Visit to Cardiologist...

[stormrev]

Hi Guys

I've been feeling really good and getting back into running and swimming etc in recent weeks, but a visit to my cardiologist today was a bit sobering when he said he could hear a leak in one of my replacement valves. At this stage he is not sure if it is the donor pulmonary valve or my own transplanted aortic valve, but the leak wasn't there three months ago at my last scan.

I guess it's pretty disappointing seeing as how I felt everything was going well. I'm booked in for an EKG on Saturday to try and find out what is going on. Best case scenario is a mild leak on the pulmonary which is more common and can be 'lived' with.

Not sure now whether to go into hibernation or just keep exercising etc - right now I'm imagining all sorts of things - especially having to face surgery again after the complications last time doesn't bear thinking about.

Would apreciate your thoughts and prayers -it's 2 am down under and sleep is hard to come by!

Kind regards

Grant

 

[JimL]

Relax, Grant, don't worry. If it's really leaking and something needs to be done about it, you'll have plenty of time to worry later. Right now, any concerns are based on your cardiologist's ear -- if I understood what you wrote -- while everything else indicates there is no problem, in that you've been feeling really good.
If it turns out that his ear is very good, we'll still be here to help and listen -- no one looks forward to another surgery!

 

[tobagotwo]

Sounds like JimL really nailed it. We just had another member have the same indicators, but from an echo. Then a TEE (maybe called TOE for you) showed that it was not really an issue after all. I hope that's what it is in your case, too.

Try to keep the likelihood of not-so-bad news in your mind, if you can. I know you can't help but be concerned. I have my 6-month post-surgical coming up next week, and I'm already a wreck - and I haven't even gotten any worrisome news yet.

The fact that you feel so good is a good sign. I know that feeling good is a relative thing, and you're comparing it to how you felt before the surgery. Still, trust your body, and try to distract yourself. If you continue to chew on it, you'll probably have arrhythmias by morning, just from the psychological strain.

I hope it turns out to have been gas, or something equally innocuous. Or a minor involvement with the pulmonary valve. I'll certainly be thinking of your plight, and hoping for good results for you.

Try to put some old movies on the television until you just give up and go to sleep. You've got a lot of people on your side now.

Best wishes,

 

[Debrinha GT]

I know what it's like.

I know what it's like.

Hi Grant, hope you've managed to get to sleep by now. I know the feeling so well! I too have arranged to see my surgeon this Friday, and although surgery for me is a fact, I'm hoping to hear that it's not time yet. I've been doing lots of things to keep my mind busy all week and it seems to be working wonders! I also had enough unpleasant surprises regarding my heart condition in the past so, this time I want to make sure it won't happen again. We always tend to imagine the worst whenever we have an appointment or exam coming up, it's just nature. However, we need to think positively and hope for the best. That's what keeps us going! Take care and let us know how things develop.
Débora from Brazil

 

[Glenda]

Grant, hugs and prayers are coming your way.

 

[Debrinha GT]

Wishing you luck!

Wishing you luck!

Hi Bob, you're always so nice to everybody! Now it's my turn to wish you good luck with your appointment next week. You're a very deserving person! Thanks for all the support you've been giving me over the past few months!
Débora

 

[Englander]

It is worrying but as Bob says It may show nothing. we are with you in this and hope for the best
Regards
Bess

 

[Eloise]

Hi Grant,
Perhaps the tests will reveal that your doctor's hearing isn't so good,as one person suggested.I can understand your disappointment yet you are stronger than you know.You have the coping skills to manage this situation and you will!

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Grant

Hi Grant

I hope your test comes out good for you...You are only 6 months post-op..Hope you didn't do anything ( like running, ect)..to have hurt it..Takes a good 6 months to heal..Then you can run, ect...I see where you are a Baptist Minister. We hosting a Baptist Minister and his wife years ago on our farm in Georgia. They were traveling America doing Revivals...( From Australia)What a lovely couple... Bonnie

 

[Abbanabba]

Hey Grant, I'm so glad to see you've been doing so well after your surgery (..I'm guessing the problem you were having with your leg post-op has gone..) and I also hope that this new development is something minor. I guess the best thing is to try not to worry yourself until you get the results of the EKG - hard, I know! (..I was also awake all night thinking about my impending visit to the new cardio ..).

Please keep us posted on how you go. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way.

All the best
Anna : )