Husband's cardio visit

[catwoman]

My husband, John, saw my (now "our") cardiologist today, after an echo & CT scan.
For the time being, we're in a holding pattern.

The echo found he has MVP with mild to moderately severe mitral regurgitation. Aortic root was 3.9 (mildly abnormal), left atrium 4.5 (mildly abnormal), left ventricle (diastolic) 5.8 (mildly abnormal). EF was 75%.
CT scan found no evidence of aortic dissection or aneurysm.

The cardio tends to think the mitral valve problem is due to the head-on car crash he was in last December. The airbag deployed, fracturing his sternum -- and possibly the valve.

He is to get a repeat echo in 3 months & a nuclear stress test about the same time.

The cardio did talk about surgery. (As if I didn't know this) Said that doctors prefer to get a patient to surgery earlier than in the past, to try to get a repair done rather than replacement. But it's not a consideration at this point. (Whew!)

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Marsha,
Thanks for the update.
Glad to hear everything is OK for now.
Keep us posted.
I will keep you and John in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[aussiemember]

Hi Marsha -

Glad the news is good and that there is no need for surgery yet.

 

[Mary]

I'm glad he was able to dodge the bullet for now, Marsha.

 

[marky]

praying that the 'holding' pattern last a good long time!!

Glad that you both have answers now.

 

[Phyllis]

Good news, Marsha. I hope things stay stable for a long time!

 

[PJmomrunner]

So, basically, he got a "not so bad" from a doctor who acknowledges that it's not good to get too bad. Pretty good.

 

[catwoman]

The cardio is interested in determining if John is truly in a "holding" pattern, since he's never had an echo prior to last month.
Thus, the repeat in 3 months. That will show if this is progressive or truly in a holding pattern.

He was surprised that MVP would suddenly pop up at age 60 in a person who goes to a family physician several times a year. The PCP is the same one who diagnosed my MVP in early 1990. He & the cardiologist are good friends -- or perhaps the cardio is a patient, since I've seen him in the back halls during at least one appointment.

He was also interested in the reason for John's dad's MV replacement in 1979, whether it was due to stenosis or MVP. John doesn't know; his dad died in 1994, so that cardiologist probably no longer has records. (I will call just in case.)
The cardiologist mentioned Marfan syndrome (John's dad was quite tall, long arms & fingers, did have to have the aorta replaced). John does not have typical characteristics of Marfan.

 

[CathyK.]

Do call his Dad's Doctor. When I worked in a Dr.'s office we kept files for patients that had passed away for years! Good Luck and I hope we stay "holding"!!!

 

[catwoman]

Cathy:

Thanks for the tip. I've left a message at the cardiologist's office.

 

[Katlee]

Marsha,
I'm glad everything seems to be stable for right now. Thats good that
you both have the same card.