I want to know what's next for me?
Hi, I'm Tracy and I was a still born baby that was brought back. Afterwards the doctor told my Mom that I had a heat murmur and it was probably just the opening in the atrial wall that hadn't sealed completely and not to worry. 32yrs later after giving birth naturally twice, I was working in my local ER and passed out at work. They sent me home and made me an appointment with a cardiologist. The doctor, after menu tests, told me that my mitral & tricuspid valves never fully formed and they were just open plus I had severe tachycardia. Fast forward again to now, I'm turning 60 in a couple of days and 1 of my doctors said that if I made it to 60 I would need both valves replaced so they would only have to do it once in my life. I've stopped going to doctors because of many reasons but I'm scared and I just keep thinking I've given birth, had a heat attack, died several times and I'm still here. So I guess what I really want to know is an idea of what the next year's of my life look like? Yes I have chest pains and fatigue, dizzy spells, weakness but I've learned to live with it. Anyway, Thank you for whatever you can offer.
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If you don't have your valves fixed, the prognosis isn't good. Why don't you want to fix a heart defect? That doesn't make sense to me. What if you pass out and fall and break a bone? Or you pass out driving a car?
Not going to a doctor is a terrible decision. Please think about it so that you have your best chance for a healthy life.
Things have changed many times in your life. Many of these test have changed and not so hard on a person as the old way.
Please get a check up.
If you worked the ER you know some great doctors.
You are special and your family loves you.
Cardio thoracic surgeons do amazing things these days. Having your valves replaced, while it is open heart surgery, anxiety producing, etc..., will change your life for the better. While we never know what the future holds, with successful valve replacements, you won't have to live with "chest pains and fatigue, dizzy spells, weakness" and your quality of life will greatly improve.
All my best to you!
Hi speaking for myself I would get it done its a straight forward procedure having all those symptoms chest pains and fatigue, dizzy spells, weakness. body working hard already wish the best
I can only offer my own reasoning, and I don't know all the salient factors in your life, some of which you haven't shared:
a. You're living now, and you're probably a grandma, or soon will be. That's a success by anyone's standards;
b. You've placed yourself in the hands of other physicians all your life. You're still here, but reluctant....?!?;
c. You're deteriorating. You know why you're deteriorating. What has been offered to you with which you pointedly disagree?;
6. Would you seriously look forward to a continued slow slide toward incapacity and death, or would you like to go out swinging? It's your choice;
7. Wouldn't it just suck if you awakened from the anesthetic and found your heart calm, beating in NSR, and your surgeon says you'll be good for a bit yet?
I agree with all the wisdom given above! Listen to it. Fear is a powerful emotion. Allow that fear to be turned into faith, that things can go goodly not badly! You have many more reasons to live and live well. I have had artificial heart valve 36 years. First women to have a baby with artificial heart valve and life long
Heart issue. I am 62. Trust me you want to live well. Valve surgeries are very different than the old days. Make an appointment and know things will probably better than how you imagined it. We are all pulling for you
Hello Tracy @tlynmcgee02, I am so glad you have joined Mayo Clinic Connect and found others wanting to support you being the best you can be! What you have been through has been so, so difficult and I imagine you would just like some rest from it all. You can do this!!!
Have you considered going to Mayo Clinic? I am a Mayo patient and they are helping me live the best life I can. Their compassionate care goes far beyond treating the physical diagnosis. You can explore making an appointment here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
What is the biggest thing holding you back from seeking care? On the flip side, what do you work into your days that provide a bit of joy, what do you enjoy?