K
KimC
Hi --
I finally saw Dr. Pepine today to discuss my abnormal echo. For the sake of brevity, (and because I'm exhausted), the bottom line is that the right ventricle is enlarged but the pump's working. Dr. Pepine looked me straight in the eye and said, "No heart failure!" There's some mild dysfunction but not overt, not enough to call. He increased my meds slightly, and said to see him again in six months for a thallium stress test.
He thinks the small vessel disease may be causing the dilation, plus having been a runner for 20 years on top of three pregnancies. And once again, I was told that I have a "funky-shaped heart," (as if four aortic leaflets weren't enough). Hmm ...
He's not sure, but untreated gestational diabetes may have caused the small vessel damage and ensuing symptoms. (Because I was carrying small in all three pregnancies, my old-school OB didn't treat me).
The only remaining question I have is re PH. Dr. Pepine said my pressures looked good on the echo, and that a right-heart cath wasn't indicated at this time. He said the PH would have to be severe to cause right-sided overload.
Here's where I may raise some ire. My primary care doctor doesn't think my newly-diagnosed asthma is coincidental, and that it's related to my condition. He said diuretics work for mild PH, so if I do have it, I'm already being treated. If the SOB worsens, then I'll follow Nancy's advice and pursue a local PH specialist.
The great news is that Dr. Pepine doesn't think I'll need to be on medications in a year. I'm going to hold fast to this HOPE, perhaps take some time away from the computer, and sleep very, very well tonight.
Be well, everyone. Thanks for listening.
My best,
I finally saw Dr. Pepine today to discuss my abnormal echo. For the sake of brevity, (and because I'm exhausted), the bottom line is that the right ventricle is enlarged but the pump's working. Dr. Pepine looked me straight in the eye and said, "No heart failure!" There's some mild dysfunction but not overt, not enough to call. He increased my meds slightly, and said to see him again in six months for a thallium stress test.
He thinks the small vessel disease may be causing the dilation, plus having been a runner for 20 years on top of three pregnancies. And once again, I was told that I have a "funky-shaped heart," (as if four aortic leaflets weren't enough). Hmm ...
He's not sure, but untreated gestational diabetes may have caused the small vessel damage and ensuing symptoms. (Because I was carrying small in all three pregnancies, my old-school OB didn't treat me).
The only remaining question I have is re PH. Dr. Pepine said my pressures looked good on the echo, and that a right-heart cath wasn't indicated at this time. He said the PH would have to be severe to cause right-sided overload.
Here's where I may raise some ire. My primary care doctor doesn't think my newly-diagnosed asthma is coincidental, and that it's related to my condition. He said diuretics work for mild PH, so if I do have it, I'm already being treated. If the SOB worsens, then I'll follow Nancy's advice and pursue a local PH specialist.
The great news is that Dr. Pepine doesn't think I'll need to be on medications in a year. I'm going to hold fast to this HOPE, perhaps take some time away from the computer, and sleep very, very well tonight.
Be well, everyone. Thanks for listening.
My best,
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