Severe Aortic Regurgitation Leading to Second Surgery

[pellicle]

I'm starting to wonder if I'm in that category now.

wasn't the right type of emoticon available, I hope it lifts.

 

[RPG]

I agree this would be extremely low. Perhaps he will clarify the context of the 15-20%, whether the EF value, or drop from baseline. If EF was truly 15-20%, I would think that a person would be fainting (syncope) constantly.

Hi folks, the 15-20% number was my EF value -- not my drop from baseline. This was first detected by echo, and then confirmed with MRIs and a TEE. I was asymptomatic the entire time, which more than one doctor described as "crazy." After the first echo, my wife and I naively hoped that they had switched my test results with someone else.

The docs' running theory relates to my LV. It was 50% larger than it should be and was pumping 50% more blood than normal. So, the thinking goes, the increased LV volume offset the low EF. But the whole situation was untenable, hence the need for the AVR. I was--and for all I know still am--in heart failure territory despite zero symptoms. But now that the leaky valve has been fixed, our hope is that the EF and LV go back to normal. My first post-surgery echo is scheduled for March. Fingers crossed!

 

[Chuck C]

15-20% number was my EF value -- not my drop from baseline. This was first detected by echo, and then confirmed with MRIs and a TEE. I was asymptomatic the entire time, which more than one doctor described as "crazy."

Thanks for the clarification. The 50% increase in LV volume could explain part of it, but not nearly all of the wonder. Truly remarkable that you were asymptomatic with EF of only 15-20%. My only thought is that if you had a normal EF; 60-70%, that you would probably have been setting world records in somethng which requires a high cardio output, like the 400 meter sprint

 

[slipkid]

How's the Covid recovery coming along?

Ok I guess, thx for asking.

I'm having some residual effects of fatigue/sleepiness, could even be from the post-sinus infection (still feels lousy in there). Back to work only 2 days so far & it was very tough (12 hour nightshifts).

But Sat morning was the worst. Finished my shift at 7am. Snowstorm started around 10 or 11pm Friday night. This car is the worst I've ever had in the snow. Was in 2 similar situations last year & wiped out since roads here don't get plowed/treated much 1st thing Sat mornings, not like a workday. And the roads in vicinity of where I work are always the worst. Plus got stranded a few years b4 that 7 miles from home and had to walk/hitchike (that fun took like 7 hours).

So I knew I was in for a rough time going in. Came prepared - brought a pillow and some blankets, long johns, extra clothes etc. Intended on staying at work and going to sleep somewhere up in the offices, on the floor, until about maybe 2-3 PM hoping roads would be better/plowed by then. Got the OK for that from 2 nightshift Supervisors to do that after end of shift but the Supe on dayshift is a hardass who told me I am not allowed to do that for "insurance reasons" but I could hang out in the breakroom.

I was beyond exhausted and dearly needing sleep (this was first 2 days back and longest I had been out of bed for like 2 weeks plus no napping) so I put my head down on a table and basically passed out. Is noisy in there so didn't sleep too well but got some sleep, then for unknown reason got cold even though it is warm up there. When I finally decided to try to roads at about 10:30 am and went up to the men's locker room (where it was about 40 degrees) I got the chills so bad I was shaking like crazy. Was hard to even change and put more clothes on. Somehow after that was able to get home but roads were pretty bad 1st couple miles - I have new type of radical designed snowtires on my car now and to my relief they pulled me through. If this was last year I would have crashed or gotten stuck though.

When I finally got home (about Noon, which is Midnight for me on this horrid nightshift), I had been up for 17 hours straight. Soaked in a hot bath to get my temperature up. Then only able to get about an hours sleep because the snowplows were on my street blowing their airhorns to signal that we have to move our cars or they will not plow our spots (which also affects my neighbors). Somehow dealt with that, moved my car down a side street and walked back, crawled into bed then slept on/off for about 12 hours or so. Left the car there until this morning (?I 4get, is extremely difficult knowing what day is what, etc living on this rotating shift made 100x worse by being the opposite of normal people staying up at night and sleeping during the day).

Sorry that was prob too much info.....today I feel better but dragging.....just got back from errands and heading back to sleep now after dealing with some emails....my INR is (still) way high btw (posted about that in a diff thread)...

 

[slipkid]

Hi folks, the 15-20% number was my EF value -- not my drop from baseline. This was first detected by echo, and then confirmed with MRIs and a TEE. I was asymptomatic the entire time, which more than one doctor described as "crazy." After the first echo, my wife and I naively hoped that they had switched my test results with someone else.

The docs' running theory relates to my LV. It was 50% larger than it should be and was pumping 50% more blood than normal. So, the thinking goes, the increased LV volume offset the low EF. But the whole situation was untenable, hence the need for the AVR. I was--and for all I know still am--in heart failure territory despite zero symptoms. But now that the leaky valve has been fixed, our hope is that the EF and LV go back to normal. My first post-surgery echo is scheduled for March. Fingers crossed!

That IS crazy. Good luck to you.

 

[slipkid]

I'm starting to wonder if I'm in that category now. Significantly more fatigue since getting over Covid last early October. Need more sleep now than before.
How are you feeling @slipkid ?

Yes, fatigue and sleepiness are still a problem for me. But my body was put through the ringer on Saturday after work (see my ramblings above). Am hoping to get more back to normal this week if I can get more rest - luckily I had already put in for vacation this Tues/Wed so that means I do not go back to work until this Saturday night.

 

[Chuck C]

Supe on dayshift is a hardass who told me I am not allowed to do that for "insurance reasons"

Sounds like a jerk.

That sounds like a really ruff day, and especially while still dealing with the fatigue from Covid.

Dude, seriously think about moving to CA. I know that it's easier said that done, and you probably have some things (family?) keeping you in PA, but your winters sound brutal. Regardless, hoping that as Spring nears things start to thaw and turn around in all areas for you.

 

[pellicle]

Sorry that was prob too much info.....today I feel better but dragging.....just got

nope, all good ...

back from errands and heading back to sleep now after dealing with some emails....my INR is (still) way high btw (posted about that in a diff thread)

well my advice is always "make the dose to suit the INR"

Best Wishes

 

[Unicusp]

Sorry that was prob too much info.....today I feel better but dragging.....just got back from errands and heading back to sleep now after dealing with some emails....my INR is (still) way high btw (posted about that in a diff thread)...

It might be worthwhile trying to find a better job. It seems many new positions have opened up since Covid, so your chances may be improved. That current job is certainly not good for your health! Hang in there and get some rest.

 

[pellicle]

It might be worthwhile trying to find a better job.

long term that's where I'd be going too ... unless there is something about this job that we don't know of. But ones soul needs to be in it.

 

[slipkid]

long term that's where I'd be going too ... unless there is something about this job that we don't know of. But ones soul needs to be in it.

Unfortunately I'm trapped. Can't get anything else, gave up long ago (why I took this job in the first place since I could not get a decent job anymore 10-15 YEARS ago). Was so desperate to get out of this horrible nightshift I'm on now I started looking again 4-5 months ago even put some applications in, got nowhere as usual. Is basically IMPOSSIBLE to find a job once you hit 60, unless willing to be a greeter at Walmart for $10 an hour with no health insurance. I actually know a few people who I used to work with in same situation now as me except they are out of work period, for years now. At least I have something even though it is torture...

 

[pellicle]

Unfortunately I'm trapped. ...Was so desperate to get out of this horrible nightshift I'm on now I started looking again 4-5 months ago even put some applications in, got nowhere as usual. Is basically IMPOSSIBLE to find a job once you hit 60... At least I have something even though it is torture...

I'm really sorry to read that, I assume that there's no 'educational' options available to skill into a different area either right?
(*just thinking out loud)

 

[carolinemc]

Unfortunately I'm trapped. Can't get anything else, gave up long ago (why I took this job in the first place since I could not get a decent job anymore 10-15 YEARS ago). Was so desperate to get out of this horrible nightshift I'm on now I started looking again 4-5 months ago even put some applications in, got nowhere as usual. Is basically IMPOSSIBLE to find a job once you hit 60, unless willing to be a greeter at Walmart for $10 an hour with no health insurance. I actually know a few people who I used to work with in same situation now as me except they are out of work period, for years now. At least I have something even though it is torture...
Do not just put in applications, call them till they give you an interview. You have to be proactive in the working world these days. And there are many office jobs, construction jobs, and others just needing to be filled by someone willing to work. Can't always be picky when the bills need to be paid. Sorry, but have to be blunt these days when people say there are no jobs out there.

 

[carolinemc]

Sounds like a jerk.

That sounds like a really ruff day, and especially while still dealing with the fatigue from Covid.

Dude, seriously think about moving to CA. I know that it's easier said that done, and you probably have some things (family?) keeping you in PA, but your winters sound brutal. Regardless, hoping that as Spring nears things start to thaw and turn around in all areas for you.

Costs a lot to live in Cali. I had a cousin who lived there for 20 years and moved back to Missouri, since it costs to live there. Not a good idea when you are al older person(40 plus are discriminated against these days).

 

[slipkid]

I'm really sorry to read that, I assume that there's no 'educational' options available to skill into a different area either right?
(*just thinking out loud)

Am too old I'm afraid. And doubtful I will even live to retirement age in a few years anyways with my escalating heart disease..

Thx for the support but guys we are derailing SKIER's thread here (my fault & apologies).

 

[Unicusp]

Do not just put in applications, call them till they give you an interview. You have to be proactive in the working world these days. And there are many office jobs, construction jobs, and others just needing to be filled by someone willing to work. Can't always be picky when the bills need to be paid. Sorry, but have to be blunt these days when people say there are no jobs out there.

Your suggested plan sounds good in theory, but is not realistic in todays American job market. Yeah, if you are very persistent they will grant you the entire interview slate, and pretend they have a robust diversity program etc., but in reality their is significant age discrimination especially against older white males > 55. Older women, or those of other races, nationalities etc. all stand a better chance because they help fill the Corporate diversity slate. So, after medical care this is another one of America's big issues/challenges.
I know first hand what @slipkid is referring to, as I've been there. The only place left for older people is Consulting, if you are fortunate enough to have a niche and find the opportunity. In that realm age, experience, and wisdom are all appreciated and needed.

 

[pellicle]

Am too old I'm afraid. And doubtful I will even live to retirement age in a few years anyways with my escalating heart disease..

sorry to hear that ...

Thx for the support but guys we are derailing SKIER's thread here (my fault & apologies).

I disagree, and while people have made this observation before threads have a tendency to segue naturally over time (frankly I'll be surprised if you can find a thread here more than 5 pages long which didn't)

I feel helpless, but then I've felt that way before too.

I recall sending out 40 applications a month for my first job out of Uni, it took me three months to get anywhere ... keep at it I say. If you are using a computer you can reduce the amount of effort required with basic form letters which you "tweak up" for any particular job application. Don't know if I should say "avoid head hunters" or embrace them.

Best Wishes

 

[pellicle]

but is not realistic in todays American job market.

Same in Australia and my experience in any country where PC has replaced Honesty

 

[carolinemc]

Your suggested plan sounds good in theory, but is not realistic in todays American job market. Yeah, if you are very persistent they will grant you the entire interview slate, and pretend they have a robust diversity program etc., but in reality their is significant age discrimination especially against older white males > 55. Older women, or those of other races, nationalities etc. all stand a better chance because they help fill the Corporate diversity slate. So, after medical care this is another one of America's big issues/challenges.
I know first hand what @slipkid is referring to, as I've been there. The only place left for older people is Consulting, if you are fortunate enough to have a niche and find the opportunity. In that realm age, experience, and wisdom are all appreciated and needed.

So sad you feel that way about the real truth. Many 40 and over are losing jobs to younger people, which 40 is the new 50. I used to work in the office arena and had many doors closed due to my age, 50 and none was hiring for the 50 plus in the office jobs. And what I suggested is what is done in today's world. You have to call to get interviewed and get the job that way. Waiting by the phone is now old school. And age has a lot to do with the job losses not just covid. Take is from a female that has been there. No one hardly hires a 50+ for office jobs these days.

 

[carolinemc]

sorry to hear that ...


I disagree, and while people have made this observation before threads have a tendency to segue naturally over time (frankly I'll be surprised if you can find a thread here more than 5 pages long which didn't)

I feel helpless, but then I've felt that way before too.

I recall sending out 40 applications a month for my first job out of Uni, it took me three months to get anywhere ... keep at it I say. If you are using a computer you can reduce the amount of effort required with basic form letters which you "tweak up" for any particular job application. Don't know if I should say "avoid head hunters" or embrace them.

Best Wishes

Ever heard of age discrimination. Bet you have there as we have in America. No matter the gender, the age is where they no longer hire these days unless you make a pest for an interview. And 50 and over have a harder time, even with computer skills that have been around for over 35 years.