hospital today

[Hatten28]

finally had my appointments at hospital, saw a cardiac nurse who gave me an ecg and lots of other

Tests,plus details of previous operations and family history.

I was told that the hospital did not want me to come home as blood pressure extremely high but I did.

After lots of questions the nurse informed me of a diagnosis, probably open heart surgery dependent on getting the blood pressure down.

This is a very brief summing up as it’s too much to write down.

Am now waiting for a cat scan and another echocardiogram.

The nurse rang me at home to say she had discussed me with the cardiologist who advised me to take my tablets at different times and to record blood pressure readings for the next week.

I was very impressed with the way my consultation was handled and came home feeling that after years of breathlessly I am finally getting somewhere.

Thank all of you on this site for all your help and good wishes.

Will leave updates when I get more information.

From hatten 28

[Paulbounce]

I was very impressed with the way my consultation was handled and came home feeling that after years of breathlessly I am finally getting somewhere

Thats great news Hatten. Good luck with it all - I sure you are on track and heading in the right direction 👍

Paul

[Hatten28 in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank you so much, although I probably have a rocky road to follow, now I have been diagnosed and told what will likely happen, I feel somehow relieved.

Just hope this blood pressure comes down.

Regards hatten28

[irene75359]

You have had a rough time getting here, but I am pleased that you feel positive after your appointment. I think taking your own blood pressure is a lot less bothersome than wearing a monitor for 24 hours as I did recently! I do hope your blood pressure is lowered and that there isn't a delay going on to the next step. My friend had open heart surgery to replace a valve and it was remarkable how quickly she recovered. Best wishes.

[Hatten28 in reply to irene75359]

Thank you so much, your comment regarding your friend gave me a huge feeling of support to know that someone has had a similar problem and made a good recovery.

[Buffafly]

That sounds really positive, so pleased for you. I think I must have missed the post with the diagnosis - what was it? Best wishes for the surgery when it happens. I have been amazed what a difference taking BP tablets has made to me. I also had to monitor at home in case my high BP was due to ‘white coat syndrome’ but as my readings were consistently high tablets it was! What time of day have you been advised to take them?

Best wishes ❤️‍🩹

[Buffafly in reply to Buffafly]

OK found it - aortic stenosis.

[Hatten28 in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks for your response, I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis in September this year and referred to rapid cardiology, but nothing happened, however on going to our surgery for a diabetic check up it was discovered that my BP was sky high.

The doctor asked for an ECG which was done at the time, she did not like what she saw and called an ambulance, I went to A E for further tests and went home

The same evening.

I then had a letter to attend the hospital for a consultation with the cardiology nurse who was brilliant. She explained that my stenosis was moderate to severe and I have to have a scan and other tests but mainly must reduce my BP.

This morning BP is down to moderate levels due to taking them at different times of the day. Apparently I was taken both together which was wrong.

She advised me that i could have open heart surgery or stay as I am, my response was I will have the operation if it means whatever life I have left is of better quality.

The nurse also said I was quite healthy for my age which surprised me.

Forgot to add that the hospital did not want me to come home on both occasions due to my BP,

This is a short account of my problem but too much to include everything.

Hope you are ok and thank you again for your interest.

[Buffafly in reply to Hatten28]

I feel there are few things so frustrating as symptoms which aren’t found to have a specific cause - doctors expect you to be pleased when tests don’t reveal anything serious but if your symptoms are affecting your QOL you really want a diagnosis even if it’s bad news so you can move forward. I have made a similar decision to you in the past and never regretted it though recovery was difficult. Good luck!