Kimberly's Journal

Had my 6 month echo on Monday and will have a video visit with my cardioligist on the 1st next week to go over the results. I am hopeful my tricuspid valve is staying the same as well as the right side of my heart not becoming dilated because of the moderate to severe regurgitation. I do know from the echo tech that my aortic anuerysm is staying same at 4.0-4.1, so that is good news :) She also said me EF is at 67, which is better than last few years! Yae!
Wishing everyone a beautiful Holiday weekend with family, friends, or just relaxing on your own and enjoying nature.
Much love, prayers and hugs to you all!

Has anyone had a cortisone injection in their knee and had a reaction like high heart rate upon standing, insomnia, irregular heartbeat? I had an injection yesterday and am not happy with the side affects to say the least. The orthopedic Dr said, when I asked about side effects and interaction with my high blood pressure meds and heart problem that there are NO side affects. Rushes me in and out and now I am so sorry I let him do it. Have contacted my cardiologist and now need to go get an EKG. My knee was swollen and xrays showed bone on bone, but I was not in any pain at all, just a little stiffness. So sorry I did that, but guess now I know no more cortisone shots for me! Also made sure to let Drs office know how I was rushed in and out and the injection side affects were not dicussed at all, as it states in my visit summary, as well as all of the other things in my visit summary that were not explained or discussed at all with me. They just write all this stuff in your visit summary and it is all lies and none of it was done or talked about at all. Just give you shots, tell you you need silicone injections to help, given a pamphlet about this stuff they want to inject and sent home.
Sorry for the long post, but I did not need this extra stuff right now, and I was doing fine with just a little swelling in my knee and no real pain. Sheesh!

Going tomorrow morning downtown Chicago, Northwestern, for an Echo stress test and see my cardiologist. Wish me luck :)
Sending good wishes and much love today to everyone!

I know it is probably not the best practice to do this and I am a little embarassed, but here it is. I have an online shop that supports my teenage son and I, and sales have been down this year, so looking for ways to boost just a little to keep us afloat. If anyone is interested in affordable gifts for family and friends, please consider my small Etsy shop and I will be forever grateful. I am putting together a coupon code for anyone who orders from this site (use code, HEARTWARRIORS and get 10% off your order)
Thank you
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticMidwestCharm

Sooooo Happy to know Ana is doing well and am excited to know about her experience whe she is home! So much Love, Hugs and Blessings to all Here, as well as those that have not found this site as yet. I always tell every Dr. I speak to about this site and ask that they please let their patients know about it, as it can be so helpful to those of us struggling.

Hello, I have been reading a lot of patient stories and it helps me to stay positive about when it is my time for surgery. I just had my yearly echo in April and my tricuspid is now almost severe and my aneurytic aortic artery has gone from 3.9 to 4.1 in the past 2 years. I also have mild regurgitation in mitral valve and slightly enlarged right side of heart because of leakage. I do feel much more winded and have difficulty doing things I did not have such difficulty doing a year ago. I have decided to schedule an apt with a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern University Hospital, Dr. Malaisrie, who Adam has interviewed several times. I want to ask him what my options will be as well as at exactly what point I will become a candidate for surgery. I have read that mortality rate with early intervention with the tricuspid valve is much better, so would like to be sure I am not waiting too long. I would really appreciate anyone who has similar diagnosis to cotact me or communicate with me, so I do not feel so alone through this. Thank you to everyone, and especially Adam Pick for making this website and this community possible.