About Me (In My Own Words)
I am a 42 year old female who was treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1992 (I was 11). Treatment included mantle radiation (neck and chest) and anthracycline chemo, both of which are known to cause cardio issues well after treatment is done. In 2004 it was discovered I had developed peripartum cardiomyopathy after the birth of my 2nd child. Ejection fraction was 35% and I was in bad shape for a few days. After about 6 months my EF returned to 55% and other than a marked increase in fatigue, things mostly went back to normal. A few years ago some follow up echos and stress tests revealed I had mild regurgitation in all 4 valves. This past fall, I noticed a severe decrease in my energy level, an increase in episodes of shortness of breath and some very strong heart palpitations I had never felt before. I had to find a new cardiologist as I was in a new city. After a TTE and TEE, it was discovered I had moderate- severe mitral and tricuspid valves, grade 2 diastolic dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension. I am very symptomatic and struggling to keep up with daily tasks. I have an appointment with a surgeon this week to see if I am a good candidate for open heart repair of both valves. I have read up on the issue and it seems having scar tissue from radiation could lead to longer recovery times. It also seems like Hodgkin’s survivors don’t fare well with a second cardiac procedure, so it looks like they get one shot to get this fixed!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Cheyenne, Wyoming
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
Tricuspid Regurgitation
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Damon Kennedy
