After three echocardiograms in three different countries showing severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, which prompted us to come to the Cleveland Clinic, we’ve found that my valves are moderate and not severe based on the more comprehensive echocardiogram I had yesterday. I do not need valve surgery.
However, after many other tests, including blood tests, it appears something is very wrong with my heart, requiring more doctor visits and invasive tests. This morning, I had a nuclear stress test, which started with a heart scan with injected radioactive isotopes, followed by a stress test.
They stopped the stress test early when it was too dangerous for me to continue and considered using a blood vessel-dilated intravenous drug as an alternative. Still, the doctor refused to have me injected with the alternate medication for a lay-down stress test since it, too, was too dangerous with the awful EKG (ECG) they were reading on the screen.
Soon, I have to call the cardiologist we saw yesterday to be referred to another cardiology specialist to go to the next step. My not-so-good blood test results are pointing to other possible heart conditions, and at this point, we have no idea what’s on the horizon. My past cardiac bypass surgery may have failed, which may require another open heart surgery.
After I had the bypass surgery in South Africa in February 2019, the cardiothoracic surgeon explained I might get eight years out of that surgery. Now, I am 5½ years old since the major surgery, and it may have run its course earlier than expected.
We’ll continue with as many more tests and doctor visits as possible to have a complete diagnosis and treatment plan in the next few weeks.
The thoroughness, competency, and care exhibited by all Cleveland Clinic employees, from the reception desk staff to the highly specialized doctors, are outstanding. We couldn’t feel more at ease being here. A big sign in some lobby areas states, “Cleveland Clinic is recognized as the #1 cardiac center in the world.” We knew this, but it was comforting to see it, making us realize we’d done the right thing by coming here.
The hotel is nice, but we plan to move on September 2 to the nearby Residence Inn by Marriott, which also has a shuttle to the clinic. Due to demand, hotel prices are high here, but we have to bite the bullet and see what kind of deal we can get from Marriott’s Bonvoy perks program since we are members. We’ll be calling today to see the pricing we can arrange.
Am I nervous or afraid? Surprisingly, not. We’re always enjoying our time together, staying upbeat and hopeful. Tom is a perfect wheelchair operator, and we often laugh over the incredible nature of my being wheeled everywhere.
Some may say, “How do I so freely share such intimate details of my health?” However, hundreds of readers have written our vulnerability has helped them with their worries and concerns. If we can help one person gain comfort during their health challenges, it will be worth every revealing moment.
We are not special. Like many of you, we are trying to navigate challenging times in our lives using whatever means are available to us with dignity, persistence, and humility.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 29, 2014:
