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[rgmcguire]

Hello everyone. For the past 25 years I've had heart palpitations, dizzy spells and feeling tired most of the time. Every doctor I had seen told me that nothing was wrong. Two months when I was seeing a new doctor for my annual checkup he noticed I had a slow heartbeat. So he sent me to a cardiologist who in turn told me that I had a leaking mitral valve. Since then I've had a stress test, ultra sound and just two days ago I was in for a TEE and a coronary angiogram. I have another appt with him next week. So my question is are all of these tests a pre cursor to surgery? Just wondering if anyone can help me. Thankyou.

 

[geebee]

Welcome to VR.com.

Yes, these tests are most likely a pre-cursor to surgery. They are all done to determin just how bad your valve is. Since you seem to be very symptomatic, I would expect there is a good chance they will suggest surgery.

Trust me - assuming your symptoms are valve related (and they most likely are) you will feel so much better after surgery.

Please let us know how your next appointment goes and how we can help.

 

[Adrienne]

I hate to tell you this, but the tests you mention are done when surgery is being considered. Do you know the results of the tests? Do you know how much your mitral valve is leaking?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I would not go so far as to say that the tests are a precursor to surgery.

Rather, I would say they are indicative of an attempt to fully understand the condition of your heart, whether it is responsible for your symptoms, and then the determine a treatment plan (which may include surgery...or not).

It all depends on what they find.

You will also want to know that IF your symptoms are due to a bad valve, that you will feel MUCH better and more energetic than you have in a LONG TIME if you get the valve replaced.

Last but not least, is the fact that First Time Valve Surgery in patients under age 60 is 98% successful.

NOT replacing a defective valve is a BAD idea.
Bad Valves NEVER get better, only worse,
and ultimately lead to one's demise if not replaced.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Philip B]

Surgery?

Surgery?

I agree with what the other folks who've responded to you thread post have said. Given your description of symptoms and the tests you've been doing, I'd be surprized if you're not on a track for surgery.

If surgery is where you're headed, you'll probably feel better when the valve problem is corrected.

-Philip

 

[Marguerite53]

Hello RC! And welcome to our wonderful community!!

Whether or not you are headed for surgery, please know that all of us here (and there are a lot of us!!) have been through so much of what you are going through and we are here to support you in any way we can.

It would be useful for you to get copies of all of your reports. You simply need to ask for copies of them. By law, they have to give them to you so don't let them balk! When you see them the numbers will be hard to understand. We can help you to understand them. Then you will be able to ask yourself, your doctors, and us, more specific questions.

We are glad you have joined us. Please take care and we will look forward to hearing more information from you.

Marguerite

 

[rgmcguire]

Thankyou for all of your replies, I really appreciate it. My next appointment is on Tuesday 6/5/07. I'll have more info to share with you. Things seem to be moving rather fast so maybe the surgery will happen sooner than I think. It will be nice to feel good again and not feel my heart jump around anymore.......Bob.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR community. Glad you found us. If surgery is in the cards, you'll find lots of information, insights, and support here. Good luck.

 

[Susan BAV]

Welcome to the site; glad you found it. One other thing I would suggest that you might find beneficial is that you get copies of all of your tests and/or results, and keep them in a personal medical file so you will have them if you or any doctor may need them for comparisons, etc. Take care and post again.

 

[Cooker]

Welcome to VR.com

Welcome to VR.com

Welcome to vr.com. This is a wonderful place to get information and support. I don't have any answers for you, I just wanted to say welcome.

Cooker

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome to the site. I agree with Al that the test results will tell the story. Best wishes for your appt. on the 5th and be sure to get back to us and let us know the prognosis.

 

[rgmcguire]

Doctors Appt

Doctors Appt

Thankyou to everyone who has responded. I will let you know for sure how things go after I see my cardiologist. Have a great day.

Bob