Questions for Cardiologist tomorrow...

[Blake777]

Hello Deek. I too had PH before surgery and still have it after. And have had two open heart surgeries just like you, I guess you can call us twins, lol.

But on a serious note, what Nancy said is very true, without treatment of PH it can turn ugly and not a pretty prognosis. I am starting to have problems that I had before my surgery also, and don't have a cardiology appt. until Aug. 11th but thinking about trying to get in earlier.

They told me the same thing, that pressures should go down later. But it seems to me my dizziness and fatique is returning just like before surgery. Showers are wearing me out again and you know the rest, I'm sure.

I don't have insurance so I can not afford to go to a Pulmonary Hypertension specialist, but that is what you need to do with PH. And the people on the pulmonary hypertension website will tell you the same, over and over. Good Luck!

 

[Hot Rod Harry]

You certainly have a lot to figure out. I hope that things go well or you.

 

[Lynlw]

How did you appt go today? I hope you had better results

 

[deek]

How did you appt go today? I hope you had better results

I guess it all depends on how you look at it? When I got home yesterday I was distraught, having been told that my heart is not healing as it should and that the medications are not helping (as of yet). She told me I have Cardiomyopathy, CHF and PH. My ef is at 30%, PAP 89mmHg, BP was 169/109 (it's back up) and the tricuspid valve is severely leaking. These readings are all worse than the previous two I've had since my MVR in March. She increased my medications, ordered a holtor monitor, scheduled another echo for August and is referring me to a PH Specialist in Ann Arbor, Michigan....so back to U of M I go...and she wants me to see my hypertensive specialist there as well. So, not good news, but there is action being taken so hopefully I find some answers as well as solutions. She's STILL telling me not to be concerned as all this may improve post-op and that they should have a clearer picture by 6 months. So, 3 more months to go...but in the mean time, at least I'm in forward motion. I sincerely thank you Lyn and Nancy for encouraging me to be more aggressive with my care.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Well, the GOOD NEWS is that your Cardiologist did not dismiss your symptoms, took them seriously, realized that they were 'over her head' and was willing to refer you to specialists who will hopefully be better able to address your issues.

It would seem that the next step would be to get in to see those specialists As Soon As Possible. If the dates you are given are several weeks out, it may be worthwhile for YOU to call their offices, advise the office manager of your situation and symptoms, and then ask if there is any way you could be seen sooner. Remember, The Squeeky Wheel gets the Grease!

As Nancy says in her signature line:
"Never Give In and Never Give Up"

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Nancy]

This is exceedingly good news! Your doctor is finally in action mode. Bravo!

You are now in a position to get the help you need. Congratulations.

 

[Karlynn]

This is exceedingly good news! Your doctor is finally in action mode. Bravo!

You are now in a position to get the help you need. Congratulations.

I agree! The worst thing is to be dealing with the completely unknown and a doctor who doesn't do anything about it! Doctor's appointments and testing are a real pain in the @$$. But if it gets you answers and treatment - put some good music, movies or books on an iPod and ride the waves.