1. < Heart & Blood Health

Right-facing aorta with Kommerellis diverticulum

Posted by Jackie Bell @jbell22, May 28, 2016

I have had one heart surgery through the back because my left subclavian artery is embedded in my spine and eroding it - they could not remove it. The Kommerelis Diverticulum was cut which gave some relief to my trachea and esophagus. My right-facing aorta is still compressing my trachia at a very high spot in my chest. Also, a nerve was clipped during surgery which paralized my left vocal chord. I need both throat surgery and likely a second heart surgery - is there anyone facing any of these difficulties?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 1, 2016
In reply to @ggopher "I had my laryngoplasty 3 years ago last week by an ENT in Houston. She used..." + (show)
@ggopher

I had my laryngoplasty 3 years ago last week by an ENT in Houston. She used basically medical grade Goretex. I was checked by an ENT in my retirement home town a couple months ago and there was no mention of atrophy, just shifting of the other cord. I also completed a month of LSLV speech therapy a few weeks ago and there was no problem with function noted. My PD is also relatively minor at this time and pretty well controlled by 3 Sinemet daily.<br><br>Steve

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Just as an FYI @hopeful33250, there are a couple of Parkinson's related conversations happening here:
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-would-like-to-introduce-myself-my-name-is-chris-and-i/
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-does-anybody-have-good-results-taking-azilect-as-a-mono-therapy/

@ggopher is also chatting on these threads as well. Love the exchange you guys are having.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 2, 2016

Hi Steve:  Yes, we do learn form each other and that is the great thing about Mayo Connect.  My Sinemet dosage is the same as yours, 25/100.  The Stalevo dosage is 12.5/50/200.  (It is the smallest dosage of Stalevo available).  It has carbidopa/levodopa (in smaller amounts and an added medicine called entacapone of 200 mg.  The entacapone is what makes the other two ingredients last longer.  You can also take the entacapone as a separate pill, however, it is a very large, uncoated tab that most people with PD find difficult to swallow.  The Stalevo is an easy to swallow, coated tablet.  If you make the switch, I would be interested in knowing how it works for you.  I'm involved in a lot of PD exercise classes.  I hope that you are as well.  Exercise is the one thing that can prevent further disability.  It tends to be good for the brain as well as the body.  Best wishes!Teresa <br><br>

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2 replies
ggopher | @ggopher | Jun 2, 2016
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hi Steve:  Yes, we do learn form each other and that is the great thing about..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hi Steve:  Yes, we do learn form each other and that is the great thing about Mayo Connect.  My Sinemet dosage is the same as yours, 25/100.  The Stalevo dosage is 12.5/50/200.  (It is the smallest dosage of Stalevo available).  It has carbidopa/levodopa (in smaller amounts and an added medicine called entacapone of 200 mg.  The entacapone is what makes the other two ingredients last longer.  You can also take the entacapone as a separate pill, however, it is a very large, uncoated tab that most people with PD find difficult to swallow.  The Stalevo is an easy to swallow, coated tablet.  If you make the switch, I would be interested in knowing how it works for you.  I'm involved in a lot of PD exercise classes.  I hope that you are as well.  Exercise is the one thing that can prevent further disability.  It tends to be good for the brain as well as the body.  Best wishes!Teresa <br><br>

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Hi Theresa,<br><br>Good info, thanks. <br><br>I generally do 2 miles on the treadmill then 30 reps on a dozen machines 3 days week for my osteoporosis and we do some simple exercises at the monthly PD group so they can keep an eye on us. I may up that a little when the new fitness center is completed a block away in a few weeks.<br><br>Steve

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 2, 2016
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hi Steve:  Yes, we do learn form each other and that is the great thing about..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hi Steve:  Yes, we do learn form each other and that is the great thing about Mayo Connect.  My Sinemet dosage is the same as yours, 25/100.  The Stalevo dosage is 12.5/50/200.  (It is the smallest dosage of Stalevo available).  It has carbidopa/levodopa (in smaller amounts and an added medicine called entacapone of 200 mg.  The entacapone is what makes the other two ingredients last longer.  You can also take the entacapone as a separate pill, however, it is a very large, uncoated tab that most people with PD find difficult to swallow.  The Stalevo is an easy to swallow, coated tablet.  If you make the switch, I would be interested in knowing how it works for you.  I'm involved in a lot of PD exercise classes.  I hope that you are as well.  Exercise is the one thing that can prevent further disability.  It tends to be good for the brain as well as the body.  Best wishes!Teresa <br><br>

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Hi Steve:  I'm most impressed with your exercise routine.  I have a PD dance class once a week in my area, it is chair exercises done to music. It is great for range of motion, etc. and all the folks in the group have a good time as well.    Then once a week a PT who specializes in working with PD folks does a free exercise class for PD patients. Both classes have basically the same group of folks so we have a great time together and offer each other support along the way.  I try to do the treadmill as well as walk in a pool, so it all works well for me.  <br>Best wishes,<br>Teresa <br><br>

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