Don Brown - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Don Brownposted an update

1488 days ago

Lynn Loudermilk, Deena Z, Peter Linn and 2 others reacted to this

That's for.your words and prayers. Such a bad day today, I woke up thinking about my grandma and my dad, who both had passed from heart issues early in their ...Read more

That's for.your words and prayers. Such a bad day today, I woke up thinking about my grandma and my dad, who both had passed from heart issues early in their life's. My dad was 55 and my grandma was 62. I tried to remember what was the last conversation that I had with them. I know I didn't believe they would ever leave but now that I am on the other side, I want to talk to my kids more and have plans set in stone. I know I will try to fight a good fight but I also know that it is what it is. So I decided this Friday I will go into the hospital and start fighting again to get this water weight off and find a better way to deal with it. Again, thanks for your kind words, and you all are in my prayers. Will update later. Thanks. God Bless

Cameron Peek I will keep you in my prayers during this very difficult time.

Susan Lynn We're cheering for you, Don! Good for you for making the choice to take action! Our heredity doesn ... Read more

Susan Lynn We're cheering for you, Don! Good for you for making the choice to take action! Our heredity doesn't have to be our destiny!! You're going to be the generation that changes your family history. The medical advances that have been made in the decades since your father and grandmother faced these challenges will help you rewrite your story! You've got this, Don! Sending positive thoughts, prayers, and unwavering perseverance your way! ❤🙏

Deena Z We are with you, Don. Baby steps adds up to one gigantic leap. Don't give up. You can do it. We ... Read more

Deena Z We are with you, Don. Baby steps adds up to one gigantic leap. Don't give up. You can do it. We hear you roar!

Alex Hunt Good luck Don. I really hope it all works out! I'll be thinking of you.

Amy K I agree with everything Susan said. Recent medical advances are nothing if not miraculous!

Glad to hear you are ready and willing to fight a good fight. Being proactive with your healthcare is ... Read more

Glad to hear you are ready and willing to fight a good fight. Being proactive with your healthcare is empowering. I will continue to pray for you to find the care you need. Totally agree with Susan Lynn. God bless you

Don Brownposted a journal

1491 days ago

Shannon Gray, Lynn Loudermilk reacted to this

I need to say hi to old friends here firsthand. Hello again. Now the update. After my Friday appointment my doctor is setting a admin fate for this week. Weighed ...Read more

I need to say hi to old friends here firsthand. Hello again. Now the update. After my Friday appointment my doctor is setting a admin fate for this week. Weighed in at 343 pounds, that's like 70 pounds over my normal weight. They changed my water pill type and dosage and also gave me a prescription for a one time waterpill that is kicking my ass right now, so I will update in a few I hope everyone keeps fighting their good fights God Bless, Don

Praying for you Don. God bless you

Susan Lynn Don - Hang in there! I can't even imagine how difficult it must be, but better days are ahead. I'm ... Read more

Susan Lynn Don - Hang in there! I can't even imagine how difficult it must be, but better days are ahead. I'm glad to read that your doctor is trying to address it. Stay positive - we're cheering and praying for you!!!

Don Brownposted an update

1494 days ago

I would like some opinions in the next step I take, either to stay with Doctors that just run 100 test and not fix the main reasons I need. I do and say everything ...Read more

I would like some opinions in the next step I take, either to stay with Doctors that just run 100 test and not fix the main reasons I need. I do and say everything they tell me, I changed my whole life after my second surgery 5 Years ago, but I'm still fight major water weight. On too if my pssroiss (I can't spell sorry) the water weight stretches my skin day to day and feels.like my skin is getting ripped open. When I explain it to my Dermatologist, they.tell me to discuss it with my cardiologist bc if my chf and water weight. I talk to my cardiologist, he tells me to talk to my Dermatologist bc it's skin. It's a vicious circle and in the long of it, I have not been swimming in a pool/lake or ocean bc of this and.im embarrassed. Then I can't swim long or dive bc of my heart. I have missed many family outings. I know many.people bounce back after their own stories. I have COPD stage 3 ever since my second heart valve transplant. So I use oxygen daily.. I'm sorry this is long, I'm just begging for anyone's help. God Bless

D Rogers Hi Don. Praying you soon locate the dr you need to put things in better condition so you feel better ... Read more

D Rogers Hi Don. Praying you soon locate the dr you need to put things in better condition so you feel better, regain better health and enjoy activities with loved ones again. Sounds like you've had a tough go of it, Nothing like being sick and isolated from things you love to make you appreciate simply being at home and near family friends and pets. The best place ever.

Susan Lynn Don - it's good to hear from you, again! I'm sorry to read that you haven't been feeling well, but ... Read more

Susan Lynn Don - it's good to hear from you, again! I'm sorry to read that you haven't been feeling well, but don't give up hope. Keep looking for a cardiologist and dermatologist who will work with you until they resolve your issues. There's no reason you should suffer or miss out on good times with your family. It might be time to go to one of the major hospitals in NY or Philadelphia. There's a lot of life to be lived! Please keep us posted! ❤

Hello Don, this is the right venue for you to complaint and tell us what you are going through. As Su ... Read more

Hello Don, this is the right venue for you to complaint and tell us what you are going through. As Susan Lynn suggests, I would check Mt. Sinai or any other major hospital in NY or Philadelphia. I had very good care at Mt. Sinai when I lived in NYC. It’s miserable not too feel good even though you have had surgeries to help you feel better. Take one day at a time and start calling the hospitals, ask for a Primary doctor, then a Cardiologist etc., Even if you have to travel is worth it. I live three hours from Los Ángeles where I chose to have my OHS and I am glad we did the driving. Please be your own advocate and make sure you ask for what you need. I will pray for you to find a good resolution for your health issues. God bless you

Don Brownposted an update

1494 days ago

I am battling water weight from my chf for 4 years. This past 2 weeks has been a bad flare up. No ankles.to be seen. I'm thinking of a second opinion BC my ...Read more

I am battling water weight from my chf for 4 years. This past 2 weeks has been a bad flare up. No ankles.to be seen. I'm thinking of a second opinion BC my hospital has bad after care and treat Medicaid insurance different. Even though I'm am disabled and have Medicare also. Sad but true, has anyone else have these issues? What did u do?

Patsy Stewart Don, I’m truly sorry that you are struggling. It’s very discouraging when you get passed back and ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Don, I’m truly sorry that you are struggling. It’s very discouraging when you get passed back and forth from one doctor to the other and actually don’t get any help from either one. It sounds like you need to be admitted to the hospital to get that fluid off of you. It’s very dangerous, as you well know. Do you measure the water and Gatorade that you drink daily? I’ve noticed that if I don’t drink the amount of water that I’m suppose to, the water pills don’t work as well. Does the doctor ever suggest that you take a higher dose of lasix/furosemide every other day? I’m not suggesting that you do anything that your doctor hasn’t told you to. Those medications can damage your kidneys. Have you tried seeking help through your general physician? Explain that you are being tossed back and forth and that you don’t feel like you are being treated by either doctor and that you truly need help. Maybe the GP could refer you to a different cardiologist and dermatologist or even talk with them on your behalf. Whatever you do, do not give up. There is someone that can help you. Make sure you get those feet elevated above your heart and get some of that fluid out of your feet. Go to the hospital if you are struggling to breathe. I pray that you can get the help that you need.