← Return to Scimitar Syndrome: Anyone else have this?
DiscussionScimitar Syndrome: Anyone else have this?
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Jul 10, 2024 | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hello @lisagold70 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I appreciate your post and question about scimitar..."
Yes happily: I was diagnosed in 2015 prior to my diagnosis the only symptoms I was experiencing was shortness of breath and fatigue. I was employed as a CMA for a family practice physician who suggested I use an inhaler before my workouts. I changed employment and was employed for a cardiologist. At the time as I'd room patients I'd identify myself to there symptoms however trying not to be a hypochondriac I brushed off my symptoms. However, my workouts where becoming more difficult because my SOB and fatigue was getting worse. Soon after I started to retain a lot of fluids and gaining weight rapidly. I had a ECG and a ECHO in the office and even though my ECG showed RT heart enlargement the cardiologist wasn't to concerned. By the time I seen my own cardiologist I had another ECG, ECHO, TEE and showed nothing, it wasn't until I requested a cardiac MRI that I was properly diagnosed. Within 5 months of that diagnosis I was in heart failure and needed open heart surgery to create a baffle to allow proper flow from the RT to LT. It followed 2 other open heart surgeries due to stenosis in the baffle that was placed and numerous procedures such as right heart caths, balloon etc. Thankfully Dr. Derani at Mayo Rochester, which I had to fly to from PHX, performed my 3 and hopefully final open heart surgery in 2017!