First Echo Since HF Diagnosis

I had my latest Echo (no.38) recently whilst in hospital for an internal bleed (Warfarin related). The first since I was diagnosed with Heart Failure in 2021.

Since my 3rd bout of Surgery in 2013 there has been a slow deterioration in the heart function, so I can never be sure how an Echo will go. From the Cardiologists letter to my GP, there are a couple of pleasing points.

1. The improvement in EF over the last 12 months

2. The shunt fistula is unchanged, whereas it had been steadily increasing. I declined surgery in December last year, which now appears may have been the right decision after all.

After years of thinking my anaemia was haemolytic, it may not be the case. Ongoing blood tests will show one way or another if Angiodysplasia as had some bearing on it.

Also, the letter shows why you have to be careful with what the technician implies after an Echo.

Anyway, in my Echo rating of Good, Bad and Ugly, this one can be filed away as good. Being serious, I'm pleased with it.

"Mr Heed recently had his planned follow up Echocardiogram. I am pleased to say that left ventricular remains only mildly impaired with an ejection fraction of 45-50%. This is a small improvement on last year's scan (38%). The technician who performed the scan was concerned about a greater degree of aortic regurgitation. He is a complex echocardiographic subject. I have reviewed the images carefully with our senior technician and we are both happy that the prosthetic aortic valve continues to function well. The shunt to the right ventricular tract is unchanged. I note the contents of Dr......letter, and it has been agreed not to pursue device closure of the fistula.

Mr Heed had recently been admitted with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. This might suggest that some of his previous issues with anaemia were in part related to slow GI bleeding from angiodysplasia rather than haemolysis as previously suspected. If so there would be even less reason to attempt closure of the fistula".

[Anon2023]

Hi. That’s excellent news about the improved ef! I hope you are doing well. 😊

[Hidden in reply to Anon2023]

Hi, Thank you, and yes, I am doing well. Improved EF is good, but, the Shunt remaining as it was, is a big plus, as it's been in the back of mind, if declining surgery was the correct decision a few months ago.😄

[Anon2023 in reply to Hidden]

It’s great to hear that you are doing well. It looks like it was a very good call not to go with the surgery. 😊

[uzininemm]

Always like to hear and celebrate others good news as it gives many of us (well at least me hope).

[Hidden in reply to uzininemm]

Hi, Thank you.

I'm pleased this type of post gives you hope.

The way I see it, yes, it can be difficult at times, but, being positive can go along way to helping you get by.