Just saying hello

[givemesunshine]

Hello all just a quick post to introduce myself.

I will be 64 at the end of next month and have been very fortunate that 63 of those years have been very healthy.

I have been reading lots of your posts for the last few days and I would just like to thank-you all. So many questions receiving good answers, advice and of course the all important emotional support.

Ten weeks ago all that was the matter with me was shortness of breath after a fast hill walk or some hard work, as this was unusual for me and I had been exposed to a lot of dust and chemicals in my early working life I thought a rare visit to the doc's was called for. Quick examination and It seems my lungs are clear but the doc' picked up a heart murmur so booked me in for an ECG and Echo (5 week wait) Echo showed Mitral valve not functioning properly and a dangly bit that the technician needed advice on. Seems they were concerned I may have had an infection. Anyway blood for cultures was taken, and another Echo a week later at 8.30 am. Worryingly I was taken to a different area this time by the top technician who spent an awful long time taking all the measurements etc, then she dissapeared for ten minutes came back with the news that they wanted to admit me there and then (bit of a shock I say)

I tell her I am a carer and need to plan these things, she says you have to look after yourself or you want be able to care. Oh dear, have to agree but let everybody know I will be going home if at all possible. Straight up to MAU and get looked after very well by the medics on shift, everything checked several times two visits from excellent (different) nurse practitioners, two visits by Cardiologist nurse and one 60 second visit by Consultant Cardiologist to agree discharge (result) and only there 7 hours. Diagnosis so far is Severe Mitral valve regurgitation and Severe left ventrical dysfunction. Back in next Monday (the 2nd July) for Angiogram, hope to get time scale then for new valve fitting etc'

Only got one question for now, how do I improve my sleep. I drop off quite quickly for one to two hours then wake up short of breath and some of the time coughing like a goodun (is that a word) It feels like I have a paving slab on my chest and a lot of fluid beneath it. So I get up make a nice cup of tea and read a book, this moves the slab and fluid, If im'e lucky I may be able to drop off to sleep on the sofa for another hour or two before the day starts (the nights are very long) Have tried all the usual, stacking pillows etc' so any tips would be gratefully received

Sorry for the long post

All the best Colin

[Hidden]

Hi givemesunshine, just wanted to say welcome to the forum. I don't have the same issues as you, but you will find a whole range of cardiac conditions here, and there is always something you can relate to. Its shocking when you first get a diagnosis, but now you're on the radar you'll get the treatment you need. I wish you all the best. 💜

[givemesunshine in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bee

Thank's for the welcome, yes all sorts on here and some of them make me feel blessed that I got to my age without any serious health issues till now. The first six weeks were a bit slow waiting for appointments / tests etc' but in the system now and there seems to be an appointment or two every week now. Having the Angiogram next Monday and hope to get a time scale and plan then.

Cheers Colin

[guidedog98]

Hi givemesunshine. I was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation and eventually had the valve repaired. The operation was a complete success. Going into hospital can be a very daunting and frightening experience. You have to go through all the pre-op tests like angiograms so that the surgeon doesn't get any surprises. Your normal life will have to be put on hold for the next few months.

Don't be afraid to ask questions at every step. Some people prefer not to know what's happening, but I always asked why things were happening, for my peace of mind.

[givemesunshine in reply to guidedog98]

Hi Guidedog98 So pleased to hear your opp was successful. How long after opp were you able to lift and carry etc' Also once they had decided to operate how long did you wait for the surgery? I am also like you and like to ask lots of questions and do all sorts of research.

Cheers

Colin

[guidedog98 in reply to givemesunshine]

Hi Colin. The "lifting and carrying" question was a bit difficult in my case, as I experienced post-op complications, not related to my heart. There is no hard and fast figure for it - as it depends on, among other things, the nature of your incision. I was lucky, as I had minimal invasion surgery, rather than a conventional sternectomy. This should reduce the recovery time.

As far as waiting time is concerned, I had my operation just less than 12 weeks after my cardiologist referred me to the surgeon. My operation was carried out in Edinburgh, and waiting times may well vary from area to area.

One thing that I hadn't expected after the operation was just how emotional I became, not least when I realised just what my family had to go through while I was in hospital. Recuperation is not just about getting better physically.

[FeetheBookworm]

Welcome Colin. I too have problems with LH ventricle. I was having trouble sleeping with fluid in my mouth despite 4 pillows, and was sent to hospital after v thorough check by a GP after requesting an emergency app within hrs of returning home. (Told to come down for app 10 mins later).

I would reiterate you do need to see a GP PDQ or phone 111. I have them v helpful and a dr phoned me back and after asking me loads of questions made an out of hrs app at our local hospital. This was a Sunday late afternoon.

Fiona

[givemesunshine]

Hi Feethebookworm

Thank's for the welcome, sorry to hear about your problems sounds horrible, what was the outcome of your Sunday appointment?

I am having an Angiogram next Monday and will hopefully be getting answers to a lot of questions re my care plan / time scale for opp' etc'

Cheers

Colin