Should I be concerned? (a little long)

[debster913]

Hi, all--
It's been a while since I posted, but here's a brief update/concern I have, and would like to know if any of you have experienced this....

Briefly, I have MVP/MVR (resulting from a heart attack at birth). Had a TEE one year ago to see if my MV needed replacement; cardiologist said not yet. Four months ago I was diagnosed with V-Tach (non-life threatening). Been on 50 mg/day of atenolol since 1999, but was off it for eight weeks recently. Had an EP study to possibly ablate the cells causing my V-Tach, but since the arrythmia was not dangerous, according to the EP doctor, no ablation was needed.

Now...I saw my cardiologist two weeks ago and we discussed my EP study. He said there was no need for me to continue any heart meds since the atenolol wasn't working that effectively anyway. A few days after that, he called to tell me to resume taking atenolol at 25/mg a day, so I did.

In recent years I've been aware of my heartbeat (PVCs and all) and am often short of breath. Yesterday during lunch period (I am a teacher) I felt as if someone was sitting on my chest, I was short of breath, and my right arm felt numb. I should also mention that my right foot had been swollen all week last week, at one point, too swollen to get my shoes on. I called my cardiologist's office and the receptionist told me to go to the ER. So I called the secretary at work to tell her I needed my class covered. She called 911, my principal rushed to my aid and the paramedics came. They gave me nitro and baby aspirin, took an EKG as I'm lying on the floor of my classroom, and said that I had elevated PVCs.

I was then taken to a nearby hospital, where I had several tests run, but everything checked out fine (no heart attack) save for some PVCs. On the EKG done in the hospital, it says "Possible atrial enlargement." However, the doctor there told me not to worry, that people in my case often have these symptoms, but they are not indicative of a heart attack or that there is anything severely wrong with my valve.

Now in order to be allowed back at work (thankfully spring break starts tomorrow), my principal said I need clearance from my cardio. I have an appointment Tuesday. Should I be concerned about this event? I know that I will eventually need a valve replacement, and my cardio assures me that I won't need one for a long time...but I'm concerned about having future symptoms like the ones I had yesterday, and that my valve may be worsening. I did pick up a prescription for nitro from the ER doctor today, so I have that on hand next time I have chest pains. But I don't like feeling this way, and I hope I'm not making mountains out of molehills.

Thank you in advance for your replies!
Debster913 (Debi)

 

[MrP]

No, you are not making mountains out of molehills. You need reassurance from your cardiologist that your valve is indeed functioning well, and asking for quantitative measurements will allow you to better understand your current valve situation. Your swollen right foot and numbness in your right arm are obvious concerns, and you need a good explanation. A second opinion may be in order also.

 

[aussiemember]

Hi, I also have MVP/MVR and have also being told I will need surgery at some stage. However, I have had no symptoms at all thus far - certainly no swelling etc. If it was me I would be getting a second opinion - something sounds not right. That being said - there is also the possibility that something else is causing the symptoms - and it is not related to your heart. All the best with it and let us know how you go

 

[PJmomrunner]

Hi Debi-

Sounds like you've probably had better weeks! What happened to you is scary and indicative of some kind of malfunction, most likely EP- or valve-related. I'm glad you have an appointment with your cardio on Tuesday, but I think I'd ask if they could get me in for an echo before the appointment. This sort of request always makes me feel a bit foolish--like I'm kind of playing doctor--but I hate going to doctor to have him listen to my heart for a couple minutes and tell me he's going to schedule the test for next week, at which time he'll set up an appointment to discuss the results for the following week. Since you've had this episode, I think it's clear that more investigation is warranted and, if it were me, without a new echo and/or an evaluation of the EP data by a second electrophysiologist (preferably at a tertiary care facility or a big teaching hospital) I don't know how I could be reassured that "everything's okay" no matter what the doc says.

Please be sure to check back in with us--you'll be on my mind.

 

[geebee]

Debi,

SOB and swelling is an indication that something is not funtioning properly. Whether it is your valve causing it or something else, it still needs to be checked thoroughly. These could be symptoms of CHF. If your cardio does not take them seriously enough to do further testing, find a new cardio.
Please take care.

 

[Marguerite53]

I agree with PJ and Gina. First, you're a busy person so don't think twice about asking to do the echo before the doctor appointment. I did it! Just call and be sweet but pushy about having a nurse call you back, today, right away(fine, as soon as possible, but today). Something like you're not comfortable going through the whole weekend without some kind of explanation or analysis. I have found that the word "reassurance" works well. I'm anxious. I need some reassurance as soon as possible. Generally, nurses love to help explain things and get answers for you, so explain the situation to her. She will probably ask the doctor what he thinks and call you right back.

If you don't get treated with respect and timeliness......I would, quite frankly, look for a second opinion after you see this cardio on tuesday. Insurances are usually quite good about covering second opinions. Check to be sure.

I'm not registering on what EP means. But I do hope you find some answers soon and that everything turns out well.

Marguerite

 

[Mary]

A word of caution--insurance!
It's possible insurance will want the cardio to see you in the office before he orders the echocardiogram.
I've run into that difficulty before, so be aware that not all situations are the same.