New to forum... ??mitral Stenosis and Hep.C

[ehines]

Several years ago I was dx. with chronic/active hep.C... in the time since then I have been dx. with Osterporisis with a high risk for fractures...Emphysema difussed in all lungs... and now about 1 month ago mitral stenosis... they said at first that I would be looking to replace the mirtal valve;however sense I am very small 121lbs. that I would be followed...
Am not treated for Hep. C not a canadate for the alfa-interferon program.....
Thyroid disease..... Synthroid
Fosmax and caltrate for osterporsis
Emphsyma..... Singular/puffer
Is a stenosis of 1.36 measurement on heart cath.. very serious??
is open-heart surgery a MUST??
I loss an avg. of 1-2 lbs.wlky...
can feel I am now losing Body Mass...
Some reason they are reluctent to fix when I FEEL STRONG ENOUGH TO FIGHT???
Confused??????
any one got some feedbac?? please.....
Thanks

 

[Ross]

Welcome to the forums ehines

I wish there were another answer to give you, but no, surgery is the only way to correct this problem. Now to add to that blow, you do not want to wait until you feel symptoms if you don't already. The longer you wait, the more damage is being done and some of it may be irreversible. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but I'm sorry, it's the truth.

Had to reread your comments. I'm slow this morning. The only reason they may be reluctant that I can see is your over all health status. It may be more of a risk to you to have the surgery then to wait until there is no other alternative.

I'm unsure about the measurement from the Cath, perhaps someone will be along with an educated answer on that one.

 

[Nancy]

Hi and welcome to the site.

Sounds like you have a platefull of problems there. As Ross said, I bet the overall quality of your health has a large bearing on any discussion of surgery for your valve.

With everything you have, you may have the best luck at a place like Cleveland Clinic which specializes in high risk surgeries. You should at least get a second opinion from them and see if they have any ideas.

Best of luck.

 

[KathyH]

Hi, Welcome to VR!
Sounds like you have alot of issues going on. Is your wt loss from your thyroid condition?- that would make the most sense. As far as your valve goes, check out the other threads and learn all you can about your valve. Are you being followed by a cardiologist?
Sorry for all the questions.
The people on this site are the greatest, many of them has alot of experience and have alot of knowledge about heart valves and the heart itself. I'm sure they will be along to post.
Kathy H

 

[medtronic of borg]

internist

internist

I have just one thing to say....be sure you have a good internist to follow everything at once!!!! This is the kind of case they specialize in.

Med