My cardiologist results

[Kaz]

@ASSASSIN

Had my usual 2 year echocardiogram (Echo) just January.

Went for the results on 11th Feb.

Not great news.

I have to get the mitral valve repaired or replaced.

Seeing as I don't have Private Health Insurance, I have to go on the wait list in the Public Hospital.

Going back to the cardiologist on 2nd April.

Have been put on blood thinning tablets. To see if that helps, or it's so I don't have a stroke.

When the Dr mentioned heart operation, I went into shock & went conveniently deaf. lol

I could see the Drs lips moving, but heard nothing.

I have had trouble breathing lately, but thought it was the QLD heat affecting me.

Will be asking heaps of questions when I see the Dr on the 2nd April.

I am allergic to pain, so may ask to be put into an induced coma for a week or two after the operation.

I should find out what category I am. I am assuming it will be Category 1 – Urgent (30 day wait) or Category 2 – Semi urgent. (90 day wait)

Apart from that, I am fighting fit.

 

[CroydonDog]

My father had a heart valve replaced about 4 years ago. He always knew he had a murmur and a leaky valve but the catalyst for its replacement was him collapsing whilst walking of all places, up Mt Coo-tha when visiting me. Also had it done in public system (NSW - St Vincent's) and once he got through the rehab (I remember him having to do a lot of breathing into this bottle thingy to strengthen his chest. But he is now healthier than ever in that regard. Unfortunately, travel insurance is almost impossible until 5 years after.

Good luck with it all.

 

[K E]

@ASSASSIN

Had my usual 2 year echocardiogram (Echo) just January.

Went for the results on 11th Feb.

Not great news.

I have to get the mitral valve repaired or replaced.

Seeing as I don't have Private Health Insurance, I have to go on the wait list in the Public Hospital.

Going back to the cardiologist on 2nd April.

Have been put on blood thinning tablets. To see if that helps, or it's so I don't have a stroke.

When the Dr mentioned heart operation, I went into shock & went conveniently deaf. lol

I could see the Drs lips moving, but heard nothing.

I have had trouble breathing lately, but thought it was the QLD heat affecting me.

Will be asking heaps of questions when I see the Dr on the 2nd April.

I am allergic to pain, so may ask to be put into an induced coma for a week or two after the operation.

I should find out what category I am. I am assuming it will be Category 1 – Urgent (30 day wait) or Category 2 – Semi urgent. (90 day wait)

Apart from that, I am fighting fit.

Damn. Sorry to hear that. Hope all goes well soon enough.

In regards to not being able to breath properly, it could be your heart is working too hard which the thinners will help (taking apixaban or just aspirin?) or you could have fluid retention. Did they check your lungs?

 

[dogluva]

Wow Kaz so very sorry to hear this news. I knew from small bits and pieces that you have posted over time that you did have some issues but not like this.

It is a pretty sad indictment of the health system when this type of surgery is directed to a wait list, irrespective of whether you have private health insurance or not.

Happens in all aspects of health problems though, cancer included, which like yours is pretty much a time sensitive issue.I am eternally thankful that we still have private health insurance because it was the difference between hubby getting into hospital quickly and at least being able to defray costs of surgeon, oncologist, pathology, diagnostics etc. ( I have issues with eyes and also sleep for which I need a cpap machine..they aren't cheap and parts need replacing too and one of my daughters has the need to see specialists as well).

I wish you all the best. Stay positive and go with the flow ( unfortunately you have no option in that regards).

Keep us up to date with your progress.

 

[Bad Billy]

Shit eh ?
Funnily the first symptoms of my old mans heart disease, was shortness of breath. It must be a thing ?
Look after yourself @Kaz. Hopefully you recover before rd19, your heart might not be able to take it.

 

[Hacky McAxe]

Sorry to hear, Kaz. But you're a tough bird. You support the Broncos even though they suck (I know that doesn't mean much coming from a Bulldogs supporter). I believe you can fight through it and come out stronger.

My dad had heart surgery about a year ago. He had a mild heart attack. When it comes to surgery I freak out a bit. Not because of the complications, I just can't stand sitting in the one place for long. Obviously being out under a general anaesthetic helps with this. My dad on the other hand chose to have a local when he had heart surgery. He watched the whole surgery while it happened. I think that alone would have given me a second heart attack.

 

[Hacky McAxe]

Shit eh ?
Funnily the first symptoms of my old mans heart disease, was shortness of breath. It must be a thing ?
Look after yourself @Kaz. Hopefully you recover before rd19, your heart might not be able to take it.

Agreed. When it's 50 nil Broncos way she may struggle with the pure euphoria.

 

[Alan79]

I can't say much that would help alleviate the nerves or worry Kaz. But best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery

 

[coach]

Sorry to hear that Kaz
But going off your personality in here, I rkn your guna skip through it like a breeze
You seem like a tough nut
Good luck and have all the support and well wishes of your favourite other team supporters

 

[Mr Invisible]

Sorry to hear Kaz... but think of it this way... better to find out now, then when you are too old to be operated on.

My 87 yr old grandfather after keeping cancer at bay for 3 years, eventually was diagnosed with a mitrial valve failure, but at his age it couldnt be operated on, and it would ultimately be one of the things that contributed to him passing away last year.

So as I say, good to get it picked up and fixed whilst you still can, and then enjoy every moment in life after it.

Wish you all the best with it.

 

[Kempsey Dog]

Never good to hear news like this. wishing you all the best mate, take it easy.

 

[The DoggFather]

@ASSASSIN

Had my usual 2 year echocardiogram (Echo) just January.

Went for the results on 11th Feb.

Not great news.

I have to get the mitral valve repaired or replaced.

Seeing as I don't have Private Health Insurance, I have to go on the wait list in the Public Hospital.

Going back to the cardiologist on 2nd April.

Have been put on blood thinning tablets. To see if that helps, or it's so I don't have a stroke.

When the Dr mentioned heart operation, I went into shock & went conveniently deaf. lol

I could see the Drs lips moving, but heard nothing.

I have had trouble breathing lately, but thought it was the QLD heat affecting me.

Will be asking heaps of questions when I see the Dr on the 2nd April.

I am allergic to pain, so may ask to be put into an induced coma for a week or two after the operation.

I should find out what category I am. I am assuming it will be Category 1 – Urgent (30 day wait) or Category 2 – Semi urgent. (90 day wait)

Apart from that, I am fighting fit.

Fuck sis! Sorry to hear that.

The shortness of breath is fluid in either the lungs or the bag around the heart.

I'm sure they will give you a cardiac MRI before any surgery, definately will give you a right heart catheter through your neck to test the pressures in your heart to plan the surgery (you might be lucky and escape that)

I'm guessing they put you on warfarin for blood thinning, as they can reverse the effects quickly with vitamin K if surgery becomes an emergency.

Which hospital? I know St Vincent's has a sister hospital in Brisbane.

Much love and my prayers for you sis, I know you will get through this.

PS to make you feel better, they used 3 of my working valves in my old shitty heart to save 3 babies in Westmead. Plus they can use plastic and even pigs valves if really needed asap.

PPS MAYBE it's only a repair and I'm pretty sure they are done via an angiogram, which is a procedure either through your wrist or groin. With an angio, you can go under or be awake, up to you.

 

[The DoggFather]

Obviously goes without saying, if you want a chat or vent, pm me.

 

[Rodzilla]

good luck and don't watch any nrl as a precaution, although as a broncos fan I imagine the nrl is not as frustrating to watch

so maybe do watch the nrl, "hmm yes we deserved that penalty to win that match, im very content now"

 

[DoggiesBoy]

good luck and don't watch any nrl as a precaution, although as a broncos fan I imagine the nrl is not as frustrating to watch

so maybe do watch the nrl, "hmm yes we deserved that penalty to win that match, im very content now"

Yep see there is even a medical reason for #PenaltyBroncos now. On a serious note, look after yourself kaz, i hope everything goes ok for you.

 

[flamebouyant]

@ASSASSIN

Had my usual 2 year echocardiogram (Echo) just January.

Went for the results on 11th Feb.

Not great news.

I have to get the mitral valve repaired or replaced.

Seeing as I don't have Private Health Insurance, I have to go on the wait list in the Public Hospital.

Going back to the cardiologist on 2nd April.

Have been put on blood thinning tablets. To see if that helps, or it's so I don't have a stroke.

When the Dr mentioned heart operation, I went into shock & went conveniently deaf. lol

I could see the Drs lips moving, but heard nothing.

I have had trouble breathing lately, but thought it was the QLD heat affecting me.

Will be asking heaps of questions when I see the Dr on the 2nd April.

I am allergic to pain, so may ask to be put into an induced coma for a week or two after the operation.

I should find out what category I am. I am assuming it will be Category 1 – Urgent (30 day wait) or Category 2 – Semi urgent. (90 day wait)

Apart from that, I am fighting fit.

Really sorry to hear the sad news kaz. Hope you can get through all of this and lead a happy healthy life.
All the best. Fingers crossed for you.

 

[The DoggFather]

@Kaz make sure you write down the questions when you think of them before going back to your doc.

 

[The DoggFather]

Shit eh ?
Funnily the first symptoms of my old mans heart disease, was shortness of breath. It must be a thing ?
Look after yourself @Kaz. Hopefully you recover before rd19, your heart might not be able to take it.

From what I can remember, removing fluid is one of the last tasks of the heart, so it focuses on the more vital tasks (getting blood to the brain, then organs, etc)

Let me guess, your old man was on Frusimide/lasix?

 

[Indiandog]

This sucks , but not the end of the world.

Stay positive , chin up and keep fighting.

You know we are all here to support you just like Sutton brothers support for broncos.

 

[Kaz]

Which hospital? I know St Vincent's has a sister hospital in Brisbane.

The Gold Coast University Hospital.

Thanks for all the other info.

Also thanks for all the thoughts from other members here.

Got a call from the cardiologist's receptionist this afternoon, saying the referral letter has been sent & I should get a letter from the hospital soon to let me know what category I am. (I sound like a cyclone)