Lurker No More!! My ?date with destiny? starts 18 January 2005 with a visit to Dr. David McGiffin at University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB).
Sorry this is long but let me introduce my HEART. My road started about 10 years ago with a stress test that indicated some problems. I was referred to Dr. Cherry and Dr. Swindt in Columbus, GA. Dr. Cherry performed a Cath which revealed one artery 100 per cent blocked (which had made its own by-pass) and another about 70 per cent blocked. Both were old blockages that prevented stints or balloon. Because of my age (under 50 at the time), they felt I could manage things by medication instead of immediate Open Heart Surgery. I?ve had countless Thallium Stress Tests, and had Radiofrequency Ablation (done at St Joseph?s in Atlanta) to prevent ?RACING HEART??which was successful by the way.
I?ve been successful with Cholesterol lowering drugs and diet. I?ve endured the 36 one hour treatments on Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) with no marked improvement. In the spring of 2004 I suddenly started experiencing shortness of breath and lack of energy. As I posted elsewhere, I attribute this SUDDEN CHANGE to a change from Oretic (which I had been on for over 8 years) to ALTACE. My symptoms kept getting worse. I went to my GP and an ultrasound of my gallbladder revealed fluid buildup on my right lung (gallbladder was OK!!!!). I had a MUGA Scan which did not reveal any heart related problems for the fluid. I had fluid withdrawn from my right lung and all tests came back negative. The Lung Doc finally said that ?sometimes we don?t know what caused the fluid retention?. I was still feeling bad and my blood pressure had shot up. I could not get the lower number below 100. My GP increased my ALTACE and told me to come back in 6 weeks. About a week later, I was so swollen I could hardly put my shoes on. My wife said my stomach looked like I was pregnant. I also had a dry cough. My wife insisted I STOP the ALTACE and go back to Oretic, which I did. Within 48 hours I felt 200 per cent better. I even realized that my tongue had been swollen too. I contacted my Heart Docs and the Echo revealed my valve regurgitation. Another Cath by Dr Cherry measured my severe Valve Regurgitation and blood flow problems. While in there the second time, he discovered another of my arteries has signs of blockage.
Along with the Valve Replacement I am to have at least 3 arteries by-passed. Dr Cherry and Dr Swindt, both whom I trust with my life, feel that because of my weakened heart condition (less than 30 per cent) I am prone to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Therefore, Dr Cherry implanted an ICD on 22 December 2004. Because of the upcoming holidays (and so many key people on vacation) they felt I could wait until January for Valve and By-Pass Surgery. Dr Cherry feels that the ICD will be needed even after my surgery to help maintain my weakened heart.
GADGETMAN comes from my truck driving days (no, not a big rig?just a small delivery truck). That was my CB Handle. I seemed to want every gadget that came out (much to my wife?s dismay). I was loaded with a CB (of course), scanners (usually 2), GPS, and finally got XM Radio to supplement my AM/FM. Although I?m no longer driving the truck I?ve now added the ICD (which I keep with me 24/7) and am soon to have my valve replaced. WOW!!!!!
I have learned a lot reading the posts here and will continue to list my PROGRESS here. Everyone say a prayer for me and my loved ones during this trip.
Sorry this is long but let me introduce my HEART. My road started about 10 years ago with a stress test that indicated some problems. I was referred to Dr. Cherry and Dr. Swindt in Columbus, GA. Dr. Cherry performed a Cath which revealed one artery 100 per cent blocked (which had made its own by-pass) and another about 70 per cent blocked. Both were old blockages that prevented stints or balloon. Because of my age (under 50 at the time), they felt I could manage things by medication instead of immediate Open Heart Surgery. I?ve had countless Thallium Stress Tests, and had Radiofrequency Ablation (done at St Joseph?s in Atlanta) to prevent ?RACING HEART??which was successful by the way.
I?ve been successful with Cholesterol lowering drugs and diet. I?ve endured the 36 one hour treatments on Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) with no marked improvement. In the spring of 2004 I suddenly started experiencing shortness of breath and lack of energy. As I posted elsewhere, I attribute this SUDDEN CHANGE to a change from Oretic (which I had been on for over 8 years) to ALTACE. My symptoms kept getting worse. I went to my GP and an ultrasound of my gallbladder revealed fluid buildup on my right lung (gallbladder was OK!!!!). I had a MUGA Scan which did not reveal any heart related problems for the fluid. I had fluid withdrawn from my right lung and all tests came back negative. The Lung Doc finally said that ?sometimes we don?t know what caused the fluid retention?. I was still feeling bad and my blood pressure had shot up. I could not get the lower number below 100. My GP increased my ALTACE and told me to come back in 6 weeks. About a week later, I was so swollen I could hardly put my shoes on. My wife said my stomach looked like I was pregnant. I also had a dry cough. My wife insisted I STOP the ALTACE and go back to Oretic, which I did. Within 48 hours I felt 200 per cent better. I even realized that my tongue had been swollen too. I contacted my Heart Docs and the Echo revealed my valve regurgitation. Another Cath by Dr Cherry measured my severe Valve Regurgitation and blood flow problems. While in there the second time, he discovered another of my arteries has signs of blockage.
Along with the Valve Replacement I am to have at least 3 arteries by-passed. Dr Cherry and Dr Swindt, both whom I trust with my life, feel that because of my weakened heart condition (less than 30 per cent) I am prone to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Therefore, Dr Cherry implanted an ICD on 22 December 2004. Because of the upcoming holidays (and so many key people on vacation) they felt I could wait until January for Valve and By-Pass Surgery. Dr Cherry feels that the ICD will be needed even after my surgery to help maintain my weakened heart.
GADGETMAN comes from my truck driving days (no, not a big rig?just a small delivery truck). That was my CB Handle. I seemed to want every gadget that came out (much to my wife?s dismay). I was loaded with a CB (of course), scanners (usually 2), GPS, and finally got XM Radio to supplement my AM/FM. Although I?m no longer driving the truck I?ve now added the ICD (which I keep with me 24/7) and am soon to have my valve replaced. WOW!!!!!
I have learned a lot reading the posts here and will continue to list my PROGRESS here. Everyone say a prayer for me and my loved ones during this trip.
