Connect
Regurgitating Bicuspid Aortic Valve
I have been extremely symptomatic, off and on, for approx 8 years from Regurgitation and a regurtitant jet, which I am concerned is causing an aneurysm in one of the major surrounding vessels (carotid or subclavian?). I have left side weakness and extraordinary pain in my left neck, face, eye and head. I am told my ejection fraction isn't bad enough to repair the valve yet, despite being close to passing out almost every time I change positions or even squat and stand up. I believe I need further follow up tests do determine the cause of the pain, but I also understand the monetary issues this country deals with in treating patients.
My question is simply, what can I do for exercise which isn't going to cause me more, or worsen my current problems? I don't know what I should be taking as far as supplements either. I won't last until my ejection fraction reaches 50%, I'm having every symptom listed and more, and except hemoptysis. I can't exert myself much on most days and have a significant increase in pain for days after I have to exert myself much. Does anyone else in a similar position have decent enough insurance to have been told how to proceed with something like this? I was having heart attacks on the job as a paramedic and my ekg with obvious ST-elevation and stress tests showing ischemia haven't been enough to get anyone to take me seriously....which probably has more to do with my being poor and on Medi-Caid now, than anything, but some advice would be greatly appreciated.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.
Connect
Hi @srounkle,
After reading your messages, I can understand why you would be really frustrated; I would be, too.
In one of your first posts you wrote, "I want to say thank you for this support! It is amazing how much it helps, just to be believed and talked to like I’m a decent person going through a tough time..." Connect is a community of patients, like yourself, who listen and offer support and understanding and where possible, provide useful information about health issues which sometimes include insights, suggestions, and tips about navigating the health care system. We cannot, however, control or correct the faults of the health care system or the logistics of health care delivery.
That being said, we feel it's important for members to know all their options; hence the possibilities and suggestions provided by @hopeful33250 @predictable and myself. We acknowledge the complexities and obstacles that plague the country's health care system, and we are trying to help you navigate the best path around them. @srounkle, for many of our Connect members, like yourself, who are working hard to improve their health, in spite of huge challenges, hope can be an indispensable resource of support.
Are you able to schedule a follow-up appointment to ask your PCP about supplements, medication and exercise? How might we help you prepare for your next appointment to get the care you need?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI do appreciate the concern and would like to have someone to talk to about this. I know I'm more angry than I should be about this and that it isn't any one persons fault. It is the fault of everyone who votes on this issue thinking medi-cal (medi-caid) patients are all free loaders if they aren't working. This type of mindset kills a lot of good people and it needs to be changed. My comments at this point are to point out the flaws that most people ignore or blame the patients for. I have asked for second and third opinions, since I was told it needed replacing 6 years ago, while I was still able to do 72 hour shifts while having heart attacks on the job. Then targeted and fired two years late for a mistake which didn't change anything in saving a prisoners life. Lost insurance and became an anxiety patient almost immediately after they lost my records. Got a new job and new insurance, received half way decent testing before being fired for needing time to go to Stanford for this and was fired and couldn't afford those tests anymore and called an anxiety patient again, as soon as I lost my job and insurance again. Our countries health care problems will never change, of people's minds aren't changes about letting people die to save money, when they could still be productive. I know I am going to die soon because of this and I give up on wasting my time looking for help in this country. I just want people to realize what their votes mean.