My CHF

In 1994 during my yearly physical, I told my primary physician I had been having some chest pain accompanied by a racing pulse. An EKG showed "Q-waves" so she sent me to a cardiologist. He talked to me for a few minutes, listened hastily to my heart and told me he thought I suffered from "Superwoman Syndrome." I was trying to be a good wife, raise 2 teenagers, run a home, and maintain a very demanding career. He said if I stopped smoking, slowed down a bit and lost about 15 pounds, all my symptoms would go away. He never did any tests.
     The following year I was plagued by episodes of shortness of breath, racing pulse and extreme fatigue. At times I was so tired, I would just sit and cry. Finally, I asked my primary physican to please send me to another cardiologist and since my EKG looked worse, she did. He felt I was having chest discomfort because of extreme stress and the tremendous workload I carried. He said if I learned to relax and get more sleep, I should be just fine. He also didn't run any tests.
     A few weeks later I woke up in the middle of the night unable to breathe. I thought I had pneumonia, so I stood in a steamy hot shower off and on during the night but it didn't help. In the morning I woke my husband to tell him I thought I was dying. Knowing that I am a very proactive person who doesn't overreact, he took me seriously and got me to the hospital. After a few blunders, and lots of tests, they finally discovered I was in CHF. With the help of IV Lasix, I lost 14 pounds in less than 8 hours. Several echos and a heart cath later, they discovered I have rheumatic valvular heart disease. My mitral and tricuspid valves show moderate to severe regurgitation, and I have mild pulmonic insufficiency. Eventually I will need to have my mitral valve replaced and the tricuspid valve repaired. Initially I did show some improvement, but over the years my valves have gotten worse and the medications are not as effective as they once were. I am hoping to avoid the surgery as long as possible, since I only want to have this done once and the older I get, the better of that my chances are.
     I had to leave my job as Director of Marketing. The pace was killing me. I take it one day at a time and thank God every day for giving me another day to live, learn and to grow. Thanks to God I have 5 months of smoke-free living under my belt; no more slips for me. In spite of all that's happened, I know that I have been blessed. I have a wonderful husband, children and grandchild. Each day on earth is another gift from God.

My Meds

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April 15, 2004 - I have now been smoke-free for 4 years and 8 months!

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November 11, 2004 - I just went through another TEE and heart cath, along with other tests. I now have severe regurgitation in my mitral and tricuspid valves and it is time for surgery. I am being admitted on November 17th for lab work, x-rays, and to be shown education videos on open heart surgery and what to expect. I am having my tricuspid valve fixed and mitral valve replaced. The meds kept me from going into heart failure for almost 9 years and I am grateful. Now, as I approach this surgery, I humbly ask you to remember me in your prayers. As soon as I am able, I will let you know how it all went. Gail.

Gail -- January 12, 2000

All information on this site is opinion only. All concepts, explanations, trials, and studies have been re-written in plain English and may contain errors. No one here is a doctor. No information on this page should be used by any person to affect their medical, legal, educational, social, or psychological treatment in any way. This web site and all its pages copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Jon C.