Dont want to call my cardiologist AGAIN!

[Dina]

Hi! Im new to this site but not new to heart probs. I had a tricuspid valve
replacement (bovine)on Feb 4, 2008. This surgery was long overdue and
as a result I have mild -mod right heart failure.So even though I have had the surgery, my MD tells me that it may take some time for my rt. ventricle to heal as I was functioning without a tricuspid valve for 15 years.
So its been 2 months now and while I can walk at a fast pace, stairs are
a nightmare. I am also having these episodes of SOB,facial flushing,and a
feeling of heat that goes away within 3 minutes. I dont know if its cardio
vascular , anxiety, or menopausal as I am 42, but Im told that my face turns bright red .
Does anyone have any ideas ?

The Nervous Newbee, Dina

 

[hensylee]

welcome, Dina, to VR. you will have lots of answers before the day is over.

How is your bp? That's the only question I can bring up but the others will be here in a few and they'll have more to say. Blessins...........

 

[Dina]

My bp is normal 110/70. But I have been having paresthesia in my neck ,
shoulder, and now upper back-weird! Im on Lovenox, metoprolol , synthoid,
and when I need it lasix(& I need it).
Thanks, Dina

 

[Nancy]

Are you on any vasodilators like Imdur, Isosorbide, Nitroglycerin? They can cause skin flushing and redness on exertion.

 

[Freddie]

Sorry I can't help with any answers Dina.

I just stopped in to welcome you to the site/forum.

Someone will be along soon.

Take Care

 

[Nancy]

Forgot to add this to my post-

Why don't you want to call your cardiologist again? That's what they get paid for, to help you. They are not going to call you to ask how you are feeling

YOU have to tell THEM when you aren't feeling well.

Call as often as you feel the need to.

Some doctors have Physician's Assistants or Nurse Practitioners who can field many calls, and are usually much more personable anyway.

 

[Ross]

Dina my wife does something like you. Last time she was at a pain management specialist who was doing a cortisone injection into her back. She did a number like that and had the whole office freaking out. The Doctor told me if that happens again, get her to the ER. Again, this is simliar to your problem, but not exact.

 

[Cooker]

Dina....welcome to the zoo!! ...I too have no answers for you but I am always for calling the doctor when in doubt.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I'm curious, WHY are you on LOVENOX 2 months post-op?

I would think you should have been started on Coumadin for longer term anti-coagulation.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[WayneGM]

Unfortunately, I can't help with upir questions, Dina, but I wanted to welcome you to the VR Community. I'm sure someone will be along with insights and advice that will be helpful. Best wishes.

 

[Superbob]

Dina,

I wanted to welcome you and encourage you to call the cardio if you have concerns, questions. That's what we pay them the big bucks for.

I have no expert advice but your description of facial flushing and a temporary feeling of heat sounds like what I experienced when my doctor prescribed a cholesterol med for me with niacin in it. I doubt that is one of your meds, but some med could be causing it.

Wish I had more to offer. Anyway, welcome and take care.

 

[Dina]

Thank you for the welcome-everyone!
As for Al's question re Coumadin: I was put on this med last year when I had
my first arrhythmia(a.flutter 3 times from May'07-Nov'07)and had trouble
maintaining the target ,even when raised to 10mg/d.I also had alot of bleeding
from the gums,bruising,and extreme hair loss. All this scared me away from
coumadin. And since I had a tissue replacement 2 mos. ago, Im hoping the
risk isnt too bad. I know Lovenox can cause kidney probs and osteoporosis,
but I should be off anticoagulnts altogether very soon-I hope!- Dina

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Thank you for the welcome-everyone!
As for Al's question re Coumadin: I was put on this med last year when I had
my first arrhythmia(a.flutter 3 times from May'07-Nov'07)and had trouble
maintaining the target ,even when raised to 10mg/d.I also had alot of bleeding
from the gums,bruising,and extreme hair loss. All this scared me away from
coumadin. And since I had a tissue replacement 2 mos. ago, Im hoping the
risk isnt too bad. I know Lovenox can cause kidney probs and osteoporosis,
but I should be off anticoagulnts altogether very soon-I hope!- Dina

WOW! I've not heard of many people who develop those reactions to Coumadin. Your experience certainly gives support to the idea of Testing a Patient's Tolerance to Coumadin BEFORE Surgery, just to be sure. I've only heard of one patient whose Doctor recommended doing so.

And YES, I hope you will be able to go OFF anti-coagulation shortly (usual term for tissue valves is 3 months as I recall).

'AL'

 

[Lionheart]

WOW! I've not heard of many people who develop those reactions to Coumadin. Your experience certainly gives support to the idea of Testing a Patient's Tolerance to Coumadin BEFORE Surgery, just to be sure. I've only heard of one patient whose Doctor recommended doing so.
'AL'

Al,
I agree, but when I suggested to a surgeon that I try Coumadin prior to surgery to see if I might experience side effects- he quickly said "NO!" Wonder why?
My surgery was scheduled for months away. Can't I try before I buy?

I got a tissue valve, but I'm currently on Coumadin for hopefully temporary A-fib

John