About Me (In My Own Words)
When I was 16 years old, I suffered a heat stroke while running cross country. The heat stroke and resultant kidney failure hospitalized me for 2 weeks. During my release check-up, my nephrologist was surprised to note for the first time I had a heart murmur...after countless checkups while I was a patient in the hospital.
My murmur impressed every health care worker who put stethoscope to my chest. For years, echocardiogram techs ooh-ed and ahh-ed as they pushed their gel covered sonic devices into my chest. I was impressed over the years as the echo technology progressed, but I grew blase with each bi-yearly visit to cardiology for the test.
Two months ago as a 47+ year old, I almost fell asleep on the examination table as my latest echocardiogram was taken. I almost forgot about the whole thing, until one week later I received my copy of the reader's report that recommended I consult a cardiologist for mitral valve repair. I couldn't believe it, and couldn't wait to have my appointment to find out what fate awaited me!
The cardiologist informed me that I'd need repair sometime in the future: 1, 5, maybe ten years in the future. My wife and I were quite relieved as we left his office. Once again, I put my prolapse in the back of my mind.
Until two days later, when I answered the phone and the cardiologist was on the other end. He had consulted with colleagues about my echo, and changed his mind about the urgency of my condition.
I am now scheduled for repair surgery (with the possibility of replacement--outside chance, I think) on June 10. The surgeon and hospital have a great reputation for heart surgery success.
Thanks for reading. I'll try to keep you posted.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Fair Oaks, California
