Even though many medical concerns hit me hard, I feel I am lucky that all my medical problems are now up to the surface now. Should I not have done the angiogram, ...Read more
Even though many medical concerns hit me hard, I feel I am lucky that all my medical problems are now up to the surface now. Should I not have done the angiogram, I would not have known that I have aneurysm. Then, it would be harder for me to handle. Thank God for giving me this alarm. The same goes with the huge liver cyst. I am taking it seriously now.
While reading my angiogram report in the car, my eyes were fixed on - Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm measuring 4.2 cm. I went home immediately checked ...Read more
While reading my angiogram report in the car, my eyes were fixed on - Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm measuring 4.2 cm. I went home immediately checked it out on the internet. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm could rupture and it would be life threatening. If ruptured, the mortality rate is about 50%. Most aneurysm grows about 1 cm a year for adults around age 60.
The problem is that I do not know who should I go for help. I have no clue, my gastroenterologist? my cardiologist? or someone else?
I called my family doctor. She answered patently and told me that I should be seen by a vascular surgeon. She will apply for the approval for me. We did this by phone. I am glad that I did not need to go to the doctor’s office.
The MRI took about 45 minutes. I fell asleep in the big \"donut hole.\" During the MRI Sherrie from USC called and left a message on my cell phone telling me ...Read more
The MRI took about 45 minutes. I fell asleep in the big \"donut hole.\" During the MRI Sherrie from USC called and left a message on my cell phone telling me that the heart surgeon had to take care of an emergency; therefore my appointment needs to be rescheduled to next Wednesday.
I know that there are things that I have no control over them. But I kind of want to get over with it soon and want to use my sick leaves wisely. At least I got my MRI done for the afternoon that I took off from work. I decided to better use the time by picking up all medical reports from my family doctor’s office.
I want to read and understand the reports to at least the level that I could better communicate with the medical professions. I want to at least avoid the \"your liver cyst is now 17cm\" kind of shock.
I picked up two test reports from the doctor’s office. The echocardiogram report confirmed the two previous cardiologist\'s findings: I have mild mitral valve prolapse and moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation. I also have mild tricuspid regurgitation and dilated atrium. By searching on the internet and reading Adam’s book I felt I know enough about the mitral valve. But I have not done enough study on the tricuspid regurgitation nor the dilated atrium. From what I read, the dilated atrium and the tricuspid regurgitation are both related or are the result of the mitral valve regurgitation. The report also says that my ventricle ejection fraction is 55-60%, which is one of the indications for surgery.
The anticipation of the outcomes of my first meeting with the heart surgeon always makes nervous. I am trying to imagine what he would say. Wait longer? Or do the surgery now? I want to get over with it soon but for some reason either way it makes me nervous. Another week of waiting in the uncertainty would add to my anxiety. I know a lot of you had gone through this. Can someone share your experience?
The incidental finding during my echocardiogram is a huge liver cysts. I knew I had multiple liver cysts. One of them was 11x8 cm. In 2002 I discussed this ...Read more
The incidental finding during my echocardiogram is a huge liver cysts. I knew I had multiple liver cysts. One of them was 11x8 cm. In 2002 I discussed this with my doctor. He said it was benign and lots of people have them. Don’t worry. I never really took them seriously. January this year, my cardiologist told me that I have a large liver cyst measuring 14x13. Since I was focused on my heart situation; I said I knew I had them I would check them out.
I went back to my family doctor. She immediately obtained an HMO insurance approval for me. The approval was automatic, it was new to me. When I met the gastroenterologist, he asked me why I was here. I said I had a large 14x13 liver cyst. He said, while reading my medical report, it is 17CM now. I was shocked. He listened to my heart and touched my abdomen and said, it probably is benign but because the size is huge, it may rupture. You need to do a MRI. Let\'s go from there.
I am so glad that I had two guests, Melany, NC and Cheryl, Ontario left encouraging words for me. Thank you both! What you told me are very helpful. I am getting ...Read more
I am so glad that I had two guests, Melany, NC and Cheryl, Ontario left encouraging words for me. Thank you both! What you told me are very helpful. I am getting nervous waiting. I would like to have someone to talk to.
In early January 2010 I began to experience fatigue, slight shortness of breath and intermittent bouts of irregular heartbeats. Recently, the symptoms seemed ...Read more
In early January 2010 I began to experience fatigue, slight shortness of breath and intermittent bouts of irregular heartbeats. Recently, the symptoms seemed stronger each day.
I was diagnosed mitral valve prolapse and moderate to severe regurgitation after some echocardiograms in January, February and March 2010.
My Cardiologist Dr. Rao did Cath in early March 2010. I was referred to Dr. Starnes for consultation. The appointment with Dr. Starnes is tomorrow. Sherrie will let me know the exact time. I have been nervous. All your help and supports are appreciated