D
Der Biermeister
Well -- it's been an interesting month.
As a recap, I have moderately severe AI (torn or flailed flap).
Ever since I finally got rid of all the plueral effusions, my %SpO2 has been steadily rising. I am basically 97% at rest and right around 91% when walking briskly.
With my bp medicine regimen, my bp is now running around 110/40. My resting pulse is 55. A brisk walk will raise it to 80, but it fully recovers back to 55 within one minute. I have lost 30 lbs since my emergency in late July, and people can tell the difference now. I am back walking approx 3 miles on just about every day.
Breathing wise - I actually feel better than I have in probably 5 years.
My last echo (a month ago) was a TEE. Immediately after he finished doing the procedure, my cardiologist said he might now be recommending the AVR, but that he would first confer with the surgeon.
I went back for the followup visit two weeks ago, and my cardiologist now says -- no surgery needed at this time, as long as I keep doing what I am doing:
A. Continuing with the low-sodium diet
B. Continuing with the medications
C. Continuing with gradual weight loss
D. Continuing with walking every day
He bases this primarily on the fact that my LVEF is 60-65% and the LV looks normal -- as does the rest of the heart.
He thinks I can stay this way indefinitely, but wants to see me back in 6 months for another echo. (this one will be exterior)
So -- I had been expecting (before the visit) to be discussing having surgery in Dec or Jan, and now I have this "reprieve". I am 62 years old. Am I fooling myself? Would I be better -- for the long haul -- in insisting on the surgery now, or should I accept his recommendation and do the "wait and see" thing, with the possibility of having to have surgery some number of years down the road, when I might be more at risk to undergo that procedure?
Thanks
DB
He thinks that
As a recap, I have moderately severe AI (torn or flailed flap).
Ever since I finally got rid of all the plueral effusions, my %SpO2 has been steadily rising. I am basically 97% at rest and right around 91% when walking briskly.
With my bp medicine regimen, my bp is now running around 110/40. My resting pulse is 55. A brisk walk will raise it to 80, but it fully recovers back to 55 within one minute. I have lost 30 lbs since my emergency in late July, and people can tell the difference now. I am back walking approx 3 miles on just about every day.
Breathing wise - I actually feel better than I have in probably 5 years.
My last echo (a month ago) was a TEE. Immediately after he finished doing the procedure, my cardiologist said he might now be recommending the AVR, but that he would first confer with the surgeon.
I went back for the followup visit two weeks ago, and my cardiologist now says -- no surgery needed at this time, as long as I keep doing what I am doing:
A. Continuing with the low-sodium diet
B. Continuing with the medications
C. Continuing with gradual weight loss
D. Continuing with walking every day
He bases this primarily on the fact that my LVEF is 60-65% and the LV looks normal -- as does the rest of the heart.
He thinks I can stay this way indefinitely, but wants to see me back in 6 months for another echo. (this one will be exterior)
So -- I had been expecting (before the visit) to be discussing having surgery in Dec or Jan, and now I have this "reprieve". I am 62 years old. Am I fooling myself? Would I be better -- for the long haul -- in insisting on the surgery now, or should I accept his recommendation and do the "wait and see" thing, with the possibility of having to have surgery some number of years down the road, when I might be more at risk to undergo that procedure?
Thanks
DB
He thinks that
