This is my first posting to the Heart Valve forum. I'm 58 and was first diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis in 2001. At that time I was asymptomatic and it was more of a curiosity. Things have changed in 2008. Actually, now that I look back on things symptoms began to appear in 2006 but in the past few months they have sort of snowballed. In October after completing my third stress test and echocardiogram, My Doctor referred me to a Cardiologist. My symptoms now include shortness of breath following even modest exertion, sweating, palpitations, a very persistent ache on my left side and as of a couple of weeks ago shooting pain across the top of my chest. I see the Cardiologist this week and have created for him a timeline in which I have tried as best I can to document the appearance of symptoms. As well, I've prepared a list of questions to ask him. My question for you is what else should I be asking at this consultation. Here is my list.
Questions
01. What is the extent of my disease?
02. Does this have any relation to the poor coagulation if noticed recently?
03. My sleep has been disturbed during these last few weeks. Is it likely
that this is related to the stenosis or is more likely anxiety?
04. This past year I've experience repeated Infections. Is this related?
05. What is the prognosis of my condition if untreated?
06. What are the treatments you would suggest?
07. What is the time frame I need to consider?
08. With treatment what is my long term prognosis?
09. Despite the lethargy I feel should I be trying to exercise now?
10. How do I deal with the depression that seems to be accompanying the
exacerbation of my symptoms?
11. What things should I be doing?
12. What things should I avoid doing?
13. Are there symptoms about which I should be particularly concerned?
I would appreciate suggestions any of you might have. Thanks