Jennifer Allen - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2615 days ago

Rose Madura, Adam Pick, Judy Shaw and 2 others reacted to this

I was scheduled for my heart cath tomorrow morning and surgery on the 11th of June. My surgeon had me do a last minute stress test to watch the regurgitation ...Read more

I was scheduled for my heart cath tomorrow morning and surgery on the 11th of June. My surgeon had me do a last minute stress test to watch the regurgitation before and after excerise. When at rest it was mild after exercise it was moderate to severe. I have been told that I do not have classic symptoms of severe mitro valve regurgitation. My cardiologist and surgeon both agreed that it’s not time for surgery. So, new game plan. My heart cath and surgery have been canceled and we will monitor with echos every 3-6 months unless new systoms start or until I move to severe. Happy and still a little worried if this is the right decision.

Kelly Stoll Hi Jennifer. I went through almost 9 months of monitoring and testing before my doctors agreed it was ... Read more

Kelly Stoll Hi Jennifer. I went through almost 9 months of monitoring and testing before my doctors agreed it was time for surgery. It can be very trying and worrisome. Trust your gut, listen to your body, stay in touch with the doctors, get a second/third opinion if you feel its the thing to do, and try to take some deep breaths/relax. You know down the line it's coming. The question isn't if, it's when. Until then, try to embrace the good and appreciate the pre-surgery time you have been given before you get to the post-surgery recovery part. Best wishes to you and keep your chin up.

Kim Lonergan I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ryan in June. Are you planning on getting a second opinion or ... Read more

Kim Lonergan I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ryan in June. Are you planning on getting a second opinion or just continue on with monitoring your symptoms? My symptoms just started in January and I really wasn't prepared to hear I needed surgery. I'm happy for you surgery isn't in your immediate future! I'm sure it is a relief.

Jennifer Allen I completely trust Dr. Ryan so I will continue to monitor. Do you mind me asking what your symptoms ... Read more

Jennifer Allen I completely trust Dr. Ryan so I will continue to monitor. Do you mind me asking what your symptoms are?

Susan Lynn Jennifer - I also only had symptoms with exertion. One surgeon could barely hear a murmur during a c ... Read more

Susan Lynn Jennifer - I also only had symptoms with exertion. One surgeon could barely hear a murmur during a consultation when I was at rest. There are different approaches regarding timing. When my cardiologist saw my stress test echo, however, he very emphatically said, "You need surgery!" I might have been able to wait a little longer, but didn't want to incur the risks of prolonged MV regurgitation. Make the decision that's right for you. I can't tell you enough - you are your own best advocate! I would also say, another opinion may not hurt.

Chris Purvis Well that’s good news! If you trust him that’s all that matters and I highly doubt they would ste ... Read more

Chris Purvis Well that’s good news! If you trust him that’s all that matters and I highly doubt they would stear you into danger.

Rose Madura I'm glad you don't need the surgery at this time. Keep us posted.

Kim Lonergan My symptoms are palpitations, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, dizziness. The palpitations come ... Read more

Kim Lonergan My symptoms are palpitations, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, dizziness. The palpitations come and go but happen frequently. My regurgitation has been moderate for the past 2 years but has turned severe this year. Dr Ryan is concerned about a fib after the surgery so he is going to do a maze procedure.

Jean Hochevar Good Luck! I am in "the waiting phase"! Best of luck tomorrow and I ll be following your story as the ... Read more

Jean Hochevar Good Luck! I am in "the waiting phase"! Best of luck tomorrow and I ll be following your story as they sound alike. Jean

Catie B I'm glad you have this reprieve and can wait awhile till necessary for your surgery. If Dr. Ryan is t ... Read more

Catie B I'm glad you have this reprieve and can wait awhile till necessary for your surgery. If Dr. Ryan is the surgeon, he has a sterling reputation!

Jennifer Allenposted a journal

2616 days ago

Judy Shaw, Gregory Brummett, Mark Wilbur reacted to this

Tomorrow is my appt. for my heart cath. I am nervous and was wondering if anyone has any advice or what to expect afterwards.

Susan Lynn Jennifer - you have nothing to worry about. The name of the procedure sounds far worse than it is. ... Read more

Susan Lynn Jennifer - you have nothing to worry about. The name of the procedure sounds far worse than it is. The catheterization itself is about 15-20 minutes. Plus, if you get the news that your arteries are clear, you'll be running on adrenalin through your short stay in recovery. I opted not to take the sedation and was released from the hospital in just over two hours after the procedure. If you have the catheterization through your wrist, as I did, you just have to be careful with using your hand for a day or two. If you've been through childbirth, you can easily do this! You'll be just fine! We'll be here cheering you on!

Bridget Supple Hang in there. The heart cath is scary but they will do everything they can to help you relax. I reme ... Read more

Bridget Supple Hang in there. The heart cath is scary but they will do everything they can to help you relax. I remember very little about my heart cath, except that I woke up with a fabulous pressure bracelet on my wrist and couldn't get over the technology that allowed them to go in through my wrist! I also remember feeling less nervous and truly ready for my surgery once the heart cath was over. I wish you the same sort of peace and readiness. Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

John Lant It is a fairly easy test to do. You will be sedated and you will not feel any pain or discomfort at a ... Read more

John Lant It is a fairly easy test to do. You will be sedated and you will not feel any pain or discomfort at all. The Doctor went in through the artery in my wrist and it went quickly. It is a good idea to have this test done before you have open heart surgery because they found out that I have two arteries that are 70% blocked. So while my chest is open to replace my aortic valve they will do a double bypass on me also.

Marie Myers I was nervous also, but it really was an easy procedure. They gave me some Versed, which fuzzed out t ... Read more

Marie Myers I was nervous also, but it really was an easy procedure. They gave me some Versed, which fuzzed out things enough for me. I remember bits and pieces of the procedure, but no pain. Try not to worry, but that is easier said than done...You will be pleasantly surprised, I am sure.

Sophia Ridley As you will be slightly out of it, I know it will sound daft, but make sure you breathe regularly and ... Read more

Sophia Ridley As you will be slightly out of it, I know it will sound daft, but make sure you breathe regularly and not shallowly. I didnt and sats were then low and I had to have more, probably unecessary, tests on my lungs. I was v nervous about mine, but didn’t feel a thing and got very interested in what they were doing so they showed me the screen and explained all they saw (which is staggering for someone who gets queezy easily!!) Do rest up after and follow advice, mine was through the groin.

Jennifer Allen Mine is also through the groin area. They told me to rest most of tomorrow after my procedure and th ... Read more

Jennifer Allen Mine is also through the groin area. They told me to rest most of tomorrow after my procedure and then I cannot lift over 5 pounds for a week. Easier said than done when you have three kiddos home for the summer. 😁

Carolyn Newell You will sail through it!

Rose Madura Mine was through the groin and it wasn't bad at all. They gave me something and I was very relaxed. ... Read more

Rose Madura Mine was through the groin and it wasn't bad at all. They gave me something and I was very relaxed. I told my cardiologist that I loved him and when I found out my arteries were clear I told everyone in the Cath lab that it was because I eat oatmeal. Pretty comical....I did have some pain in the groin for about a week. All was well though.