Cardiologist

[Carnival567]

I have just come back from the visit to the cardiologist at Southmead, where I was told that he was handing my care over to the interventionist cardiologist at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, who may be able to help me more. However, if my valve problem worsens they won't be able to do anything because my lungs are rubbish, his words not mine. Likewise they won't be able to do another ablation because of my lungs, so I will probably now be in permanent AF. They should be able to do a right heart catheterisation to confirm pulmonary hypertension. The hole they have discovered may well have developed because of my enlarged right atria, caused by PH. If they can treat the PH with drugs that may improve things. I offered to be a study case for medical students. Might as well get some interest out of it, as my situation is so rare. However he did make an appointment to see me in two years, which at least is encouraging. I plan to keep it. My lungs are still rubbish!

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Good for you, xxx

[Katinka46]

Dear Carnival. Well, as always with you, one step forward and thirty nine back. Blimey dear heart, left me a bit at a loss for words. But I just love your attitude. Has anyone suggested which of your multi-factorial (don't you just love doctor-speak?) diagnoses has caused the PH? Is it your heart/lungs or both? If he is seeing you in two years he is expecting you to be around.

Hang in there and keep us posted.

K xx

[Carnival567 in reply to Katinka46]

Always been difficult according to the family! I realise I am actually very lucky to be here, and my original surgeon was brilliant. My trouble is that I have always been ahead of the game, dr said today that I must have been one of the first to have this surgery. The PH is probably caused by th OB, but who really knows. If my heart had been okay who knows? I expect to be around in two years, if possible. I shall work at it!xx

[Time_2_drink]

Obviously you will make that appointment x

[Carnival567 in reply to Time_2_drink]

Of course

[skischool]

Carnival,i think there is more chance of you having your appt in 2 years time with another consultant as with his present attitude your current consultant will probably be on road sweeping duties in the hospital car park.keep on with your resolute attitude and we will stand with you.good luck.......skis

[Carnival567 in reply to skischool]

Poor man, he is more used to heart attacks than weird people like me. He has been helpful, and he was the one who got me to the BRI. He has kept me as a patient so that I don't get lost in the system. Shan't send him to the car park! Just spent an hour with our little grandsons. Best bit of the day. Thanks for your good wishes

[Ccupcakes]

Flippin' eck! Do you think a certain someone made an executive decision to never use your mould again as he'd made it too complicated??? Talk about chicken and egg and what came first!

That he's expecting to see you in 2 yrs is comforting......i think. I also think it indicates a definite awareness that patients with complex needs and dxs are quite often 'lost', and maybe there's a touch of admiration there as well, you are so positive Carnival dear, I have no doubt you will keep that appt. In the meantime, keep us posted please

C.c xxx

[Dedalus]

Good luck with everything x