A little smoke please

D

DaddyDett

Joined
Jan 9, 2006
Messages
825
Hey yall.

I have been being worked up for chest pain and difficulty breathing the last few weeks. On Thursday, I was told that the Echocardiogram showed an issue with the aortic valve in my heart. I am not yet sure what degree of problem there is.
I am waiting now for an appointment with Cardiology at MCGuire Richmond VA Medical Center. I am 52, and have lived hard during long periods in my life, drinking heavily and smoking an ave of 1-2 packs a day since I was a young teenager. I quit the bottle in 86, and have remained sober since, but I am sure there may be some residual effects from both. As a former X-Ray Tech, I am aware of the possible severity/gravity of this condition.

I am blessed with a 10 yr old son, my fiance, and her son in my life.
The last few years truly are the best years I have ever had. I really don't want that to change.

I am frankly, deeply concerned, and scared. Some smoke, a prayer, whatever spiritual method you use, would be greatly appreciated as my family and I walk through this.

Mark D
 
You're right to take this seriously: my Dad had open-heart surgery in the same area, about 12 years ago. It WAS related to smoking. Let's just say that he's been a very different man since.

Smoke and whatever I can find......
 
Prayers sent. Sometimes the waiting without knowing is the worst part of the whole thing. Here's hoping it's not as major of a deal as it might be...

- Mark
 
Smoke and Prayer for you and your family, DD.
Get it checked out and taken care of.
 
Smoke from California. I can certainly understand the health issues you are going through. Hang in there, positive thinking goes a long way.
 
Update:
Still don't have an actual diagnosis. The reading/report of the echo was changed, and now doesnt report any aortic valve deficiency. Saw a Cardiologist Monday, he is scheduling me for a Cardiac Catheterization, and is issuing me Nitroglycerin tabs and beta blockers.( My meds come in the mail from the VA Hosp 65 miles away.) The fact that I am allergic to iodine based contrast media (x-ray "dye") means I will have an over-nite Hosp stay with benedryl/prednisone regimen the night before the study, and possibly stay the night after the procedure, fun, fun.
Man, I am feeling old.

Mark
 
Smoke and prayers from HI and Kamis
 
.. but good thoughts and earnest prayers are going up from Kat and me. :thumbup:
 
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