Symptoms question

[Wise]

Hello all, my wife requested that I ask a question about some symptoms I have. I have a bicuspid aortic valve with no apparent problems at last echo in the fall. One problem I have had for a while is not feeling like I get enough oxygen. I sometimes feel as if I'm not breathing deeply enough, I guess is how to say. This doesn't seems to be tied to anything I do or don't do. I'm also tired a lot. My oxygen levels however are always normal and many times close to 100. MY QUESTION: At last, what I'm asking is, has anyone else with a still well functioning bicuspid aortic valve had this symptom?

SECOND QUESTION: I've had some times recently when my thighs were rather "tired" feeling, with pain and burning sensation. Has anyone had this as well?

I tend to think that neither of these symptoms have anything to do with my bicuspid aortic valve. I will have another stress test and echo in May to monitor my progress. Thanks for the input!

 

[Ross]

#1 is classic! I think everyone of us went through it.

#2 I do not think is related, but do you have a history of clotting? I'm thinking perhaps DVT or it possibly could be the beginnings of CHF. Are you retaining more water then usual?

 

[Marguerite53]

Hi,Wise.

Hi,Wise.

Hi. I can totally relate to the gulping for air feelings. And sometimes they occur at the strangest times. They never feel life threatening, just wierd. I am hoping that my eventual surgery will cure that feeling!

As to your second complaint, I wonder if you are having some sacroyliac (spelling??) problems with your back. Quite often, those kinds of pains are related with a lower back being out of adjustment. Some people enjoy the benefits of chiropractic. If you are comfortable with that idea, you may want to give that a try. There is also a condition of the aorta that can present itself with tired legs. I believe most cardios casually check for this by feeling the pulse at the very end of your leg kind of by your ankle if they have any concern. I'm not well versed on coarctation of the aorta and am not wanting to suggest that this can in any way be your problem. Just wanted to throw it into the mix as you seek to educate yourself. I honestly suspect it is your lower back being thrown out abit.

We pay our doctors an amazing amount of our hard earned money. My feeling which is shared by most here, is that they should be willing to answer any and all questions and concerns. Do not hesitate to call your doctor with any of these seemingly simple questions. We here, can't possibly know enough, or tie things accurately into your personal health history like your own doctor. Don't be shy about calling them. You need to listen to your gut. If something feels wrong, check it out!

But, keep asking here, too!

Marguerite

 

[Wise]

Ross: It's good to know that the breathing problem is common and I'm not weird. Don't know what DVT and CHF stands for. I believe that I have retained a little more fluid than normal for me in recent weeks. I have had more caffeine in the past two weeks and the pain, etc., in my thighs is greatly improved. I added more caffeine relative to my weight loss maintenance and constipation.

Marguerite: I do see a chiropractor regularly. I agree that my symptoms could indicate a problem with the lower back. As I told Ross, those symptoms are better right now. I will talk to my chiropractor about it though.
Unless I'm having any more problems, I will wait to talk to my cardiologist in May when I go for my next echo and stress test. I have a good cardiologist and am confident that he will listen to me and seriously consider any concerns I have. I had symptoms last year that could have been considered vague by some cardiologists, but my doctor took them seriously and I ended up having a cardiac ablation to correct a fast heart beat.

 

[bear]

reply to symptoms

reply to symptoms

As for the first question, Ross hit it on the head. As for the second question, burning sensation of the upper thigh could be due to possible nerve root impingement at the lumbar level 3 or 4. Have you ever had any back problems? Ross' suggestion of a DVT may be on also, however do you have any pain when you apply pressure to the back of your calf. You may consider seeing a physical therapist to test you for nerve impingement and DVT. A simple test called the Homan's Sign Test could rule out a DVT if not a doppler ultrasound will, also the therapist could check your sacroilliac joints by doing a leg length discrepency test and manipulating accordingly. If you decide to go with Physical therapist you should ask him about McKenzie exercises to alleviate burning in the leg. Also you do not need a referal from a Dr. to see Physical therpist depending on your insurance. Hope this may help you and good luck in the future.

 

[Wise]

Bear: I have had a pinched nerve in my neck that cause me lots of problems and for which I underwent physical therapy. So, I'm rather familiar with that route and have experienced relief and help from them. I will certainly stay on top of this. I don't want to get in as bad of a condition as I was in with my pinched nerve. Thanks for the information and advice.

Ross: Forgot to answer your question about blood clots, and no, I don't have a history with that.

As for the first question, Ross hit it on the head. As for the second question, burning sensation of the upper thigh could be due to possible nerve root impingement at the lumbar level 3 or 4. Have you ever had any back problems? Ross' suggestion of a DVT may be on also, however do you have any pain when you apply pressure to the back of your calf. You may consider seeing a physical therapist to test you for nerve impingement and DVT. A simple test called the Homan's Sign Test could rule out a DVT if not a doppler ultrasound will, also the therapist could check your sacroilliac joints by doing a leg length discrepency test and manipulating accordingly. If you decide to go with Physical therapist you should ask him about McKenzie exercises to alleviate burning in the leg. Also you do not need a referal from a Dr. to see Physical therpist depending on your insurance. Hope this may help you and good luck in the future.

 

[bvdr]

You wrote, "SECOND QUESTION: I've had some times recently when my thighs were rather "tired" feeling, with pain and burning sensation. Has anyone had this as well?".

I think I know what you are referring to in your second question. I used to have that happen quite a bit. It was similar to getting a "burn" when exercising but happened with just minimal activity or sometimes even at rest. Since I also had the feeling of never getting quite enough oxygen I did think they were related. I just don't think my tissues were getting adequetely oxygenated.

I also welcome you to this board. I hope you find it to be a help to you as you sort through so many things connected with heart valve disease.

 

[Wise]

Rachell: I sure didn't consider the pulmonary disease angle. That gives me some more things to consider now. My brother Forrest who died after having two surgeries to replace his aortic valve was determined to have COPD. My mother also was just diagnosed with that. They were both heavy smokers, but I am not, thank God. Thanks for the info.

Betty: I'm assuming that after your surgery that the tiredness, pain and burning in your legs improved? The way you described the burning is exactly how it feels to me. Thanks for your input.

 

[McCln]

Wise

Wise

I hope that you are going to go see your cardio soon about the shortness of breathe. When there are problem with the heart, the lungs have problems also. For some strange reason. the heart and lungs are connected when the heart has problems. Good luck and hope you get the help needed. I know that it is no fun trying to be active and have to stop the catch the breath.

 

[bvdr]

Wise,

The burning feeling in my thighs, and actually only in the front of my thighs, did begin the diminish after surgery but not immediately. During cardiac rehab it was still very noticeable and I could not complete some of the sets of leg exercises. Now, I don't notice it anymore.

Incidentally,when I get angina, it usually begins with a burning in my left neck and jaw. I'm pleased to report that I get that much less frequently also.

 

[Wise]

have a lot to learn

have a lot to learn

I realize that I have a lot to learn! Didn't know what CHF or DVT was. I looked them up and almost felt embarassed that I couldn't guess that. Just not usued to the abbreviations and acronyms yet, or most the terminology for that matter. I'm looking forward to learing more as time goes by. Thank you all for being so kind to me, even when you notice I'm unlearned regarding cardiology and the whole kit and kaboodle.
I should have figured congestive heart failure out because my father died of CHF at age 50. He was a bad alcoholic, which is probably what caused his condition. Nonetheless, my cardiologist seems to consider that heavily against me since my condition is likely genetic. In addition to my brother Forrest who had the two surgeries to replace his aortic valve, my brother Andy died at age 39 three months prior to him of a heart attack. Not saying this for sympathy, just to stress why I'm very interested to learn all I can.