Hello everyone! We woke up to 4 inches of snow in Idaho and groaned a bit, that we hadn’t gotten on the road yesterday, but our journey south was uneventful. I had no episodes on the way down, which should have been delightful but only served to increase my anxiety that the trip was all for naught. I can’t help worrying that the doctor visits and tests are complete wastes of money; that they won’t find anything, and that I should have stayed home looking for new shows on Amazon Prime.
(Pics taken from the car window on the drive down.)
We pulled in around noon, to my cute dad standing in the garage clapping. It was too funny. He was glad we made it safely through the snow (which dwindled to nothing the further south we drove) and glad to see me, and of course my niece Miss H. Awww. My parents are the cutest. We unloaded and then dad took me to the appointment with the specialist. The doctor was wonderful. He spent over an hour with us, was so thorough, and kept his staff harassing the hospital in ID. until they finally received my hospital report. He believed me, did not discount my episodes, and explained possible connections. He went over the hospital reports with us and we found out a few things we didn’t know.
Apparently three (yes, three!) of my heart valves aren’t working quite right. There is a mild regurgitation happening on the mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. He reassured us that this kind of thing can be present and not cause anyone any trouble, and you might live to be 100 years old without issue. But it could be contributing to whatever is happening. He said the PFO closure is something we could do tomorrow, but he wants to make sure it’s the right choice for me, so I’m scheduled for a few more tests.
On Monday I’ll be having another bubble echocardiogram, confirming the presence of a hole, but this time they’ll also be running an ultrasound on my brain. They want to verify not only that the ‘bubbles’ cross the hole in my heart, but actually travel all the way to my brain. If they do, it confirms my risk of a stroke and makes me a very good candidate for PFO repair.
After that we’ll be doing the test where I swallow a tiny camera on the end of a tube. It will ‘dangle’ in my esophagus near my heart (they are close neighbors, the esophagus and heart) and see if they can get a good picture of the hole itself, and try to verify its size. It does need to be 5mm or larger, I think, for PFO closure to be considered.
I only had a couple of small episodes at the doctor’s office, and was a little disappointed he couldn’t see one for himself. I of course, had a few big ones as soon as I was back at my mom’s house. Isn’t that the way it always goes? Silly body.
I suppose that’s all for now.
xo
I’m so glad this doctor is being proactive. You are in a good place, and I’m so happy that you caught this early. Since it’s a family thing, once you’re all fixed and perfect, should the kids be screened?
You are in my daily thoughts and prayers– thank you for the update. xoxoox
Thanks Stephanie. Yes, though it usually causes no problems until you’re older for some strange reason, I am thinking of having my oldest screened since he too has bad migraines and that can often be a big signal. I’d like to find out if he has a hole so we can watch it. If they’re big enough they can cause problems earlier.
Thanks so much!
It sounds like you are in good hands. Do you think he’ll want to have your valves repaired (or replaced) in addition to the PFO surgery? Or are those issues mild enough that they can be left alone?
Still praying for you.
I think if they’re mild enough they’ll just leave them alone. Here’s hoping!
Praying for you too…………….Father in Heaven is in control of your precious life so you know how much help you will be getting—– He doesn’t think in terms of money you know! : )
Thanks Liz! You’re always too lovely to me. :o)
You are worth the money. No doubt your family agrees, but your blog readers agrees too.
Ah thanks Lee.
Oh Jessica! I have been reading along on my teeny tiny phone as we were in the process of moving, and had no other internet for almost two weeks! I tried commenting when you first posted about the attacks, and I couldn’t post a comment from my phone for some reason. Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been praying for you. I am so glad you are in the process of getting some answers. We’re here cheering for you from the peanut gallery! Here’s to progress!
Did you sell your home? Congrats on moving!
Thanks so much!
I can totally “see” your dad standing in the driveway clapping. Your parents are awesome.
Your body does to you in the doctor’s office what my car does to me at the mechanic. Frustrating.
So, we’re praying the hole is big enough to warrant surgery? Y’know, I’m simply praying God’s will as you have far exceeded my knowledge on what is best for your health!
I KNOW what it feels like to have no insurance and medical attention an absolute must. Takes me back to Kenny’s hospital stay 7 years ago now. Wow. SEVEN YEARS AGO.
Can’t you just? All grinning like he does? Too, too cute.
Ha ha, so annoying! Like I WANT to be collapsing, but a nice big one would have been REALLY HANDY at the doctor’s office. Oh well.
How was that seven years ago? Heather, I seriously cannot figure out how time has passed so quickly. Thank goodness hospitals & docs will discount for cash payments and take payment plans. Otherwise? Creek, no paddle.
I’m so happy that this doctor is a good and thorough one. I’m sure that this visit alone has reduced your stress at least a little. As Lee said, you are worth every penny, and don’t you forget it. Those babies need a mommy that is whole and healthy and you deserve to live a life that doesn’t include fainting all the time!
It has, he was so great, I’m really thankful.
Thank you, I agree with the no more fainting. It’s really ridiculous.
love and prayers.
It is so good to hear they could do the surgery TOMORROW if necessary. I love that. I love that you found a good doctor.
We’ve got several inches of snow here in CO too.
Very reassuring, we just have to verify I need it. I guess the ‘episodes’ could be from something else, so I’m glad he’s being thorough and making sure first.
Praying not only for you, but for your family, too! Each and every one of them.
Glad you are getting expert medical care and lots of TLC from your family. The last picture is spectacular!
I’m so glad that you have a good doctor. I will continue to be praying for you.
Thanks everyone, I know I’m a total broken record, but I really DO appreciate all of your kind comments. xoxo