ECG same 9 months post TAVI as 6 months before?

[Taviterry]

On Tuesday I had to be taken to Casualty. I was there for only three hours, during which I had an ECG, blood tests and a detailed discussion with a doctor. Her many findings have just appeared on my GP Patient Record, and I've spent half-an-hour deciphering all the medical abbreviations. I was a little surprised that the ECG showed "no new changes" compared with the one I had in January last year - "tall tented e waves, left axis deviation, sinus rhythm". Yet I had a new heart valve inserted in August.

My record did not include the two ECGs arranged by my heart surgeon after the op. (Different hospitals, though within the same authority - sigh.) The surgeon assured me that all was well enough.

I'm not at all worried, (and I don't seek comment on the report), but I would have thought that there would have been some changes?

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I know you posted a month ago and sorry you found yourself in Casualty

Not sure why no difference appeared maybe it doesn't but I do hope at some stage when you see your Doctor or Consultant they will be able to tell you if you have not already found out the answer x

[Taviterry in reply to BeKind28-]

Thanks for that. I have a record of mysterious dips in energy levels, which I've attributed to an insect bite ten years ago. As I was waiting for a taxi to take me to Casualty, I was hoping that it would come up my short drive as I doubted that I could walk any distance to it. Yet three hours later I was able to walk (in the company of my cousin) the 20 minutes to the station!

I had had comprehensive blood tests in early March and finally had a follow-up telephone discussion with a haematologist on May 31, the day after an iron infusion that seems to have restored my energy levels. I have been near-anaemic for some years, and it may be that the TAVI last July and some of my medication might have lowered my levels still more, to "slightly anaemic". The most significant change was in my lactic dehydrogenase (double the ideal top limit) , attributable to my artificial valve and causing heavy limbs.

(I'm not sure that all this explains my sudden collapses in energy, but I'm OK now. A friend visiting me today said that I was "glowing".)

[BeKind28- in reply to Taviterry]

Hello

I am low in iron and my Doctor mentions about an iron infusion but I am to worried about having one done and yet here you are having had it done and feeling so much better which I am really pleased to hear x

[Taviterry in reply to BeKind28-]

Mine was no problem. I was fitted in at very short notice, perhaps because of a cancellation, and there was some confused communication, with me being left to find out from the hospital website what to do and expect. (Don't take iron supplements the day before and for several days afterwards.) The actual procedure was carried out painlessly, efficiently and pleasantly and I was in the ward for about 90 minutes (including 30 minutes to check I was OK). One can drive home afterwards (though I took a bus, plus 15-18 minutes' walking) and usually can return to work the next day. But ... I was Ok the next day, felt tired on the second (causing a little concern to a dining companion), and very woozy on the third, since when things have got progressively better, with a six-hour walk and some lawn-mowing yesterday, just a week after the wooziness!

I'd due to have comprehensive follow-up blood tests at the end of July, with a telephone appointment with a haematologist on August 9.

[BeKind28- in reply to Taviterry]

Hello

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with me that is reassuring and good luck with your follow up blood tests and your appointment you have coming up x