Echocardiogram Results

[-fudge-]

Good Morning I see my cardiologist on Monday to receive my latest echo results.

I have Biscupid valve. Aortic stenosis.

I had echo in April 2017 and again April 2018 repeat echo December 2018...8 months after.

Cardiologist told me that I was severe end of moderate. Gradient had gone from 36 to 50 in a year so I also had mri and stress test.

When I last saw him August he said results were reassurring. On his screen it said my stress test was with injection or something ( that was what he requested) but I had to tell him nurse did not use that..cant remember what it was called doubtamine or something) he seemed shocked and said he has faith in her reasons for why she didn't use it. But info on screen to me was incorrect saying I had it.

He put me on what he called 'watch and wait for surgery ' .

I am very anxious. I get so tired. Had to give up job under his advice ( carer for severely disabled lady) lifting etc.

I am walking more daily ...Do get breathless and heaviness on chest ( he suggested that was my fibromyalgia?)

Could you please help and advise me what questions I should ask on Monday.

He has mentioned in last letter when time comes for surgery it will almost be mechanical valve. Do we have choice ? I hope so...

Sorry for going on everyone .... Just so nervous about Monday.

Thank you 💖

[chrisbattle]

Hi Fudge

I suggest that you call the BHF nurses and chat through things with them. They will explain things and that will identify any gaps in knowledge that you can discuss with the cardiologist.

Good luck for your appointment!

[-fudge- in reply to chrisbattle]

Hi chrisbattle thank you. Yes that's a good idea I will ring them later .

[Rosanna75]

Hi Fudge,

I hope all goes well for you on Monday.

I would suggest that you explain exactly how you feel and how difficult is to to live your day to day life.

Could he not repeat s stress echo and make sure is done correctly?

Yes, maybe is a good idea to give a call to BHF nurse as she will have a better understanding than us.

I had my mitral valve first repaired and then replaced less than 3 months ago.

To reply to your question about what type of valve to have it is pretty much related to the age of the patient

I am 43, and the surgeon wouldn't consider anything a part from a mechanical valve.

The other type of valve is a tissue valve and unfortunately doesn't last long and therefore needs replacing once again where the mechanical should last a long time.

The advantage of having a tissue valve is that you wouldn't have to take warfarin where for the mechanical one you will be on warfarin for the rest of your life.

All of the above will be explained to you in.more details by the cardio thoracic surgeon that will follow your case.

But for now don't worry too much.

Hope all goes well , best wishes

[-fudge- in reply to Rosanna75]

Morning Rosanna75 thank you for your reply .

Hope you are feeling well after your valve replacement.

Yes so much to research about the different valves.

Let's see what results say Monday and I shall go armed with my questions. X

[Rugbymad]

Hi

I had the same problem last year went in to Glenfield Leicester for a angiogram 29th Sept and they advised me to stay at the hospital.

Aortic stenosis and a bypass operated on 11th October 18

shortness of breath was being caused by the biscupid AV

with a dilated aortic root which during the op was deemed within limits.

Please be careful and dont exert yourself to much until you have been sorted !

An angiogram may diagnose how tight your AV is and identify the size of the aorta available for blood flow mine was 1.5cm that's why they kept me in.

Hope this helps.

[-fudge- in reply to Rugbymad]

Thank you for reply.

Hope you are doing well now.

What valve did you go for?

He hasn't mentioned angiogram as yet but both parents had quadruple bypasses and dad had two strokes also.

[Rugbymad in reply to -fudge-]

I had a tissue valve didn't fancy being on warfarin for the rest of my life !

Back from gym it gets better day by day walking on non gym days !!

[123m]

Hi

I think every case is different, I had my AVR 18 months ago, also had my descending and ascending root done at the same time. I passed out twice and this was the only symptoms I had. After collapsing my doctor referred me for a echo and I wasn’t allowed to leave hospital and had to wait fora bed at papworth. My mean gradient was 89 and the AV was 0.6cm. I had no previous symptoms all I knew was I had had a heart murmur from childhood. I was offered the choice of valves the night before the op. I had a tissue valve as I didn’t want to take warfarin. I recovered quickly, and am extremely grateful to Papworth for giving me my life back. I hope you get your operation soon, but I am sure your surgeon will know the right time for your surgery. Xx

[-fudge-]

Thank you for your reply.

I hope you are doing well.

I was always told I had heart murmur but not to worry about it! ?

We shall see what he says Monday.