About Me (In My Own Words)
Heart murmur at age 15. At 39, During my 3rd pregnancy had severe coughing which we later found out was caused by fluid in my lungs. I always had irregular heart beats and palpitations but felt great. Finally after my pregnancy found out that I had early signs of congestive heart failure when I experienced some near fainting spells and dizziness. But I was active and kickboxing and working out regularly. After an ultrasound found out I had an enlarged heart and low ejection fraction. I had the mini- thoractomy to repair mitral valve, they placed 32 mm annuloplasty rings. I was 41, fit and active. I had an easy recovery but soon found out I had shortness of breath when I worked out and problems with my right shoulder. Fast forward 9 years and I still suffer from shortness of breath if I do any form of exercise. I had to quit kickboxing and exercising. I thought if I was this active before surgery I'd be super woman after. While They corrected my mitral valve prolapse I feel worse. I've been to countless doctors, have tried to fight through it but to no avail. Could something have occurred during the surgery to cause my current symptoms that I didn't have before? Would appreciate any advise to what possibly could have happened. I only take baby aspirin and never required any cardio rehab. I would love to be active again and breath normally. Thanks!
Ana
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Bellingham
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My surgery date is:
March 30, 2006
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Jim Douglas
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My hospital is:
St. Joseph hospital
