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I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - GeneL - 05-25-2017
I have been struggling since December, when I had two back to back angioplasties. This was made more difficult because I have only one working kidney and the dye used for the angioplasties has a bad effect on its condition.
Now, it's become more and more difficult to breathe and I become exhausted at the slightest exertion. I thought that this was caused by problems with my lungs, but after both a pulmonary function test and another two hour test of both my lungs and my heart, the specialists said my lungs were surprisingly good, since I've had both COPD and asthma due to years of second hand smoke from my chain smoking father. It was clear that my breathing problems were due to my heart.
My cardiologist, a highly thought of specialist, has told me that there's nothing more he can do and suggested getting a second opinion.
On Monday, I was in to see my primary care doctor, who put it to me in more blunt language. He said that my heart is dying.
I know that, for years, I have seen what a wide range of knowledge my forum friends have displayed, so I figured it was worth mentioning in the small chance that someone might have a useful thought for me.
At this point, I'm not optimistic, in fact I am down right depressed.
One thing my primary doctor told me was particularly bothersome. For the first time in years, he mentioned cholesterol. When I had the last two angioplasties, two of my arteries were stented, but I was told that one major artery was totally blocked.
With that in mind, I asked why I had this problem, since I had been taking two medications, Welchol and Zetia for years. I thought that this, along with losing 70 pounds, was keeping my cholesterol under control. His answer floored me. He said that those drugs were "cosmetic!"
When I got home I looked them up and found articles referring to their manufacturer being sued for falsifying results of their studies, which have caused doctors to prescribe the use of these drugs when patients like myself cannot tolerate statins.
I wonder if there's nothing else to be done, do I have grounds for a case? With everything that's going on with politics regarding healthcare, I wonder if I would need money that I do not have to cover my care?
I have been reluctant to post about this, but I figured that among my forum friends, I might get some helpful feedback, as I often have, over the years.
I know that some of you have faced serious medical issues, so it pains me to complain about mine. But as they say, "what are friends for?"
Thanks for any ideas you may have!
GeneL
BTW, it's probably too late for me to put together another MrSoCal luncheon. I sure enjoyed the time I spent with those of you that were able to attend the last one. Also, it doesn't look good for those margaritas in Dana Point harbor, if you haven't made it here by now. I would have loved to see any of you that received my offer.
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - freeradical - 05-25-2017
Sorry to hear this.
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - OWC Jamie - 05-25-2017
so replacement ( which supposedly lasts 6 to 8 years ) or mechanical assistance is not in your deck of cards ?
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - GeneL - 05-25-2017
billb wrote:
so replacement ( which supposedly lasts 6 to 8 years ) or mechanical assistance is not in your deck of cards ?
I'll be 80 in October and with the complication due to my failing kidney, I don't think there's an "easy" fix.
I'm wondering if I'm wrong? I know that Dick Cheney famously had help with his heart issues.
Oh, btw, I also have an issue with atrial fibrillation, but because it's intermittent, I've been told that cardio version won't work.
My brain seems to be working just fine, which makes it difficult for me to accept the physical impairment that I'm experiencing. I keep wanting to find a way to get back to "normal."
Thanks for the thoughts. :oldfogey:
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - anonymouse1 - 05-25-2017
Gene-
Buy this book, and start taking the supplements, STAT! It's by a well-regarded cardiologist:
https://www.amazon.com/Reverse-Heart-Disease-Now-Cardiovascular/dp/0470228784/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1495734266&sr=8-5&keywords=sinatra+solution
Turned things around for several friends of mine.
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - Rick-o - 05-25-2017
anonymouse1 wrote:
Gene-
Buy this book, and start taking the supplements, STAT! It's by a well-regarded cardiologist:
https://www.amazon.com/Reverse-Heart-Disease-Now-Cardiovascular/dp/0470228784/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1495734266&sr=8-5&keywords=sinatra+solution
Turned things around for several friends of mine.
Looks interesting. Thanks for the link.
I have no advice, GeneL, but I wish you the best of luck with your health issues.
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - Yoyodyne ArtWorks - 05-25-2017
I don't know what your financial or health insurance situation is, but if possible I would highly recommend going to the Cleveland Clinic for a full evaluation. We traveled there for my wife's aortic valve replacement, and the expertise and level of care there is simply remarkable.
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - GeneL - 05-25-2017
Yoyodyne ArtWorks wrote:
I don't know what your financial or health insurance situation is, but if possible I would highly recommend going to the Cleveland Clinic for a full evaluation. We traveled there for my wife's aortic valve replacement, and the expertise and level of care there is simply remarkable.
I actually thought of that, since they were rated #1 in cardiac care. My cardiologist trained and was on staff there before he set up practice in southern California. When I mentioned it to him, he said that the problem with that was even if I was seen, any further follow up care would be difficult because I live so far away. And yes, my "financial" situation wouldn't easily allow for health care so far away.
Thanks for the thought, though. As I mentioned, I had wondered about the Cleveland Clinic, myself.
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - rjmacs - 05-25-2017
I love you, GeneL, and am so very sad to read this. Please don't ever feel like you're a burden - the whole reason for community is to build a place of comfort and support.
I don't have any great advice, but some good mentions have been made here already. Seek consultation from the best of the best - you are worth it. I know it's hard not to despair, so I'm reminding you that you have folks out here rooting for you, thinking of you, sending love your way...
I, for one, still dream of a margarita at Dana Point harbor with you...
Re: I have a new meaning for "broken hearted," at least according to my doctor. - GeneL - 05-25-2017
rjmacs wrote:
I love you, GeneL, and am so very sad to read this. Please don't ever feel like you're a burden - the whole reason for community is to build a place of comfort and support.
I don't have any great advice, but some good mentions have been made here already. Seek consultation from the best of the best - you are worth it. I know it's hard not to despair, so I'm reminding you that you have folks out here rooting for you, thinking of you, sending love your way...
I, for one, still dream of a margarita at Dana Point harbor with you...
Thank you for the kind thoughts. If only, I would love to have that margarita with you!