Radiated heart and Heart Flutter

[bbbdirector]

I received a St Jude Mitral valve, a bovine aortic valve and an artificial aorta root, plus 2 bypasses in 2010. I have not totally regained my health yet, but I have progressed quite a bit. For the past month, I have been considerably more short of breath. Last Thursday a tee revealed that my Tricuspid valve is leaking and torn - also it looks like there is a clot on the leaflet. In addition to that, Atrial Flutter, was diagnosed. My bp is normal and heart rate is 76. I have a radiated heart from Hodgkins Disease treatments so surgery was not mentioned. To fix my shortness of breath and the Flutter, a heart Shock was recommended. I am very short of breath but I did not feel comfortable with signing for the Shock. I am waiting to be released so I can get a second opinion. Has any one experienced any of this?

 

[JulienDu]

Sorry, I am not sure I understand. Which valve is leaking and torn ?

 

[bbbdirector]

The tricuspid valve is leaking and torn.

 

[honeybunny]

I Googled "radiated heart" and "heart shock" but didn't get much information. Can you explain the heart shock procedure, why it's been suggested, and why you are concerned about having it?

 

[khow39]

I'm a 20 year cancer survivor too! I had radiation treatments for a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I've been wondering if others with a similar history had heart problems. I'm completely new to this board. I have a leaky mitral valve and my surgery is scheduled June 1st.

 

[dick0236]

Welcome khow39. If you do a search....like "radiation therapy", you will find around 100 posts on this forum that mention heart damage by radiation for Hodgkins disease.

 

[bbbdirector]

The heart shock that was explained to me was to lay pads on my chest and shoot electricity thought me. I was concerned that the clot on the leaflet of my tricuspid valve would move throughout me lungs from the shock.

 

[honeybunny]

Thank you for explaining. I understand your concern. I hope you are able to get some answers here.

 

[harrietW]

Gosh guys l hope there are answers for you bbbdirector and you as well khow39 just when l think l'm in a bad spot and shaken with uncertainty. I come across this there is always always someone who times are tougher and a little more difficult. I have no answers but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you for successful resolution.
Xx