I am almost 2.5 years out from my mitral valve repair. I did not have symptoms before surgery, but after I was scheduled for surgery, I had some swelling in ...Read more
I am almost 2.5 years out from my mitral valve repair. I did not have symptoms before surgery, but after I was scheduled for surgery, I had some swelling in weird places - my left forearm and my knee and lower thigh. The swelling is back, and I have noticed a slow change in my ability to handle stairs and walk up hill without feeling really tired. I had an echo that showed no significant changes so I am now preparing for a TEE next week. It's funny, but I am more concerned if they don't find something with my heart...what else could be wrong? Ugh!!
Tracy Fallu I’m sorry to hear of your newest symptoms. The “waiting” game is the hardest. One one of the ma ... Read more
Tracy Fallu I’m sorry to hear of your newest symptoms. The “waiting” game is the hardest. One one of the many things I have learned from this site is to try your best not to worry. It appears your doctors are making sure to have the needed test to help understand the current situation. Please keep us updated.
Marie Myers The TEE will tell you if it may be heart related. The weird swellings may be totally unrelated to you ... Read more
Marie Myers The TEE will tell you if it may be heart related. The weird swellings may be totally unrelated to your heart. What does your primary doc say?
Susan Lynn Lisa - I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing symptoms. Since you describe that you're tired whe ... Read more
Susan Lynn Lisa - I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing symptoms. Since you describe that you're tired when climbing stairs, you may want to request a stress test. It is possible that you still have some leaking - I understand it's very common. but since you also have swelling, your tired feeling may be the result of fluid collecting in places that may not be as noticeable. Your condition may be resolved just by getting the fluid under control. Don't expect the worst - keep focused on feeling better. If you don't feel like you're getting to a resolution, it might be time to get another opinion. All the best, Lisa.
Lisa Ferguson Thank you so much for your kind comments! I will post an update next week when I know more :) Have ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson Thank you so much for your kind comments! I will post an update next week when I know more :) Have a great long weekend!
Tracy Fallu Hi Lisa-
Wondering if you have heard anything from your TEE. I hope all is well with you.
My surgery was in May 2016 and I plan to celebrate every year! I finally have the best Cardiologist and have been visiting other heart surgery patients to ...Read more
My surgery was in May 2016 and I plan to celebrate every year! I finally have the best Cardiologist and have been visiting other heart surgery patients to encourage them to attend Cardiac Rehab and Support Group meetings. The biggest "recovery" was the mental stress of what I've been through, but I am light years ahead of where I was two years ago. So much more educated and of course having the experience behind me helps!
My health overall has been good. I have been feeling dizzy recently so I am trying to do less beta blocker to see if that helps. It's too soon to tell. I also found that a portion of my sternotomy scar has been feeling tight and bugging me because I feel it all the time. So I had a dermatologist break down the scar with an injection and it feels so much better! I guess I will need to maintain that to keep it comfortable.
I also attended another WomenHeart conference and got to meet with the California Senator's office (Dianne Feinstein) to promote heart health initiatives, especially to include women in heart research. Will post photo next!
Emily Rowley Wow 2yrs Congratulations Lisa! 🎉 I too had MVR like you, my 2nd one was 2yrs ago like you too. Do ... Read more
Emily Rowley Wow 2yrs Congratulations Lisa! 🎉 I too had MVR like you, my 2nd one was 2yrs ago like you too. Do you have an Annulus Ring & will you require a replacement one day in the long future? Sorry to hear you've been feeling dizzy, you may have low blood pressure like me 😵 I know it's not nice. It's great a Dermatologist was able to break down through your scar, I can imagine how much of a relief it would feel for you! Are those women researchers and how did they get into this area? Wishing you the very best of health Lisa 💕 Em xx
So happy to be attending the WomenHeart symposium at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in a couple of weeks (Oct. 6). I have been attending monthly support ...Read more
So happy to be attending the WomenHeart symposium at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in a couple of weeks (Oct. 6). I have been attending monthly support group meetings locally (in San Diego), with the hope I would connect in person with someone else who's been through OHS or with valve issues. No such luck yet (all heart attack survivors)! But I am now going to co-lead my group and my goal is to recruit other surgery patients.
I am so excited to be educated by some great doctors at Mayo about general heart issues and learn how to encourage others to take advantage of a local women's forum for the emotional part of our recovery.
The mental and emotional pieces are so important to a healthy recovery and it's awesome to feel such encouragement on this site - it's helped me so much over the last 18 months! If you are attending the WomenHeart symposium, please let me know :)
Rita Savelis Thanks for representing us Lisa! Especially on the very important emotional side.
Take care.
Tina Williams I am totally impressed Lisa - kudos to you! How does one find out what forums and support groups ar ... Read more
Tina Williams I am totally impressed Lisa - kudos to you! How does one find out what forums and support groups are available locally? I, for one, think I could definitely benefit from that following my surgery later this week....
Gerald Poulton Way to go Lisa. I found out about local support groups from my cardiologist and surgeons offices but ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Way to go Lisa. I found out about local support groups from my cardiologist and surgeons offices but even more so from the hospital where my surgery was performed hich was not in my home town. They only have there own rehab and support groups but they also know what is availabke in other areas as well.
Truly, I should not complain, life is good, I can do my normal activities without issues. I have learned to love swimming and I'm enjoying the pool this summer. ...Read more
Truly, I should not complain, life is good, I can do my normal activities without issues. I have learned to love swimming and I'm enjoying the pool this summer. I got to catch up with my only other friend who's had OHS and I have a new cardiologist who is wonderful. But still, I can complain! I can still feel down even though things are up. I still look at my scar and feel bummed that I "see" it everyday. My heart has been skipping beats and feeling floppy for weeks now but I wore an event monitor that showed nothing terrible. Some how, that did not make me feel better.
I suppose I just need to talk about how I feel right now and it's not easy to find someone who doesn't mind talking "hearts", medication and doctors in obnoxious detail. I love reading the amazing stories and updates from fellow heart valve surgery friends on this site. Your stories - happy and sad - are healing!
Jennifer McInerney Hi Lisa, you have my sympathy. I haven't had surgery yet but I already know that when I need another ... Read more
Jennifer McInerney Hi Lisa, you have my sympathy. I haven't had surgery yet but I already know that when I need another "heart" person, I turn to this site. Here I find knowledge, experience and yes, sometimes humour. I am really frustrated with my fatigue level, even though I have a great husband, family and friends. I am happy with my Cardiologist but I wish I didn't have to see him quite so often. I think feeling down seems part of the process for quite a few OHS folks but seems to improve with time. The scar will too, although I see that as a reminder of your courage. Hang in, it will get better!
Shannon Gray Lisa, thank you for being brave and honest. So many times we feel the need to "buck up", yet inside t ... Read more
Shannon Gray Lisa, thank you for being brave and honest. So many times we feel the need to "buck up", yet inside there are so many emotions that need to be expressed. I can relate to your thoughts, even 17 months after surgery. Thank goodness for our " heart army" on this blog. Many blessings!
Gerald Poulton I am only one week in, That is not a lot of time but it us enough to realize that there are scares, e ... Read more
Gerald Poulton I am only one week in, That is not a lot of time but it us enough to realize that there are scares, emotions and yes even depression that may take longer to heal than the breast bone, heck I thought that would be the worst but not the case. You are doing good for talking about it, not holding it inside, hold on to your belief and your resourses. 4:30 in the morning and my second time getting out of bed, the heart is definitely connected to the brain.
sending big hugs your way 😀
Rose Madura Hi Lisa, I can truly relate to ups and downs with all the complications that I have encountered. I'm ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Lisa, I can truly relate to ups and downs with all the complications that I have encountered. I'm sure your feelings are normal. Just try to continue to look at the positive things; don't worry about your scar - consider it a war wound. At least you've had your surgery and it has been successful, God Bless You!
I had surgery 4 months ago and, other than a round of pericarditis, have been physically feeling pret ... Read more
I had surgery 4 months ago and, other than a round of pericarditis, have been physically feeling pretty good. However, I too look in the mirror and that scar just brings out all the anxiety and emotions of the past and what could possibly come up in the future. Will my repair hold? I'm I experiencing symptoms that I'm not catching? I could go on for pages. I, too, am fairly young at 54 with two young adult children. I want to be healthy for many years to come like everyone else. I'm trying to say that while you may not see all this in writing very often you are far from being alone. And we are all mentally strong - and normal.
Lilly Black It's easy to tell people to stay positive, don't dwell on the negative and so forth.....but I have le ... Read more
Lilly Black It's easy to tell people to stay positive, don't dwell on the negative and so forth.....but I have learned throughout this 10 yr journey that I will have ups and downs! Most of the time, I feel like I'm doing great! but there are those days that I fear the worst. We understand you, we've been there, too, Lisa. Keep swimming, and enjoying the small wonders of life, and don't beat yourself up when you're down in the dumps is my recommendation. You've come to the right place to share your feelings, your experiences so that we can all learn from each other. Life is not all roses and lollipops, but it sure can be a heck of a lot worse. You've come a long way....we have come a long way. It was so difficult but we're all in this together. Peace and hugs!
Marie Myers I am right there with you on that roller coaster of emotions.The whole open heart journey stirs up a ... Read more
Marie Myers I am right there with you on that roller coaster of emotions.The whole open heart journey stirs up a lot of emotion, both good and bad...I agree with Lilly about not beating yourself up when you are down. Am trying to do that very thing right now... And it is not easy! We are all here when you need to vent.
Rita Savelis There is a lot to complain about and it is all valid. After trying so hard to be okay and make it thr ... Read more
Rita Savelis There is a lot to complain about and it is all valid. After trying so hard to be okay and make it through recovery, your body/mind still has a lot to recover from. Everything is suddenly different. And you have to adjust to this new reality. I still cringe when I see my pacemaker. I had depression for many months after OHS. It didn't start right away but many months after OHS. I'm sorry you have to go through this but am glad you are being honest because that is the only way to get through it. Adjustment takes time and honesty and being vocal. Talking to a therapist is a good idea. There is much too work through.
Feel free to write about all that you are feeling. It is liberating to get it all out...
Phyllis Petersen In your position, I'd be more than a bit down too. This is the place to vent! It sometimes feels that ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen In your position, I'd be more than a bit down too. This is the place to vent! It sometimes feels that family and friends are tired of listening, which is what makes a community like this so great. I truly hope that you get some real answers and encouragement soon.
Vanessa Corwin Lisa, we have all been through those ups and downs. Don't worry, this too shall pass. The body AND th ... Read more
Vanessa Corwin Lisa, we have all been through those ups and downs. Don't worry, this too shall pass. The body AND the mind both need time to heal! I am almost 5 months out (MVP repair). I do have days that I feel more tired than others but looking back I can see progress. This blog has been a great support to me throughout the process. We're all here for you...
Lisa Ferguson I am truly grateful for the kind words of encouragement about the emotional trip we share. It's so w ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson I am truly grateful for the kind words of encouragement about the emotional trip we share. It's so wonderful to hear all your comments and know that you "get it"! As awesome as family and friends are for support, hearing from folks who share this journey means so much! Thank you friends!
Tina Williams OMG! Thank you for being honest! The "waiting" for surgery has been an emotional roller coaster for ... Read more
Tina Williams OMG! Thank you for being honest! The "waiting" for surgery has been an emotional roller coaster for sure and I've heard it described as the "hardest part". I hope its true. I sometimes think I deserve an Academy Award for the acting job I've been doing for the past 5 years - pretending that I was fine and could do everything on my own once my husband left. But getting thru this, on my own scares me senseless. I don't know how much longer I can pretend everything is going to be okay:(
I finally changed cardiologists this week. It was a stressful decision because I switched to her after careful consideration, and I will still see her from ...Read more
I finally changed cardiologists this week. It was a stressful decision because I switched to her after careful consideration, and I will still see her from time to time at the medical office...and I am a worrier by habit! But I always felt worse after my visits with her.
Of course my new doctor is on vacation, so I continue to wait on more info about what left atrial enlargement means for me and why mine is so bad :(
Cathleen Weed It's hard to switch doctors but it's one of the most important relationships you'll have. I hope the ... Read more
Cathleen Weed It's hard to switch doctors but it's one of the most important relationships you'll have. I hope the new doctor is able to answer your questions. ❤️
It's really hard to be patient when doctors are out on vacation! It seems to be bad time of year to have pressing questions. This happened post surgery for ...Read more
It's really hard to be patient when doctors are out on vacation! It seems to be bad time of year to have pressing questions. This happened post surgery for me last year as well. When I got home from the hospital, all my doctors took a week or two off!!
A bit sad today since I got the results of my 1 year post surgery echo. My left atrium is severely enlarged and getting bigger since surgery. I don't feel ...Read more
A bit sad today since I got the results of my 1 year post surgery echo. My left atrium is severely enlarged and getting bigger since surgery. I don't feel any afib which is what the docs suspect, so I will start an event monitor tomorrow. They say that an enlarged atrium is not a reason for repeat surgery, although it is part of heart failure. So what do you do with that? Anyone else have left atrium enlargement and did it get better over time?
Shannon Gray I am so sorry! Not the news you'd like to hear. Prayers it can be monitored and helped so you feel we ... Read more
Shannon Gray I am so sorry! Not the news you'd like to hear. Prayers it can be monitored and helped so you feel well. Keeping you in my thoughts!
Laura Jacobs Hi Lisa, I am so sorry about the news you have just received. I hope that they will find a solution t ... Read more
Laura Jacobs Hi Lisa, I am so sorry about the news you have just received. I hope that they will find a solution to halt this progress. I will be thinking of you and hope you keep us updated. I have not had my surgery yet, so I have no experience to share with you. Best wishes to you.
Steve Farthing Sometimes sleep apnea can cause that, too.
Jeanette Davidson So sorry. No news like that can be discouraging and upsetting. Try to stay positive 💕
Phyllis Petersen How frightening! I hope they find out why this is happening and can prevent it progressing, or better ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen How frightening! I hope they find out why this is happening and can prevent it progressing, or better can reverse it.
Lisa Ferguson Thank you all for your kind notes! It can be difficult at times to stay positive, but we can make th ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson Thank you all for your kind notes! It can be difficult at times to stay positive, but we can make the choice, so I will try :)
Ashley Molyneaux Hi Lisa - I wonder if the fluttering you've felt in the past could be the afib? The good news is th ... Read more
Ashley Molyneaux Hi Lisa - I wonder if the fluttering you've felt in the past could be the afib? The good news is that if that gets fixed or managed with meds, your heart will probably shrink back down. Stay positive. :)
Reaching one year recovery was a big deal! I loved celebrating with others on this forum and have been really looking forward to making that milestone myself! ...Read more
Reaching one year recovery was a big deal! I loved celebrating with others on this forum and have been really looking forward to making that milestone myself! May 3rd was the official day, but I've been celebrating all month. I am surprised, but it really did take most of this year to feel myself again. I still think about my heart all the time, but not to worry...this past year has taught me a lot about how to turn a frown upside down :)
The strangest thing is that in a year of seeking out other OHS folks in my local community (heart groups, friends, family), I've only met one person. Oddly enough, it was my best friend from 3rd grade. We lost touch in our late 20's, got married, had children…our paths never crossed. We reconnected at Christmas and learned she's had 2 OHS, also for mitral valve, so we have lots catch up on!
I was a bit obsessed with my healing scar, so thought I would share my progress over the last year. It still itches and feels tights from time to time so I am visiting a cosmetic dermatologist to see what can be done. If anyone has any experience, I'd love to hear!
(Had some trouble posting picture of scar and text together...so I think picture is separate).
Happy to say I finally found a beta blocker I feel good taking. It's bisoprolol (Zebeta) and although it's only been a few weeks, I could tell right away this ...Read more
Happy to say I finally found a beta blocker I feel good taking. It's bisoprolol (Zebeta) and although it's only been a few weeks, I could tell right away this one worked different in a good way. It is a selective beta blocker so it targets the heart differently, but the end result has been a much lower heart rate and blood pressure. At first the numbers scared me - 52bpm and 98/68 - but I have felt ok, not lightheaded or falling over! And now the numbers are going up a bit as my body is getting used to it. I thought I would feel much more sluggish as well, but for whatever reason, that has not been the case.
Since I am taking a beta blocker specifically to extend the time before I need another surgery, it's affect on my heart rate was really important. I read so much online about these meds and how other folks have tolerated (or not). Just as many people have bad experiences as good, so I know I need to take my "research" with a grain of salt since ultimately you don't know until you try it. I am just glad to have an understanding doctor who lets me whine and complain when I need to :) Happy Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day!!
I took Metoprolol Tartrate very briefly and I have to say, that stuff made me feel like a wet dishrag ... Read more
I took Metoprolol Tartrate very briefly and I have to say, that stuff made me feel like a wet dishrag wadded up in the corner of a dirty sink. Some people swear buy it. I was only taking 25mgs twice a day and it slowed my heart down so much I literally thought it was going to kill me. My body did not like that stuff at all. We will see what the plan is for me after my surgery next week but I am hoping I won't need Beta Blockers I am not a fan AT ALL. Glad you have found a Beta that works for you. Good Luck , and God Bless
Rita Savelis I second Keith...but betablockers are a necessary evil for many. I took bisoprolol for a year after O ... Read more
Rita Savelis I second Keith...but betablockers are a necessary evil for many. I took bisoprolol for a year after OHS, and was glad to stop, despite my very rapid heartbeat.
Meds work differently on everyone so I'm happy to hear that you feel good with this one.
Take care.
It's been about 4 weeks and I am not getting used to this CCB. I changed from Metoprolol (beta blocker) to Diltiazem mainly because of how tired I was on the ...Read more
It's been about 4 weeks and I am not getting used to this CCB. I changed from Metoprolol (beta blocker) to Diltiazem mainly because of how tired I was on the beta blocker. But the Diltiazem makes my heart flutter and beat really hard. I have migraines even though this is given to people to prevent them! And although I am definitely not as tired, I am low energy if that makes sense.
Both meds keep my BP low, but my heart rate is lower on the beta blocker and I kind of like that. Since my heart rate is higher on this med (low 80's), I feel like (imagine) my heart is working too hard. The flutter is also very strange, it makes me uncomfortable but I wonder if these symptoms will go away. Not so easy to experiment with these meds! Wondering if anyone else can share their experience with BB vs. CCB?
Barbara Wood I've never taken diltiazem but do take Toprolxl- 12.5 mg/day. I took the same dose of metaprolol ( th ... Read more
Barbara Wood I've never taken diltiazem but do take Toprolxl- 12.5 mg/day. I took the same dose of metaprolol ( the generic of toprol) for awhile with a lot of fatigue, so switched to the brand name - far fewer side effects. Keeps my hr about 60.
Darlene Smith I am still on Metoprolol 6 months after OHS. I am tired, but still working full time and exercising. ... Read more
Darlene Smith I am still on Metoprolol 6 months after OHS. I am tired, but still working full time and exercising. I just let myself take naps when needed since I have no other side effects.
Phyllis Petersen You should discuss this with your cardiologist. S/he may have other solutions or ways in which to min ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen You should discuss this with your cardiologist. S/he may have other solutions or ways in which to minimize side effects.
Lisa Ferguson Thanks for the comments! My options are very limited because of the low dose I'm taking, but Darlene ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson Thanks for the comments! My options are very limited because of the low dose I'm taking, but Darlene made me think that if "tired" is my only side effect, maybe that's manageable.
I had a recent echo to check on my repaired Mitral Valve and heart function. The follow up was needed because I have known that I still have moderate regurgitation, ...Read more
I had a recent echo to check on my repaired Mitral Valve and heart function. The follow up was needed because I have known that I still have moderate regurgitation, which reappeared shortly after surgery. Although I don't have any blockage issues, my valve has an odd anatomy and made it difficult to repair. The regurge I had before is better, but not gone. The good news is that my heart is back to normal size and functioning normally. My EF rate has gone down a bit since surgery, but still in normal range.
I did try a change in medication to combat my tiredness. I went from the beta blocker Metoprolol to calcium channel blocker Diltiazem. And although it did help a lot (and now I know how tired Metoprolol makes me), Diltiazem did not lower my heart rate as well. I was feeling all my PVCs (and hard beats), and during exercise my heart rate went sky high. Not sure what I will do now, but it's all part of the journey!
I have such great appreciation for the amazing gift that we are born in an era where a heart can be fixed by gifted surgeons. The heart is an amazing, complicated, beautiful thing that keeps on going even when it's in bad shape! And I know that mine may be just fine for years and years, but even at 9 months, I feel delicate in some ways. I don't brush off skipped heart beats and shortness of breath like I did before surgery because I know so much more about what's going on in my chest and I want to take care of myself the best I can. At the same time, I know it's not as delicate as I once thought, and am not letting the "what if" of my future hold me back.
So glad to be part of this community! :)
Linda Richards Our stories sound a lot alike! What dose of Metoprolol were you taking and how tired did it make you ... Read more
Linda Richards Our stories sound a lot alike! What dose of Metoprolol were you taking and how tired did it make you? I'm taking 25MG slow release ... some times I feel tired but I don't always sleep well. My surgery was minimal invasive and will be one year on March 3rd.
Lisa Ferguson I am taking the same dose...25 MG. 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night. I am the same, I don't alw ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson I am taking the same dose...25 MG. 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night. I am the same, I don't always sleep well on it even though I am tired! It's really a sort of heaviness feeling. I feel almost tired enough to take a nap - even in the morning - but I can function and do what I need to. Even exercise takes a bit more effort, but it really does keep my heart rate down!
How exciting you are getting close to a year! I am already planning my celebration for May. Hope you are planning something good!
Linda Richards Before surgery my leak was a 4, after repair a 2. I meet with my cardiologist end of Feb. But after ... Read more
Linda Richards Before surgery my leak was a 4, after repair a 2. I meet with my cardiologist end of Feb. But after the Echo a few months ago he said it will have to be monitored. I will get more details when I see him.
What is your resting heart rate? My is around 67-71 but during exercise it sometimes goes as high as 170. We're the same age so I'm trying to compare to see if this is normal. But I know everyone is different.
No special plans. But its amazing how fast a year goes by. I almost forgot how horrible the pain was and sleeping on my back for 2 months. I will never forget my first sneeze!!
Rita Savelis Betablockers made me tired and lethargic and energy-less. It was a relief to stop (after a year) but ... Read more
Rita Savelis Betablockers made me tired and lethargic and energy-less. It was a relief to stop (after a year) but it did make my heart beat faster. It's true that other meds won't lower your heart rate, but still help prevent strokes. I'm learning to live with a faster heart (common "side effect" of OHS)...
Take care.
Linda Richards Do some people take Betablockers for the rest of their lives? I'm 53 and healthy except for MVP.
Lisa Ferguson Hi Linda - so interesting...I share the very same concern! My resting rate is on average 75, in the ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson Hi Linda - so interesting...I share the very same concern! My resting rate is on average 75, in the high 60's at bedtime. During exercise mine goes up to 130 (140 if I push it) while on beta blockers, but it recovers quickly. On CCB it goes up to 158-160 really easily and stays high much longer. That is what makes me nervous, it doesn't feel good and I worry because it goes high with little effort. I've not seen 170 which seems high, and I can say that the folks monitoring me at my Cardio rehab told me to slow it down when I hit 140 so I do.
My doctor mentioned that beta blockers are better at recovering a fast heart rate, but I don't know how important that is in a patient with moderate leaking. I think I might ask my surgeon.
And yes...I don't think any OHS patient will forget that first sneeze! There was no way to be prepared for that! :)
Lisa Ferguson Hi Rita - you are the first person I've heard say your heart just runs faster now. That makes me fee ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson Hi Rita - you are the first person I've heard say your heart just runs faster now. That makes me feel better! I am so grateful for this forum!!
Rita Savelis Yes, Lisa, my cardiologist said that's how it is. If I am"okay" with my heart beating faster (and don ... Read more
Rita Savelis Yes, Lisa, my cardiologist said that's how it is. If I am"okay" with my heart beating faster (and don't want to take betablockers) that's okay, and "safe" for me.
Hearts do have a reaction to OHS and all that they've been through and the physiological changes they now live with. Beating faster is common.
Acceptance of it is harder.
While it feels like a huge milestone to think I've recovered from my Mitral Valve Repair for 6 months, reality is I am reminded everyday that I am not done ...Read more
While it feels like a huge milestone to think I've recovered from my Mitral Valve Repair for 6 months, reality is I am reminded everyday that I am not done recovering. For some reason, I am just now starting to be very tired and it seems like I can feel the heart clip on my left side.
My blood pressure is low (100/69), and maybe that is part of being tired. i know all the heart meds I'm on make you tired as well, but weird that it's just starting to bother me now.
I am very grateful for all I've learned on this journey, and so glad to share in the journey with so many cool people! So great to have a place to swap stories!
Phyllis Petersen Make sure to let your doctor know that things have changed. I hope it's just a blip and you'll soon h ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Make sure to let your doctor know that things have changed. I hope it's just a blip and you'll soon have energy to spare.
Corey Sines Lisa, What Heart med's are you on? Many can make you feel tired and slow. But take Phyllis's advice ... Read more
Corey Sines Lisa, What Heart med's are you on? Many can make you feel tired and slow. But take Phyllis's advice and let your Cardiologist know as well and make sure all heart valve wise is fine.
Lisa Ferguson Thank you for your suggestions! I will contact my Dr, I don't have a follow up for another month, b ... Read more
Lisa Ferguson Thank you for your suggestions! I will contact my Dr, I don't have a follow up for another month, but it's for an Echo test. That's at my request since after surgery they check your valve once, but then not again for a whole year! I asked for a 6 month follow up.
Wondering if you have heard anything from your TEE. I hope all is well with you.