the hospital bill for my catherization. Looks like I may have to battle with them. I had been sleeping so well, but am waking up in the middle of the night now thinking about those astronomical bills!
Doc says I don't have to see him for another year, so I must be doing fine!
Thanks, everyone, for the comments and support. I have really learned a lot from this site, and the support helps just knowing there are others out there who have gone through the same thing. Most days I feel wonderful and my spirit soars, and then there's the day where I wonder if I will ever be normal again!
I am working hard to make my health, body and soul not the norm, bu much better in the future. Thanks again!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

One of the things to consider is that your heart hasn't had time to fully realise that it doesn't have to pump as hard as it used to to get the blood around the body.

I remember post surgery being able to see my stomach shake slightly after each beat...that has stopped nearly a year later.

It takes time.

but, if you think your neck is swolen, get it checked out...

EXACTLY !

You are Right On Magic.

There was another thread on this same subject not long ago.

Basically, the Heart Muscles have been conditioned to pump against a Stenotic (partially closed) Valve and now that they have a bigger more open valve, you get a "Bounding HeartBeat". As the Heart Muscles recondition themselves to work with your new valve, this phenomenon will fade away.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[netmiff]

One of the things to consider is that your heart hasn't had time to fully realise that it doesn't have to pump as hard as it used to to get the blood around the body.

I call it my "Popeye" heart !