Shannon's Journal

Hello my heart warriors! I’m grabbing a few moments and wanted to reach out after a very big year full of change. I honestly don’t know where to start. I celebrated 6 years since my aorta repair and aortic valve repair Feb. 22. I often think back to the long length of time I was in the hospital due to severe pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade, and so thankful to the ways this past year has shown me I am stronger than I ever imagined. My two daughters and I sold our house and moved just into the next town. Good lord, what an undertaking! I am also back to work as a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant and loving it! I was a school counselor for 10 years before children, and have decided to work on getting my teaching license. Not going to lie, becoming a single parent, working full time, grad school work has been incredibly demanding. All the while, trying to remember to take care of myself. I’m back at going to Cleveland Clinic twice a year to observe the newer aortic enlargement next to my valve. They are trying to time it to do replacement and fix the aorta at the same time… still feel uneasy knowing there’s more to be done and gone through with my heart. I’ve have made strides in not allowing it to consume me. I pop on and read your posts and it fills me with such strength and perseverance to hear your stories. Please keep sharing!

Let’s talk tattoos… at almost 48 years old, after experiencing so many challenges these past several years, I’d like to get a discreet tattoo. It would be my first. I am terrified of endocarditis. Granted, I had valance repair and not replaced, I am always anxious of the possibility of getting sick and causing damage to the heart. What has been anyone’s experience? Thank you!

Hello heart family! Although I check this blog every day, I just haven’t been at a place to post. Today is a new day and I wanted to share some updates. I am 5 1/2 years out from bicuspid valve repair and ascending aorta replacement. I have Turner Syndrome, in the family of Marfans, etc., where we’re more susceptible to aortic aneurysms. Last winter my local cardiologist wanted an updated MRI/MRA, especially since the possibility of another aneurysm could happen. Indeed, there was growth and measurements were not favorable. I went to Cleveland Clinic beginning of June and spent all day on testing and seeing my cardiologist, my surgeon, and also a new dr who works with genetic/heart anomalies. Conclusion: yes, the section of the aorta left ( right off of the valve) is enlarged, however the tubing from the graft is right above, so therefore if there was a tear/dissection… there isn’t much tissue to tear. Also, I was extremely sick after surgery, due to pericardial effusion. The scar tissue that built up around that area is extensive and like a glue, holding everything together. No surgery at this time, but have increased monitoring to every 6 months. I’ll take it! My girls and I have moved twice since June, finally settling into our new place and a new rhythm. My husband and I are still separated, and although reconciliation is what I long for, I am accepting it doesn’t look like it will happen. I was a fear monger leading up to surgery and also all these years after, so scared to do anything, always waiting for the next shoe to drop. Looking back on what I’ve been through these past 5.5 years, but mostly these past 8 months… I am overwhelmed by the amount of growth I’ve gained in “life.” Sometimes it truly takes some really hard lessons in order to see the light and beauty. God bless!

Hello heart family! Although I check this blog every day, I just haven’t been at a place to post. Today is a new day and I wanted to share some updates. I am 5 1/2 years out from bicuspid valve repair and ascending aorta replacement. I have Turner Syndrome, in the family of Marfans, etc., where we’re more susceptible to aortic aneurysms. Last winter my local cardiologist wanted an updated MRI/MRA, especially since the possibility of another aneurysm could happen. Indeed, there was growth and measurements were not favorable. I went to Cleveland Clinic beginning of June and spent all day on testing and seeing my cardiologist, my surgeon, and also a new dr who works with genetic/heart anomalies. Conclusion: yes, the section of the aorta left ( right off of the valve) is enlarged, however the tubing from the graft is right above, so therefore if there was a tear/dissection… there isn’t much tissue to tear. Also, I was extremely sick after surgery, due to pericardial effusion. The scar tissue that built up around that area is extensive and like a glue, holding everything together. No surgery at this time, but have increased monitoring to every 6 months. I’ll take it! My girls and I have moved twice since June, finally settling into our new place and a new rhythm. My husband and I are still separated, and although reconciliation is what I long for, I am accepting it doesn’t look like it will happen. I was a fear monger leading up to surgery and also all these years after, so scared to do anything, always waiting for the next shoe to drop. Looking back on what I’ve been through these past 5.5 years, but mostly these past 8 months… I am overwhelmed by the amount of growth I’ve gained in “life.” Sometimes it truly takes some really hard lessons in order to see the light and beauty. God bless!

http://2207941.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_8vtufon4/70471861?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cardiac+consult+05-11-21&utm_content=feature+cta&mkt_tok=NDM0LVBTQS02MTIAAAF8-mEmt_S-YbFdoMOiHOdhFfnn1PlkndZtVKe1FIAEw_m3OMriVRU7EcWLiR0u4urAzPQil_peTxVccZfKARL8KGCEdIx3HEZS_goK0HHkutG24_mu Very interesting information.

Disappointing news. On a whim, my local cardiologist wanted me to get an updated MRA, just to check out my aorta. I had my bicuspid valve repaired and my ascending aorta replaced due to an aneurysm in 2016. I received a call the day after my MRA and he shared that there has been growth, dilation, of the aortic root and it is concerning. I already had an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist who specializes with heart abnormalities from genetic conditions like Marfans ( I have Turner Syndrome). He is concerned and the calculation of size is elevated risk of dissection. He’s forwarding my info to Cleveland Clinic, where I had my surgery, and I am feeling like the ground has opened up and swallowed me whole. I just can’t go through this again. My husband and I have recently separated, and to think of even more “heartache”, I just can’t bring myself to think about going through this again. Truly shocked and at a loss. That ticking time bomb feeling has come back with a vengeance.

5 years ago, today. What a wild ride it’s been. So much has happened these past five years, most of which involved loss, and now separating from my husband. It has actually taken me this long to stop living in fear and waiting for the next hard thing. I See now that each struggle has led me to become stronger and braver than I ever thought I could be. So here it is, 5 years later.

I would love to have a discussion and experiences from those on Hormone Replacement Therapy. Sorry men... keep on scrolling, but would love any insight if you have any.I have a genetic disorder that basically kept my body in menapause. I started some hormone treatment at 13, and have experienced the range of offerings. I’m 47 and in need of help in many ways with increasing HRT. I am concerned because of the risk of stroke for women in HRT, due to that estrogen coagulates your blood, plus after having aortic replacement/aortic valve repair. I would love info from any woman who is on HRT and how they’re managing. Did you stop after surgery? Is it just to help with menopausal symptoms? And Adam, is this something that has been discussed/talked about before? Thanks!

I wanted to share, not to work from the pr perspective, but because I feel the need is so great, especially in the heart population...I have recently completed schooling towards integrative health coaching. I finished and am certified by Duke Integrative Medicine. I was a former counselor and have taught yoga for 15 years, and combined with my own health concerns, has led me to be forever grateful for this next step. Drs have such limited time with patients and a health coach is able to take physicians’ recommendations and work with others to help them through their health concerns. I am working privately now virtually or by telephone, under my own business of Red Thread Health LLC. My passion is heart health and awareness, and gracious knows I get it. If I can ever be of help for you and your friends and loved ones, please reach out. I am also in the process of running a virtual health coaching group for those with heart disease. Being part of this community has been a driving force in my own healing from surgery. I would be honored to help you with yours. www.redthreadhealth.com

I have a question regarding sickness and proper care... so strep throat is already running rampant at my girls’ school. If they do contract strep, and since I’m the main care giver, I’m not sure if there are steps to protect myself. Do I go ahead and get an antibiotic prescribed for myself? Thank you!

https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/valve-surgery-for-asymptomatic-aortic-regurgitation-its-time-to-update-guidelines/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cardiac+consult+04-02-19&utm_content=story3+cta&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTW1GbE16Z3dNREl3T0RNeCIsInQiOiJNdnVZN2lmd3FcL1hWeVprQmNVM3BmR1pHVkxaTzBITjhqQ0pOOHhjbmlPbXYrWllWR1p5ZkpEZldjK0gzMnczamo1Z3RPcHRHaDRVdVhNWDI5YXk2QXpGRFwvOXN3TU1CbHMyOXpiaFhXOGp5b1V2aXlNblJpRmR6MXlCZ0xiU1FQIn0%3D

An excellent article for those with bicuspid aortic valves from two leading surgeons at CC... one being my surgeon. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/bicuspid-aortic-valve-with-aneurysm-guidance-for-tailoring-surgical-strategy/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cardiac+consult+04-02-19&utm_content=story1+title&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTW1GbE16Z3dNREl3T0RNeCIsInQiOiJNdnVZN2lmd3FcL1hWeVprQmNVM3BmR1pHVkxaTzBITjhqQ0pOOHhjbmlPbXYrWllWR1p5ZkpEZldjK0gzMnczamo1Z3RPcHRHaDRVdVhNWDI5YXk2QXpGRFwvOXN3TU1CbHMyOXpiaFhXOGp5b1V2aXlNblJpRmR6MXlCZ0xiU1FQIn0%3D

Time feels as if it stays on fast forward. So much so, I was unable to writ anything on my 3 year anniversary of my aortic graft/bicuspid aortic valve repair on Feb. 22nd. I still get a good giggle in seeing how this day was deemed National Valve Disease Awareness Day, I believe on my one year anniversary. I still read this space every morning and check in on how everyone is faring. This is such a special, caring, and supportive space, and I feel so thankful for each of you and your stories. We're truly all in this together. What is life like three years out? Still up and down days, but I believe that has more to do with the emotional toll my experience brought about. I've had to grieve the life I had before surgery and continue to give myself grace with this new one. I am more aware, knowledgeable, and patient than I ever was before. That also comes with a price...my struggle continues to be the anxiety and worry of my continual "what if's?" I still experience breathing issues...like I can't get a full breath, which perpetuates the anxiety. At my annual check in at The CC, my cardiologist offered that my lungs probably took such a beating from surgery, combined with possible asthma, leading to these issues. I meditate, exc. comfortably, and notice it all goes away at night when things are calm and quiet. If I could only control that monkey mind the other hours of the day. Although professionally I was a school counselor, my love for the theatre and performing runs deep. I recently auditioned for Mama Mia at our community theatre...no, sadly I did not receive a part, but the autions were tough and certainly put my abilities to the test. I danced like I haven't for years, belted out my audition songs, and became quite the animated performer during the auditions. I kept watch over my fitbit watch looking at my heart rate...y'all, it scared me, but it also built a level of trust I had lost over my body. Sometimes I feel as if those type of experiences are exactly what I need, although it puts the fear of God in me. As always, sending out my support to all just beginning this journey. I am so thankful for each of you!

I have a question for those of you blood thinners. My dad, who has a pacemaker and is in Coumadin, is need of two procedures within a month of each other. He is supposed to go off Coumadin for both. He is worried about going off blood thinner so close to each other and the possibility of stroke. His cardiologist nurse suggested taking a baby aspirin on the days he’s off, but he’s worried nonetheless. What has been anyone’s experience with this? Thank you!

https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/how-durable-are-bioprosthetic-surgical-aortic-valves/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cardiac+consult+12-17-18&utm_content=story3+title&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTkRBeU5ERTFZVEZrTkROayIsInQiOiJwY3VNSmN3RlwvQlJNeVNFQ05TdXQ4OFNkcFh6OEphMnpwbDEzaEdYUEpqN3J2T3RNaXcwcTAxVll1c3RzcEFNbkNqWVkydFhUYlg0UjJXNXdCeGRFeFFcL1Y2USt1bEYyNEZ1NUoxdWQ4UWcrMHY0dndabVYwaEltWTJhemJRcFhyIn0%3D Thought to share.

Passing along a article explaining the differences in cardiac health, timing of surgery for aortic dilation differences, as well as other crucial elements effecting the Turner Syndrome population. TS effects 1/200,000 female births, so it is very rare. However, not a lot of information has been formulated around this rare genetic disease. TS does not define me, but it is a part of me. In case there is some other woman facing this, this is an article for you. Blessings. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/8fb9de_260c58fcee844c77ba3d921b41ee99a6.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2A-gC5go7aItapWvCkSQquBd8Di9onR_HFjCs4-E06mn7Vbg2uT_sblKc

Thought I’d check... what’s the running rate for how many ct scans anyone has had done? Everyone is different and understand they can effect each of us differently, but I am worried about the excessive amount of radiation after having 5 in less than a year. I am now needed to get another one and quite worried about it. It seems to me that Drs are now quick to request a ct scan just to protect themselves ( used as a road map before they even consult with a patient), however the well being of the patient is not considered. Would love to understand more about this.Thank you.

Life has been really hard lately... My mom passed away suddenly on April 18th. I still find I’m in shock and disbelief. She was my best friend, my anchor, my greatest cheerleader. My sweet Dad is just so Lost without her. Just two years ago she was helping me through my recovery, my guardian, and the greatest help with my two girls. A world without her has been so very hard. In the midst of this, I had been trying to see plastic surgeons regarding my atrophic scar from my pericardial window. The steroid injection created an indention and thinned the tissue away so much I can see through the thin layer of skin remaining and see what it believes to be staples or stitches... I’m not sure which. Plastic surgeons have given various scenarios... all involving surgery to redo the scar. I was sent to a thoracic surgeon locally, but I became uncomfortable since he didn’t seem familiar with my whole case issues (Turner Syndrome, connective tissue disorder) I’ve been in contact with cleveland Clinic ( where I had my surgeries) and they recc. I see a thoracic surgeon there... but it would be a two trip process... so much to face while raising two girls. They also want me to get a ct scan before the consult... I had 5 ct scans within 6 months time frame... I just don’t want to have anymore done due the effects of radiation. They are saying it’s a must, but I truly don’t want to go through another. I don’t know what other options are left. I’m feeling quite lost and discouraged. All because of steroid injections on my scar. Not exactly the most positive update, I do apologize, but I haven’t had a lot of light shining my way.

One week after my aortic graft/valve repair, I went downhill fast due to a pericardial effusion. They ended up doing a pericardial window ( straight line cut at bottom of sternum) to drain the fluid. The scar healed hypertrophic... raised and very uncomfortable. One year after my surgery, I decided to go through with steroid injections to help flatten the scar. I entrusted my dermatologist pa. She ended convincing me three rounds of the injections would be needed. By last summer, the tissue started diminishing and an indention of at least 1.5 cm width was created... and by winter I could see through the thin layer of skin and my staples on my ribs are visible and can be touched. The skin is tight/pressed up against the staples. I am beside myself... my pcp and a kind laser dermatologist both suggested plastic surgery. I honestly don’t know where to begin... I don’t have a lot of faith left after going through those injections. Has this ever happened to anyone? What did you do and how did you get through this? I’m paranoid of an infection or other issues that may come. Looking for guidance as I feel pretty defeated. Thank you!

Yesterday, also National Heart Valve Disease Awarness Day, was two years since my aortic graft and aortic valve repair. Two years... there are moments when I forget the experiences, but there are still more moments when it feels fresh, tender, and sore . I had a difficult recovery... a month in the hospital. I had just been discharged from the hospital, staying in a hotel nearby the hospital, and awaiting clearance appointment to go home. Within 48 hours I had a severe pericardial effusion and taken back to the hospital. The fluid built up around my heart so fast and furious, almost as if my heart was drowning. I don’t recall that first week back in the hospital. I didn’t even know I’d had a second surgery. I do know I was truly “delirious” and gave the head ICU nurse heck, according to my husband. I’m sure they have my picture behind their desk under” Most Wanted” patients. When I finally came to, it was just a couple of days away from my oldest daughter’s birthday. I could see in my husband’s eyes I wasn’t going anywhere for a long time, but it crushed me knowing we wouldn’t be there for my beautiful daughter. She was only turning 9 at the time. We had promised her we’d be back home in plenty of time to celebrate, So here I am, 2 years out. What is life like? My breathing continues to be a mystery, but is especially troublesome in the hot humid summers of the south. Nothing can be found as to why, but I just can’t seem to take a full breath... almost as if it caps off at a certain point. I am in constant motion with my two girls,4 and almost 11. I see my time with them completely differently and don’t take one second for granted. My depression and anxiety ebbs and flows, but it feels like a prison sentence when it hits. Trapped, fearful, hopeless. Sometimes what I went through is all I want to talk about, other times I want to box it up and forget about it. I have also found ways to share and talk with other woman with Turner Syndrome and become more active in the National Turner Syndrome Society. You see, my Turner Syndrome is the cause of my congenitalheart issues ( bicuspid and enlarged aorta) Infertility, early menopause, short stature, thyroid issues, kidney issues, the list is long. It wasn’t until 2007 when it was realized women with TS were dying of aortic disssections because the aorta ruptured at a very early size. I can’t tell you how many heartbreaking stories of these women who were treated by cardiologist who were unaware of the great risk these women were running with an enlarged aorta at only 3.9 or a 4.0. I have also learned to laugh with my husband about this whole experience. Like the story of my surgeon, Dr.Svennson, who checked on me every morning for a month total, but it wasn’t until the the end of “Hotel Cleveland Clinic” that he pulled a nurse aside after his early morning visit with me and asked about the ocean sounds playing in room ( they were sleep sounds from my phone my husband played in the room every night)... he was curious as to if all patients had that playing into their rooms... it must’ve really been something he liked, because the nurse came laughing back into my room sharing it wouldn’t surprise her if Dr.Svennson found a way to get spa sounds playing in all the rooms at night. The other was of a very happy, outgoing, very enthusiastic nurses assistant who would repeatedly say “There’s ice cream and icees in the fridge!!! Mmmm-mmmm!” EVERY TIME we saw him when I walked the halls. I was in a pitiful shape and not enthusiastic about anything at that point, but that nurse assistant would crack me up every day. Whenever my husband or I are in a glum mood, the other will repeat the phrase with wide smiles and arms and hands waving about! It still works to lighten us up! So for all of you about to begin this journey, expect the unexpected, find humor whenever you can, and be gentle and kind to yourself. Know that I hold each of you in my prayers. Many blessings!

It's been a while since I've last posted, and this is more or less a question when it comes to getting sick. I am paranoid of getting sick/ some type of infection ( upper respiratory, strep), but I have an almost 4 year ago old, who like most children catch anything and everything. Anyone with young children, how do you handle this? I literally make myself crazy when she comes down with any creepy crud. I would love any insight as to how anyone else faces this. Much love!

I wanted to share an email I received from American Heart Association yesterday. It's quite lengthy. Many blessings! Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser. To ensure proper delivery of future American Heart Association emails, Add us to your safe senders list lifeiswhyLOGO speak up_230X150 The American Heart Association and Edwards Lifesciences Foundation has embarked on a mission to elevate awareness and understanding of heart valve disease among all Americans. Each year more than 5 million people are diagnosed with valvular heart disease and this number continues to grow as the population ages. Patients with severe untreated valve disease are at increased risk for developing heart failure, stroke and even death. AHA is helping Edwards Lifesciences identify patients with Heart Valve Disease, who can serve as consultants on a research study. The purpose of the study is to learn more about Heart Valve Disease from the patient's perspective and experience. Edwards Lifesciences supports AHA's Heart Valve Education center and Heart Valve Ambassador program. Evidera, a consulting research company working for Edwards Lifesciences, is developing this study to find out what is most important to patients suffering from Heart Valve Disease (HVD). They need to talk to patients with the disease to help better design the study. If you have Heart Valve Disease and meet other criteria, you may be eligible to become a paid consultant to Evidera in exchange for your spending approximately 1.5 hours in a phone interview. STUDY OVERVIEW The purpose of the patient-centered pilot study is to better understand how features and outcomes of heart valve treatments are valued by patients with valvular heart conditions. Two to three patients will be asked to serve as patient consultants to the study. They could use your help, if you have been diagnosed or treated for heart valve disease. YOUR ROLE AS A PATIENT CONSULTANT The purpose of the patient consultant interviews will be to draw on your experiences to identify positive and negative features of treatment. You will be asked to provide the aspects of treatment that are important to you and will be presented with a variety of treatment attributes for discussion. You will also be expected to add further insight around suitable attributes. Evidera anticipates that your involvement will include participating in a 60-90 minute telephone interview. Please note that all interviews will be audio recorded, with your consent. Evidera will provide you with a short summary of the results at the end of the study, should you wish. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Evidera study team directly at tricuspid@evidera.com with your name, email address, and contact number. Donate facebook twitter instagram YouTube Forward Email To be removed from this email/newsletter list, please use the link below and follow the instructions. Remove my address from only this email/newsletter list Remove my address from all association mailings You will be removed from the email/newsletter list within 24 hours. Privacy Policy | Ethics Policy | Conflict of Interest Policy To unsubscribe via postal mail, please contact us at: American Heart Association Attn: Email Subscriptions Group 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231

Here are a few web chats from Cleveland Clinic...two which look interesting. I've enjoyed reading over the questions sent in from previous sessions. We have many exciting live online web chats scheduled for August. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to chat live with Cleveland Clinic physicians in a secure online setting. View All Chats August Online Health Chats (arranged by date): Non-Surgical Treatment of Heart Valve Disease Cleveland Clinic's Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute is one of the largest centers in the country for the diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease. Cardiovascular imaging specialists use state-of-the-art procedures to determine the type and severity of heart valve disease and plan treatment. The decision to prescribe medical treatment or proceed with surgical repair or replacement is based on the type of heart valve disease you have, the severity of damage, your age and your medical history. In this health chat, Drs. Jaber and White will discuss non-surgical treatments for heart valve disease. Date: Thursday, August 10, 2017 Time: 12:00 PM (EST) Asthma: What You Need to Know At Cleveland Clinic Asthma Center, we offer the most advanced diagnostic testing and innovative treatments for adults and children with asthma. Within Cleveland Clinic Respiratory Institute, the Asthma Center brings together physicians from allergy and immunology, pulmonary and critical care, and sports medicine (for asthma in elite athletes). For those with asthma and co-existing conditions, such as sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, vocal cord dysfunction, cataracts, glaucoma or osteoporosis, we also coordinate your care with specialists in gastroenterology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease, and speech therapy. Please join us to have your questions on asthma answered by Lamia Ibrahim, MD, and Rachel Taliercio, DO. Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 Time: 12:00 PM (EST) Aorta Disease and Marfan Syndrome At Cleveland Clinic's Aorta Center, our mission is to bring together a knowledgeable and experienced multidisciplinary team of cardiology and vascular doctors and surgeons and other experts to provide a thorough evaluation of patients using state-of-the art diagnostic testing, ongoing comprehensive care of patients with disease of the aorta, connective tissue disorder and Marfan Syndrome, genetic screening for families of patients with genetic disorders, and ongoing research and education to provide patients with high quality and innovative therapies. Please join us to have your questions on Aorta Disease and Marfan Syndrome answered by Director of Cleveland Clinic's Marfan Syndrome & Connective Tissue Disorder Clinic, Vidyasagar Kalahasti, MD, and Director of Cleveland Clinic's Aorta Center, Eric Roselli, MD. Date: Monday, August 21, 2017 Time: 12:00 PM (EST)

What have ya'll done? I'm beside myself with things going on...today I went to a new dentist to get a periodontal exam. Really Iiked the new dentist and I checked out fine with the exam, except it was found to have a tooth infection where I'd had a root canal 13 years ago. I will be going to an endodontist next week to have a redo root canal, and I'm beside myself with worry. Paranoid of endocarditis. I was told to use the 4 capsule of antibiotics before the appt next week and all should be fine. What regime has anyone else taken? Longer days of antibiotics? I'm 15 months out from surgery for anuerysm and they repaired my bicuspid valve. Any words of experience are so appreciated. Thank you!

Question my friends.... I had a sinus infection two weeks ago and was given Augmentin for 10 days, my last dose this past Monday. Starting yesterday evening, the same side felt like it had a lot pressure, and it's continued today. I just called my dr.... Of course it's the holiday weekend;) my question is, is sinus infection something to stress about immediately as to damage leading to infection of the heart. I still have my native bicuspid aortic valve, but 15 months out of surgery for my aortic aneurysm. I'm a worried beyond words. Thank you!

I have had some gastro concerns, so went to a gastro dr two weeks ago. She had a horrible cold, sneezed, blew her nose, and hacked the entire appt. sure enough, 3 days later both my youngest and I had a cold. Mine was short lived, but this week I've had sinus pressure aches and blowing my nose was quite unattractive...lovely...so sorry about that. I finally went into to see my np, and she feels it's a sinus infection and prescribed me an antibiotic. Well, I have a scheduled colonoscopy for next Fri., and I've actually heard of some yucky things happening on antibiotics after a coloconscopy. I' m so scared...petrified of something happening. I feel like to I try to get one thing resolved, but then another thing happens and creates issues of its own. I am terrified of something happening now. Literally, I feel like I'm in the middle of a whack a mole game. I try to hard to rely on my Dr.s and that they know best, but I don't have much to go on in this situation. So scared.

I have had some gastro concerns, so went to a gastro dr two weeks ago. She had a horrible cold, sneezed, blew her nose, and hacked the entire appt. sure enough, 3 days later both my youngest and I had a cold. Mine was short lived, but this week I've had sinus pressure aches and blowing my nose was quite unattractive...lovely...so sorry about that. I finally went into to see my np, and she feels it's a sinus infection and prescribed me an antibiotic. Well, I have a scheduled colonoscopy for next Fri., and I've actually heard of some yucky things happening on antibiotics after a coloconscopy. I' m so scared...petrified of something happening. I feel like to I try to get one thing resolved, but then another thing happens and creates issues of its own. I am terrified of something happening now. Literally, I feel like I'm in the middle of a whack a mole game. I try to hard to rely on my Dr.s and that they know best, but I don't have much to go on in this situation. So scared.

Question regarding colonoscopies after valve/ aneurysm surgery, with a bicuspid valve. Were there any precautions you needed to take...having to have the procedure in hospital versus office or take antibiotics ahead of time? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Hello all! I was worried my last post may have gotten lost, so I wanted to post my nutrition question. Having a bicuspid valve trpaired, I was told to avoid calcium supplements, as it may speed up the calcification process of the valve, but was wondering if anyone knew more. How about dairy or other foods that may cause this? Thank you!