Met my new cardiologist today, Dr. Darryl Dias (that's pronouced Die-as because he's not a Latino but from India with a lovely accent and huge dark eyes). He said, yes, I have leakages in the mitral valve, the aortic valve and the tricuspid valve BUT on the scale of
Mild
Moderate
Severe
my leakages are in the mild category - not even moderate!!! And here I was thinking I would have to have transplants and replacements and all that before I hit 55 (due to the alarmist attitude of my previous cardiologist, I think).
So - Really Good News!
Somewhat Bad News - have to have another blood work up for cholesterol (and I haven't been eating healthy since...um...let's see...Halloween??). I also have to have a stress test that involves injecting me with radio isotopes - a test that can take 3 hours. And then a "routine echocardiogram" that I can do the same day which takes another hour. The stressful part of the test will be no coffee (not even decaf) or any drinks but water 24 hours prior to the test - which means nothing the previous day; and then nothing to eat or drink (but water) 4 hours prior to the test. Don't you just hate those rules? Do they think you are going to perform well when you normally get up and have a coffee and some oatmeal or cereal and instead you get nothing - and have nothing for the 4 hours of the test? Maybe that's part of the stress?
Oh, well, the past two days have been busy enough that I haven't done anything creative to post - maybe tomorrow will be better.
Mild
Moderate
Severe
my leakages are in the mild category - not even moderate!!! And here I was thinking I would have to have transplants and replacements and all that before I hit 55 (due to the alarmist attitude of my previous cardiologist, I think).
So - Really Good News!
Somewhat Bad News - have to have another blood work up for cholesterol (and I haven't been eating healthy since...um...let's see...Halloween??). I also have to have a stress test that involves injecting me with radio isotopes - a test that can take 3 hours. And then a "routine echocardiogram" that I can do the same day which takes another hour. The stressful part of the test will be no coffee (not even decaf) or any drinks but water 24 hours prior to the test - which means nothing the previous day; and then nothing to eat or drink (but water) 4 hours prior to the test. Don't you just hate those rules? Do they think you are going to perform well when you normally get up and have a coffee and some oatmeal or cereal and instead you get nothing - and have nothing for the 4 hours of the test? Maybe that's part of the stress?
Oh, well, the past two days have been busy enough that I haven't done anything creative to post - maybe tomorrow will be better.
19 comments:
brother, that's a lot of starving to take a test! I hope it goes well and before you know it it will be over. thanks for your kind words.
Gee Rhonda, you are certainly going through a battery of tests there.....I'd be eating everything I love right up until the minute before I start fasting. But, that's just ME. Keeping good thoughts for you.
Rhonda, good news regarding your leaky valves. The rest is going to be a walk in the park. Focus on your figure drawings and the time will fly by. Love the figure arching back braced on the column....EXCELLENT!
That is great good news and the bad news is temporary!
We all have to stay on top of this stuff. You gotta hate it but you gotta love it. Congratulations on the really good news--that and a human doctor! Wm
Celebrate the good news. I hate those fasting tests, too. As soon as I'm told not to eat, I think of nothing but food.
I am glad your news was basically good. You will be in my thoughts and I am sending many wishes for good health!
What a wild goose chase for the last few years! Your heart is good!!! In more ways than one:-) Good luck with the tests.
Now, don't get stressed about posting, we will wait! Just take care of yourself and get it done. Luckily your heart is in better shape than you thought, and a little starving.....you can do that Rhonda!! :-)) Big hug.
Thanks, everyone, for your comments - I know I have a strong bunch of artists and friends behind me :) It's not the fasting that has me stressed - it's the 8 AM on the treadmill (I have to be awake and moving around a while before I can do anything without my heart racing so will need to get up at 6 AM, I guess) - and the no coffee when I get up (a ritual that I have and love even if it's decaf. So, boo-hoo, I'll suffer through - and hopefully, get good news :) Thanks again, all of you who posted about this! Some of your comments made me laugh about eating everything from now until fasting time (Carol), and thinking of nothing but food whenever told to fast (Hallie) :) Sitting here with my coffee, reading posts and will get back to painting today!
Good heavens Rhonda.... what a story for a leaky valve!! ;)
Honestly though, I'm sure you are in good hands and that the outcome will be just the way you want it. Hang in there with the fast..... it'll be over before you know it. Sending lots of hugs your way for a good result on the tests!
Thanks, Debbie. I actually feel better about the prognosis than I have in a while - my previous cardiologist had me thinking I was going to have to have a transplant of the valves any day - now, I think I may have plenty of time (or not need it at all if they don't get significantly worse).
Doctor Dias will "die ass!" the disease, I hope so much.
Yes, if you can live through the tests, the rest is easy! You will do just fine... I lived with mild to moderate leakage for over 45 years...here is my story. I had a leaky tricuspid valve and a murmur since age 5. The kick in the chest by a horse at age 20 really didn't help much either :) I all had to do is have a yearly echo. In 2003 the tricuspid valve tore and I had mega palpitations. We were living in western NY at the time and my cardiologist insisted I go to the Cleveland Clinic, as a leaky tricuspid valve is not your average bear..... I had surgery - Good news..... no replacement valve needed but I do have a 'Cosgrove' ring with a warranty card! Dr. Cosgrove did the surgery. I only take an 80 mil. asprin a day. If you want a second opinion .... Go to the CC :)
Irina, I'm sure he'll take good care of me :)
Pam, that sounds scary so I'm glad it was a successful surgery with a "life-time" warranty! Cleveland is where Robin Williams had his valve replaced, too.
permission to celebrate with a bacon cheeseburger and large fries
Nick, sounds good!!
glad you've had goods news back rhonda .. all the best with the next test
Thanks, Jane. I'm sure everything will be good.
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