Kathryn's Posts

Wow Kathryn, so even though your valve is not too narrow and your ejection fraction is good, will the ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy, although mild,be a consideration for surgery? My cardiologist tells me that when that starts, I will then be ready for surgery. But my valve is pretty narrow, so I am wondering what the doctor has suggested for you.

Thank you this is why I posted. To see if I should be seeking Cleveland clinic soon. I don't see my cardiologist for 6 months. I am noticing more sluggishness? I have a new problem with my left broccoli tightening and needing more inhaler treatment. This is new for me as well. I can't help but think it's all connected. I am changing my eating habits, and watching my blood pressure close but I don't want the docs to wait to long me be in worse trouble.

Kathryn, I don't think it would hurt to get another opinion. I understand the frustration of getting unclear answers from doctors. And the confusion surrounding such. As my aortic valve continues to get more narrow and I continue to be told it's not time for surgery, it was quite confusing as to WHEN will it be. No matter what I tried to find out, I was told it's time when my heart starts to show signs of trouble or if I show symptoms determined to be from the aortic stenosis. Well, I have asthma, I get short of breath. I have thyroid and liver disease and I'm a survivor of Ovarian Cancer so I suffer from fatigue, brain fog, palpitations, afib and at times, lightheadedness. So how does one know if these symptoms are or are not from the aortic stenosis? So I ask what then are we waiting to see before I will need surgery. I passed my nuclear stress test with flying colors so therefore my heart is fine? But my A.S. is moderate severe at 0.08 cm. I left my job because it was too much to keep up with. I'm 53 and out of work and I continue to spin in circles for a remedy. Some of what they told me was if my left ventricle starts to enlarge, then that would be a sign that surgery would be necessary. If the left ventricle pressure increases, then THAT would be a reason. Fainting could be another indication. So your test results with left ventricular issues baffle me. Have you seen the video of Adam's most recent webinar? It covers the timing of surgery and how to know when it's time. If not, why don't you give it a look and then see if either your current doctor or another doctor can advise you with a little more information as to why waiting another 6 months to follow up is suggested. It may be fine but perhaps doctors need to understand that patients need to know the reason why it would be fine to wait to do nothing now and just follow up in 6 months. I've been dancing this dance since 2011 until finally I'm told my hear function is fine so that's why we wait. But it would have been nice to know that 3 years ago. They give so little information. If they would just explain it a little, we might feel better. Otherwise, we exhaust ourselves running from place to place trying to find answers and quite honestly, I think 50% of my fatigue and brain fog comes from the constant battle of just trying to get answers in the little more than 3.25 minutes of their time that they give and the stress and anxiety it all creates. Good luck Kathryn. Let us know how you make out. I'll keep you in my thoughts.