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Pericarditis & Pericardiectomy- CLOSED THREAD

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Posted 7/19/2008 3:29 AM (GMT 0)

Hi

it's been a while since I posted

My husband also has C.P.  he is still working (which has become physical - installing cabinets, though he normally doesn't do the labor part) but is selling his business.  So, in some ways he is doing much better than others.  He was diagnosed 2/08 after a "viral" pericardial effusion dated 4/06 and a window procedure.  He is now set up for surgery for 8/7/08.  However, he is having a problem I have'nt seen mentioned yet - he is having some swelling but isn't in Congestive Heart Failure (we had him checked out at an ER the other night) though has a nasty cough when he lays down (allergies?).  They are doing a blood test next Wed to check for Lupus, since he also has numbness and swelling in both hands.  When he wakes up in the morning he can barely bend his fingers.  Anyone else have this?  HE also has a history of a mild version of Raynaud's syndrome - which can be related to an autoimmune disorder.  Would appreciate others coming forth who have experienced this.

So, for now we are set up for the blood test and then the surgery in a couple of weeks.  The good thing is that he has again become active though is often short of breath -probably will help him heal faster.  (He is 47). 

thanks for the support thus far!

Posted 7/19/2008 6:45 PM (GMT 0)

Hi frisco, I am so sorry about the problems your husband is having.  The symptoms you are stating sound a like what my mother goes though.  Though she has a different disorder (valvular heart disease) she often is short of breath, has swollen hands, fingers, feet, legs..., due to fluid retention.  Coughing is something that she often does and it will become worse with the more fluid build up in her tissue.  

I too have this problem but not to this extreme extent.  I have an autonomic disorder which is neurological but effects my heart rate and lowers my blood pressure greatly.  So, I have to take medications to keep my bp up and the meds effect the kidneys a lot.  My cardiologist suggested weighting daily and keeping track to monitor fluid build up.

I could be wrong here but your husbands symptoms sounds very similiar....

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=339

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3028996

Posted 9/15/2008 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I had to reregister as hearaches2.

Friscofive...how did your husband's surgery go? I know you went to someone qualified! I am sure he is doing better! Not easy though!

I was told a few months ago that I had pulmonary hypertension. Didn't know what it was and when I found out I cried. I didn't play around and went to a center in Dallas where experienced specialized dr. was. I haven't had all the testing done yet, so I am still uncertain. One dr. said no I don't, so it is still up in the air. I think the diagnosis fits my symptoms.

I am trying to get a cardiac MRI oked by insurance, which may show why I have so much pain. One dr. said I could have a surgery which tries and kills the nerves so the pain will stop...but I am not that excited about letting someone else possibly damage me more.

Oh, Boog, you asked awhile back where I went. I had the surgery here in Arkansas ...wish I had went to someone else. I was sick of not being able to breathe and they said it was an emergency.

Oh, well.
Posted 9/19/2008 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Heartaches 1&2...(yes, I know you are the same person!)

my husband STILL has not had surgery. long story short, he sought a 2nd opinion at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and had a whole new round of testing - all since mid-July, when he was scheduled to have the pericardiectomy. they were all calling him "mystery man" since he still was so healthy-looking and had symptoms only when he was trying to exercise sometimes, and other times when he was just trying to lay down and sleep. He actually (from my observation) has had 2 really rough spells physically but seemed to improve in between. We had been told to have the surgery before any permanent damage sets in, and he closed down his little company in order to have the surgery (a whole 'nother story). They now have confirmed he does have constrictive pericarditis, it is "mild" so far, but he already has right ventricle and both atria slightly enlarged. He WAS having chest pain also - and was told that it was a sign of inflammation - and now is on another tapering course of Prednisone starting with 90 mg x 1 week, then 80mg x1 week and so on. he is 1/2 way through. they said if and when they do the pericardiectomy they want the inflammation to be gone first to reduce risks during the surgery. So, the pain is now GONE and he is feeling relatively better. And, looking for a job! Since, we have no money! :) It seems that if it is not emergent that he have the surgery and CAN wait a while, that he'll do so in order to get us back to a more stable financial situation.

I will say though that I'm VERY impressed with UTSW and they are very thorough.
I would suggest, since you did go to Dallas, that you check them out. At first we thought my husband had Pulmonary Hypertension and went to a specialist in Dallas (near Baylor off of Gaston) and he thankfully was told he does not have it.
the doctor he went to is Dr. Laura Collins, and he did meet with a surgeon named Dr. Jessen, who also is highly recommended. Dr. Collins was extremely thorough, staff all very nice, and she has good access to all of the other docs and the technology there seems to be more cutting edge.

I wish you the best of luck! Be very careful before you submit yourself to another surgery. btw...my husband had 2 cardiac MRI's at Medical City of Dallas last winter, considered to be a good place. The "resolution" though was so much higher with UTSW's equipment.
Posted 9/27/2008 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear from you Friscofive! Good news...that you're husband is better! So the Cardiac MRI was the diagnostic tool that the dr used to dx constrictive pericarditis? Huh. Do you know what the echogram inferred? The reason that I am asking is that I don't believe I had constrictive pericarditis and my numbers (I think on the echo) did not show constriction. I am still putting the pieces together and I did go to UTSW, a Dr. Torres for the pulmonary hypertension and I am to go back the end of next month.

If you know how I can determine if I was missdiagnosed with constrictive pericarditis...appreciate you letting me know.

I am going to try and get the cardiac MRI at UTSW for sure now ....Thanks!

Take care!

Diana
Posted 9/30/2008 6:50 PM (GMT 0)

 Hi Heartache 2 & Frisco,

 I haven't checked for a while & just read your posts.

 You all seem to be having similar stories as I did. I went to 3 Hospitals to see all their specialists, UCSF & Stanford both said MRI and other indications were I wasn't Constrictive, The MRI is not a perfect measure of the thickness although it will show adhesions etc should there be any.

 I too only had symptons at night or 30 minutes after exercise, I was told physical activity would not make it worse. FALSE , It only made things dramatically go the wrong way, It wasn't until I talked with a Specialist from VT that he told me the opposite. The Pericardium  is one Gray area in Heart medicine. Very few experts & even all of these guys have conflicting opinions about its progression.

 By the way 2 monthes after the MRI, they removed the Precardium & the Surgeon told me it was as thick as Carpet even though it didn't appear that way with all the scans.

 I am approaching 18 months post surgery a feel a little pinch here & there but I am pretty much cured. I had an follow up 3D echo the other day, they were abble to show me where some Pericardium remains (Phrenic nerves, adhesions stuck to heart) but I can't really feel them.

 I will continue to check in now & then but would really like to hear how you are all doing.

 Keep the faith as there is help out there, I just pray you all find it!!    Email if you wish.

             Boog

Posted 10/1/2008 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Boog/Heartaches and all--
thanks for your support and kind comments!!!

As far as diagnostics; since July '08 my husband, through UT Southwestern Medical School has had: Cardiac MRI, Cardiac CT, detailed Echocardiogram, Stress Test, CPX, lots of blood work and a R/L heart cath (*with the extra fluid "push" - this is what convinced the docs he had actually the Constrictive Pericarditis). Maybe more things but I can't remember now - I'm tired and it's late! He did go to the ER once with labored breathing, high pulse, and swollen fingers one time also. he did a short course of Lasix, but that didn't change anything. His ankles/feet were never swollen - just hands. He is "mystery man".

He had 2 MRI's last spring, pre- and post- Prednisone dosing - both showing 5.7mm thickness of pericardium.....through a different doctor group. He had both an MRI and a CT of pericardium in August '08 though (through UT Southwestern Med School in Dallas), showing 2mm thickness - which is considered "normal"! (odd...) He can do "normal" activity but absolutely can not exercise - he can go exactly 4 minutes and 20 seconds at a slow jog - same as for the last 2 years - before he feels like he is "crashing" - can't breathe. When he had the stress test, they told him he "did better than anyone else there" and was normal. He is 48 and had always been slim and muscular and in excellent physical condition and a recreational jogger and ice hockey player until about 2.5 years ago....and then had the huge pericardial effusion etc (window procedure 4/06) and never fully recovered - though he did go back to hockey for a while he never was able to really recover. In the last 6 months he has gained 25 pounds, but still feet/ankles not swollen.

The test that convincingly showed he had C.P. was the fluid push with the cardiac cath - they did a rapid infusion of about 1 liter of saline via I.V. and watched how his heart reacted - something having to do with the internal pressures. The conclusion then is that he DOES have C.P., but it is "early stage". The theory is that he is apparently seeking treatment earlier than most...since "most" have had either TB or prior heart surgery, or chest radiation. He does have enlarged atria (bilaterally) and also now...since last spring....slightly enlarged right ventricle. He WAS having chest pain as well by July, until he started a tapering dose of prednisone in September...since then the pain is all but gone and his fingertip numbness is mostly better (an odd symptom). (They said they were willing to do the pericardiectomy but wanted the swelling/inflammation of the pericardium to be reduced prior - it would be better surgically)

All of this work/testing was through the CARDIOLOGY department, not the Pulmonary Hypertension clinic at UTSWMS Dallas.

My husband has another doc appt mid-October and we'll see what's what at that point. I don't know if this helps anyone or not. We've been up and down for a year now, but glad we have had the 2nd opinion, all the extra testing and he is ok for the time being. this is not a surgery one jumps into.
Our thought is that for the short-term he can be 'watched' and have periodic MRI's and go back to work for a while before submitting to surgery, unless the doctors really think it is necessary to do so sooner. We are hoping to wait a year or so if he is able and doesn't have further heart damage.
good luck, all, with your issues. thanks for the support
Posted 10/1/2008 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
One more thing - mostly for Heartaches....

My husband was told that the chest pain he had experienced (didn't have it until about July '08) was due to "pericardial inflammation" and it was helped by prednisone. not sure if you had tried that. they said the constriction itself doesn't cause pain - mostly the shortness of breath and tightness...that the inflammation of the pericardium causes pain.

do you know if your surgeon completely removed the pericardium during your surgery? I've heard of folks who have had partial pericardiectomies and had more pain/inflammation and they had to go back in! (ouch!!).

don't give up on seeking treatment until it seems to really fit. you may want to ask the Pulmonary Hypertension folks if they think you should see cardiology...
best of luck!
Posted 10/3/2008 7:47 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Boog and friscofive...it sounds like it is all working out good for you guys! That is great! I think the pain has lessened in frequency. But the loss of energy and shortness of breathe is worse.

I have also put on alot of weight in the last 10 months due to lack of energy.

I was told I had a total pericardectomy, ( I had two rounds of prednisone prior)... but remember I was told I had to have the surgery right away as I had cardiac tamponade (second time in less than a month). I just gave in...while waiting to get a second opinion.

The biopsy report stated .6mm in thickness .... and again I was told the surgeon although very good at open heart surgery was too quick to do surgeries he wasn't familiar with later. I also was told by my cardiologist later that there wasn't any other patients that had what I had in their thousands of patients. I was truly the surgeon's guinea pig.

I have started on high bloodpressure medicine this month. I have to go back to UT in Dallas so I am going to try and get the MRI there. I never had a cardiac MRI.

I appreciate your insights!


Posted 10/15/2008 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi to anyone in this part of the forum.

I posted here last fall when various doctors thought I might have pericarditis (constant Chest pressure/pain sensation, felt better in sitting position, worse lying down, etc.).Originally a small amount of effusion showed but as you all know that can be normal. all of my blood tests came back normal except for elevated titers of herpes virus (the cold sore type) and occasionally the one for rheumatoid arthritis slightly elevated but that can also be normal. I was on a variety of drugs including prednisone, colchicine, and a variety of NSAIDs.In December I began to experience pain and stiffness in the joints of my hands and feet and that continues today.(I take painkillers daily for it, somedays more than others but I have a somewhat liveable life now)It was then thought that I might have some sort of autoimmune disease though once more the blood tests don't show it. Eventually the pericarditis like symptoms  went away around March of this year. In April I was hospitalized after experiencing extreme exhaustion and disorientation(it turned out to be another medication they had me trying as they thought I had fibromyalgia also), and was given another echo by the same tech who originally saw the fluid and low and behold the fluid was gone! Woohoo!

Then, about a month ago I began to experience on a daily basis heart palpitations(really more like skipped or missing beats). This was exactly how the onset of the last years episode began. I paid attention to it for about 9 days and then the chest pressure started to come back so figured I had better get it checked out. Small amount of fluid is showing again but cardiologist(new one) says of course can be normal  but I also now have a leaky valve which apparently is no big deal as is a common one and delayed beats did show on holter but says this also normal amount (although I think he forgot that my internist had put me back on a beta blocker several days before and so weren't as bad when I saw him.). The cardiologist doesn't think I need to see him anymore and am solely seeing my internist, who now doesn't know what it is as I haven't got complete relief from the NSAID's I've tried so far while the increase in percocet temporarily helps the pain. He said I should get complete relief with the NSAID's if it was pericarditis. Is that true? Then he asked if I was having a lot of anxiety about this as in is this anxiety-related and I'm thinking "You have got to be kidding me?!" but then calmly explained that I'm having no more anxiety than the next normal person would have and quite frankly probably less than most because I've already gone through this. His questioning was probably brought up because the skipped beats have been getting worse since I last saw him(weirdly enough it's mostly when I lay down).

I would truly like to hear from others who have had pericarditis that has been difficult to diagnose or if anyone thinks there is some other direction I should be looking. In the meantime I'll stick with the NSAID's and percocet.

thanks for listening and any help you can give.

Cynthia

 

Posted 10/18/2008 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi -

I'm a new member and I am looking for Tea1234, who had treatment with triamcinalone. I am very interested in considering this treatment and would love to know where you had this procedure done?

I am under the impression that it is only performed by Dr. Bernard Maisch at Phipps University Hosp in Marburg, Germany? Is there someone in the US that also does it? Are any other members familiar with this procedures and what it entails? 

I understand from the literature and from Dr. Spodick that very successful results have been reported.

Thanks to all - Katrina27 

Posted 10/21/2008 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nanda,

I didn't have pericarditis from a virus, so I don't know what is "normal" or not. I had traumatic, so I can't help, but someone will know I'd bet so keep checking back and good luck!
Posted 11/22/2008 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all. I'm a newbie. Just found you all today and am glad I did.

Has anyone used the services of Surgeons in the L.A. - San Diego area? If so please let me know as I am UCLA Medical Center bound next week for a second opinion. I am pretty sure the doctors at UCLA are going to agree with my doctors here in the far North, that I need the surgery.

After reading all the positive reports here from those that have undergone surgery, I am much more comfortable with the idea. Thanks to all that have posted here.

Jack
Ain't this internet thing just ab/fab? It makes the world a lot smaller and keeps many from being alone.
Posted 11/22/2008 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jack and welcome,

I was very pleased with my consults with Dr. Robert Siegel at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills but don't know anyone at UCLA. If you search back in the posts I know there was one fellow here who I believed used someone from there and was also very pleased.

Good Luck,

Cynthia

Posted 11/22/2008 5:52 AM (GMT 0)

Hello again...I just wanted to update.

I have written a number of posts, the last sometime maybe in Sept re:  my husband. 

He went back to the cardiologist in October and was put on another course of Prednisone, starting at 90mg daily x1 week, then 80mg x1 week etc.  His chest pain disappeared after a week or two, his hand numbness is all but gone, energy level was up, and breathing better.  He was funtioning pretty well.  Also in October, the dr. told him basically that he was expecting too much from himself in terms of physical functioning and that though he "probably" had constrictive pericarditis" she was "not convinced it was severe enough to go through with surgery" and that he likely would need it in the future...that surgery may not be the best option currently. She does take lots of time talking to my husband - and seems to be very cautious and thorough in her approach.  We were pretty happy at that point thinking that since he has sold his little business and is out of work - and he is looking for a job! (and we owe lots to the bank! cry ) that he could work for 1-2 years with regular monitoring and then think about surgery...

NOT.  He returned last week to the cardiologist, 2 wks after completing the Predisone.  By this point his energy level is way down, he is short of breath, able to do normal activities but barely able to walk the dog.  No chest pain.  (and oh yeah, his normal 165 - 170 pound weight his whole adult life is now at 203!) He has another echocardiogram....the doc briefly looks at the echo without even comparing it to former echos....and says "well, you definitely have cardiac dysfunction indicative of constrictive pericarditis and should go ahead and have the surgery within the next 6 months".   The theory now is that though they "think" the pericardium (via last MRI) is "within normal thickness", he may have a thin cellophane-like membrane covering his heart under the pericardium....even more rare than the "usual viral" constrictive pericarditis. (this film is apparently visible only when looking directly at the heart - and difficult to peel off...) So he is scheduled for surgery Dec. 10....and is having job interviews! 

So many ups and downs over the last year.  Unable to make plans since "Daddy may be having his surgery"'.  SO...we are relieved a date is set and are making plans.  Since he is otherwise in good health and still has some muscle tone, he may be up and about in a few weeks and on to rehabilitation.  We are praying for good surgical results, quick healing, and a job (how does one explain that in a job interview?  My husband plans to tell a potential employer he won't be ready to start until after the first of the year.  Fingers crossed).

The thing I want to say to some folks having difficulty with diagnosis....don't give up, do research, definitely get a 2nd or 3rd opinion, find a doctor who explains things and takes time with you, and keep track of your symptoms.  Don't ever undergo surgery that you have some choice in without realizing you HAVE a choice - of doctors, facilities, and possibly timing.  Trust is such an important factor where your doctor and YOUR body are concerned...particularly with your heart!

We will keep you posted if anything changes and after he has had the surgery.

Posted 11/22/2008 6:51 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all!

I was told last month that I definitely have pulmonary hypertension. The cause is officially unknown but one of the pulmonary hypertension specialist told me it is too much of a coincindence to not be related to the heart injury or surgery!

Frisco, I know you said your husband had a left and right heart catheter and he was told he didn't have pulmonary hypertension,...but from what his symptoms are it sounds so similiar to what I went through.

Recap...bloody effusion, film on the heart ( I had same thing, which was so painful after dr. peeled it off my heart, totally raw and burning something fierce).

I just would hate for the same thing to happen to him that has happened to me. The pericardium regulates the pressures to the heart. Pulmonary hypertension causes rt. heart enlargment and ventricle damage. Autoimmune diseases cause pulmonary hypertension.

I was told that my PH numbers are low and at first that I didn't have PH, but then that I did alittle bit. All at UT Southwestern in Dallas.

My point is that unless your husband sees a PH specialist like Dr. Torres, he may not be getting an acurate dx.

Atheletes are known to have lower numbers for some unknown reason.

Another thing in common is the shortness of breath. If you can get a second opinion from DR. Torres I would get it to be sure before going through with surgery.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Posted 11/25/2008 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone
I am living in the uk and was told that i have constrictive pericarditis. I have been told that they will take the pericardium off,which i am very nervous about.
I am 33 years old male and relativelt fit,I dont really have many so called symptoms,once in a while i get out of breath waking or going up stairs but i play rugby and swim and feel reltively fine.I do get heart palpitations maybe once a week for about 10 minutes.I have no chest pain but have a pain on my lower left side below my ribs.My tummy also tends to be sore.I have read alot of the forum and have tried to do alot of research regarding this.Can anyone give my some more info about the recovery and post operative risks,i have heard that it can effect your life expectancy.Sorry so nervous and would anyone recommend any doctors in the uk for 2nd consultation??
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated,keep well to all of you
Posted 11/25/2008 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Help12345 and welcome to this forum. This area has been quite quiet lately, so am not sure how quickly you'll get a reply.

I haven't had to go through with that procedure but many here have, so there is much to read up on. Hopefully some of the old timers will come on and can give you better info.I'm sorry you're having to deal with it though and wish you the best!

Cynthia
Posted 11/26/2008 5:16 AM (GMT 0)

Help,

Welcome to HealingWell.  I am so glad you found us and I am sure you are very concerned but you sound like you are in good shape so we will pray for the best outcome.

In severe pericarditis, the layers of the pericardium may become stiff and stick together. This prevents the heart muscle from expanding during filling and impacts on the function of the heart.

Your cardiac output will drop and your sx could become severe. 

Diagnostic testing may also include the echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, MRI, or CT scan.

Treatment may include:

  • Analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents to treat pain or inflammation
  • Diuretics to treat heart failure symptoms
  • Anti-arrhythmics if necessary, to treat any heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation
  • Pericardiectomy – in some cases, the stiff pericardium may need to be removed from the heart during heart surgery. Resource: Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lippincott-Raven

As far as surgeons in the UK, I would ask for referrals to several surgeons and make sure you have at least 2 opinions.

Posted 11/26/2008 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
hi Nanda and stkitt
I have had mri and catherters done,they have confirmed that i have constrictive pericarditis.I think my worry is that the NHS(national health service) does not really tell or explain alot about the condition.I have learnt so much about it since reading this forum and all the positive feedback which is fantastic.I suppose I just feel very unsure about the procedure to have the pericardium removed.I am been looked at Kings Colledge Hospital in London and they suppose to be very good.They wanted me to go in about a week ago to have the op but it was a shock to go so soon and financially wise to be off work.I am going to South Africa in January to speak to a cardiologist there and hopefully have some more info.
Thanks for replying to my post and best wishes to you all
Posted 12/2/2008 5:01 AM (GMT 0)

Hello Help 12345,

 If you read Sherwood's information from 18 months or so ago you will find some good info on where her Husband had the procedure & is doing great!!   She lives in the England area I believe & his condition was pretty rough & he came through with flying colors.

 She is very sweet & helped me through my tough times. I also am doing great. I had a maze procedure at the same time & could not be doing any better.

 I will email her & ask her to check in & perhaps tell you where they went.

          Boog

Posted 12/2/2008 7:58 PM (GMT 0)

Hello  help12345

Boog let me know you were looking for info. Read back and see what we went through. I know my husband was older than you but believe me he lived like a 33 year old. It hit us for six too and we were so scared. We couldn't find anyone who had had it and all the info painted a bleak picture so we were glad to find this site.  We went to Broadgreen Hospital which has A CardioThoracic Unit that is a centre of excellence. They didn't just look after him they looked after me too and I can never thank them enough. The surgeon was Mr Rashid, he is the man who saved Gerard Houlier's life [Liverpool FC manager] so that was reassuring and as a yound man in Iraq had done dozens of pericardiectomies as a result of TB. I had originally wanted to go to Proff Yacoub in London but we were advised that we needed to be near family and friends so I' d be wary of S. Africa. I could tell you so much and I know that it really doesn't help the fear. Certainly I was amazed at how quicly my husband was up and about and the relatively low pain he seemed to suffer. His recovery was amazing. He had deteriorated v.quickly, his pulse was racing, he was breathless and 'waterlogged' but as soon as he was out of surgery the fluid started to drain off and his heart pressure levels dropped. He had his op and 2 days later was up, showered and eating omelette and salad. I'll add my e-mail address for the next 24 hrs so do e-mail me with any specifics. You know you have no choice in this. It can only get worse and soon you will be like so many others posting here to give encouragement to others. Chin uo!!

Posted 12/2/2008 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Forgot to tell you. This surgeon is so amazing he often has a camera link in theatre and lectures about what he is doing. These lectures are beamed all over the world and it took ages to get some photos he promised [I know it's sick!] because he had so many other Dr's wanting the details.

Posted 12/7/2008 9:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Help12345.  I had a pericardiectomy at The Heart Hospital, London in May 2007. I've been doing fine since and glad it's all over. Drop me a line if you want to know anything I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have. It took about 18 months to get a firm diagnosis for myself, as I also have a congenital heart condition which was confusing the results somewhat. My operation was performed by a Mr Martin Hayward. Excellent surgeon. Can't fault the NHS treatment I had. I guess it depends a lot on where you are in the UK but don't see you will have too much difficulty seeing someone who has experience of constrictive pericarditis in the UK. Sherwood is at the other end of the country to me and we both found excellent consultants etc. I'll keep an eye on here for any news. Keep your chin up, you CAN get through this....

Posted 12/22/2008 9:57 PM (GMT 0)

hi nyonuk,sherwood ,boog and nanda

thanks you all for your responses

This is help12345(forgot my password)hence the new name

Thanks for your words on encouragement.I am due to go to kings college hospital in london ,in late feb time to have this one.From your experiance ,did you have alot of the symptons and was it at a bad stage or did they do it ''thats its better to have it earleir than later''.I am so worried having it but i am alot more positive about it know hearing all the past members history.

I thinks its difficult to take in ,the doctor is pretty experiance in heart surgery,done over 500 heart ops in 3 years Dr j Desai.

so yip .its just plays on my mind everyday.knowledge is the best you can have about this.I wish you all a fantastic festive season new year

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