About Me (In My Own Words)
I am 68 years old and was diagnosed with aortic insufficiency 3 years ago. An Echocardiagram was done prior to prostate cancer surgery last May which showed a worsening of my condition. Following recovery from surgery my cardiologist performed a TEE. The results were better than he expected, however, he said I would probably need surgery in 1 to 2 years. My next echo is scheduled for this coming March.
Well, 3 years, a new cardiologist, thyroid cancer surgery and 2 bouts of Radioactive Iodine (I-131) and my valve has slowed its deterioration. I am checked every 6 months and an annual echo. So far so good.
Well I’m now 77 and mitral has begun to leak but aortic is still moderate. Left ventricle is not as thick and ejection factor is about 55. Due for a 4 month echo. In September. I have had 2 neck dissections that have rid me of thyroid cancer. That’s the good news. The bad is that I have developed moderate to severe cervical spinal stenosis and lumbar stenosis and a few herniated discs. I have been receiving both lumbar epidural and facet injections and now the conversation is about implanting a Spinal Cord Stimulator. The reason I add this to my list is that In spite of 20 surgeries, 2 cancers, 4 radioactive iodine treatments my heart has remained relatively stable. My advice is that you have to keep living one day at a time and nature and the Good Lord will take care of the rest.
Ok, I turned 79 in June. I had my followup Echo in November and a few added conditions were found. I have chronic systolic heart failure and a severely enlarged left ventricle and Ejection Fraction of 32. My cardiologist referred me to an enlarged heart specialist who started me on Entresto and Corig. Due to Covid 19 I was unable to have any additional tests done until June. So far I have had a CTA and my arteries are not blocked, a Heart MRI which confirmed the Echo findings and I now have 3 valves leaking in various degrees. I will have a specialized Echo at Morristown Medical Center in 3 weeks. They are connected to a group of Centers that review all tests. The group includes Cleveland Clinic. After the Echo I guess we will have the information needed to determine the next step in my treatment. I also have an autoimmune disease called DISH Arthritis. There is a possibility that may contributed to the thickening of the left ventricle.
Well it’s now Oct 2020 and I was finally able to get my Echo. The E.F. Is now 45/50. With the good usually comes the bad. My aortic valve regurgitation is moderate to severe and the mitral is now moderate. The Left Ventricle is slightly less enlarged but the Left Atrium is now severely enlarged. Trying to keep my pressure below 120 my Entresto has been increased to 49/51 mg twice daily. Based on the results of the Echo I am going to be reviewed by MMC’s Structural Heart and Valve Center this coming Monday. They have expanded their heart valve research and new minimally invasive valve procedures. I am now up to 23 surgeries—none involving the heart—and not looking to add another so I will go listen and learn.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Livingston, New Jersey
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Mitral Regurgitation
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My hospital is:
Morristown Medical Center
