LaDonna's Profile

Hello Everyone! My short story. Rheumatic fever in childhood. Symptoms and murmur showed up in my 30's (1980's). Increasing SOB with activity. 2004 clean cath and Mitral Valvoplasty at Shawnee Missions KS. No significant relief in SOB! Since then lived with the symptoms...regular echo's...no meds ever...no arrhythmia. Last couple years more fatique....SOB when climbing/change in elevation when walking. Spoke to local cardiologists about increase SOB, fatique and decrease in strength 2013. No change in care, no recommendations, no meds. (Regular echos yearly throughout care post Dx). Developed idiopathic gastric paresis spring 2014....missed diagnosed till fall 2014. Self referred to Mayo Jan 2015 for this issue. Requested cardiology consult and exercise stress echo.....gradient across Mitral valve 30....that's high! Referred to Dr R. Suri for consult and rtn Mayo this Feb and scheduled for Mitral Valve replacement Monday March 30th. Always knew the day would come....but still not prepared. Anxiously waiting.....asking and praying for an excellent outcome and better quality of remaining life. Excited to find this awesome community to share our concerns, support and victories with caring family and friends!