Hello Dr. Stoll:
My compliments to you on your valant endeavor in fighting the monster AMA! I read your article on MVP! I have some questions. Just recently, I was diagnosed with sever mitral valve regurgitation! The cardiologist suggested surgery and was to preform a catheterization! They did three echograms. I was told by the technition that I was to be on TV, for his students (since this is a teaching hospital, VAMC in St. Pete, FL.) Two years ago in Buffalo, NY, I was told there was nothing to be concerned about? Now I am wondering....
If I was going to be used as a guinea pig. At any rate, I cancelled the test and the surgery. I was told that a tendon ruptured and that it had to be taken care of before the heart enlarged, and then it would be too late for an operation.
I will be 70 years old in July, I'm in great shape, I do expereince some chest pain, on occassion, during my daily 1 1/2 mile walk. Could you suggest what avenues I might pursue to have an honest evaluation of my condition? I am retired, I am a veteran and I am on Medicare.
Your comment will be MOST appreciated, Good luck to you in your pursuit for helping your fellow man. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Frank G. Cecala
Follow Ups:
Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse
Posted by Walt Stoll on December 14, 1998 at 09:43:11:
In Reply to: Mitral Valve Prolapse posted by FRANK G. CECALA on December 13, 1998 at 16:10:28:
Hi, Frank.
Thanks for your kind words!
First, what you are describing is NOT the FAD diagnosis of MVP as we have been discussing.
What you have is a serious problem that well might be best approached by surgery before enlargement of the heart makes the surgery impossible. Were it me, I would get a copy of all my records & get a third opinion.
Unfortunately, this problem IS one that a person might compensate to for a long time & then suddenly rupture an attachment to the valve edge and change radically. This is probably what has happened in your case----explaining how your recommendations could be so different in just a few years.
Do not delay this additional evaluation!
Another thing you might fit into the equation is your genetics (how long did your parents live) and your general state of health. How many years of your life are you risking for this surgery? This is about as safe an open heart surgery as there is.
Let us know what you learn.
Walt
Follow Ups:
Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse
Posted by Frank G. Cecala on December 15, 1998 at 20:01:19:
In Reply to: Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse posted by Walt Stoll on December 14, 1998 at 09:43:11:
Hi Dr. Walt:
Thank you, so much for your response, it was most appreciated. I will be seeing my primary care physician this coming month. I would like another opinion from another cardiologist. It just amazes me, that I am feeling so good , so healthy and in a good mental state. I was told that enlargement of the heart would prevent corrective surgery. I will keep you informed! Again, I commend you for your dedication to medicine and your fellow man! (Excuse me, ladies, that includes you, I'm from the old school where "fellow man" encompased both sexes!) Keep up the good work Walt and DON'T let the SYSTEM get you down, Persevere and God Bless!
Sincerely,
Frank
Follow Ups:
Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse
Posted by Walt Stoll on December 16, 1998 at 11:56:04:
In Reply to: Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse posted by Frank G. Cecala on December 15, 1998 at 20:01:19:
Thanks, Frank, for your kind words.
This condition typically would not cause you symptoms until you suddenly decompensated as your heart enlarged suddenly. THEN, it would be too late for the surgery.
This is a situation where you cannot afford to wait for symptoms. The cardiologist should be able to sit down with you and show you the xrays, etc. to the point where you will understand this. You have to take this one on faith before you feel bad.
Walt
Follow Ups:
Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse
Posted by Frank Cecala on December 16, 1998 at 19:32:25:
In Reply to: Re: Mitral Valve Prolapse posted by Walt Stoll on December 16, 1998 at 11:56:04:
Hi Dr. Walt:
Will be getting on top of this in January. I did ask my internest if this was too long to postpone this, she advised me that it was not. I thank you for pointing out the urgency in this situation. Your advice wil be followed, I do whole heartedly (no pun intended) appreciate it. Thanks, again.
Frank