Atrial Septal Defect

Nellasing
Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Hey all- quick update.  I have been suffering from extreme fatigue, palpitations and PVC's, feeling faint if overheated while walking, short of breath, hearing my heart beating in my ears especially at night etc. etc.   My 1/2 sister had cancer treatment that damaged her heart and I was really afraid this had happened to me.  Everyone kept assuring me that no way my treatment did that but I finally got them to refer me to a cardiologist who sent me for an ekg, then echo, 48 hr heart monitor and finally a TEE.  They found that I have an ASD which has been there since birth!!  My guess is that my body was able to compensate for it over my lifetime but since I am in a weakened state from cancer and treatment my body can't do it's thing???  Anyway, long story short I've been waiting for a while now but this Friday I go in for the repair/closure.  I am with Donna that these "extra" surprises are not feeling very fair with everything we already have going on.  It's like trying to move forward and someone keeps hittng the pause button. 

I am trying to approach this as I did the cancer and treatment- just one day at a time- not getting too far ahead of myself and looking for the blessings that come.  So far I've thought that it's sort of exciting to think that perhaps things that have been "normal" for me all my life might now change and I'll have SUPER POWERS going forward ... LOL  I mean seriously, if this was me getting through all this with dirty blood pumping through, lack of oxygen in that dirty blood etc. etc.  I should be unstoppable after they plug that hole right?!  AND I'll get another notch on the ole survivor belt Tongue Out  Who can think of more?

Just thought I'd let ya all know.  Appreciate any prayers, good thoughts etc. etc. as we head in 7AM this Friday. 

Comments

  • derMaus
    derMaus Member Posts: 558 Member
    #2
    Always remember how strong

    Always remember how strong your body is and how well it's served you: you had this defect since birth, and it's only now -- after cancer and our lovely 'treatments' (which would kill many people) that your body's asking for help. By that light you're in excellent shape! You will be in my prayers on Friday; please let us know how it goes. 

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,814 Member
    edited June 2017 #3
    I'll be thinking about you on

    I'll be thinking about you on Friday Nella. Please come back and let us know how you are when you feel up to it.

    Love and Hugs,

    cindi

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    #4
    Always something

    Will you require surgery to repair your Atrial Septal Defect? From what little I know about the condition, that sounds like the best treatment for your health. I was having some "chest pains" when I would start swimming long distance and wondered if I had heart disease. I did some research and learned that GERD is likely the cause, as it only happened if I drank coffee before I swam. When I eliminated the coffee, the "chest pains" disappeared. i hope that now that you know what the problem is, the treatment will make a world of difference for you.

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #5
    Abbycat2 said:

    Always something

    Will you require surgery to repair your Atrial Septal Defect? From what little I know about the condition, that sounds like the best treatment for your health. I was having some "chest pains" when I would start swimming long distance and wondered if I had heart disease. I did some research and learned that GERD is likely the cause, as it only happened if I drank coffee before I swam. When I eliminated the coffee, the "chest pains" disappeared. i hope that now that you know what the problem is, the treatment will make a world of difference for you.

    Abbycat2

    not open heart surgery- Thank goodness!!!  My hole is about 1cm which is a large hole but I've read about others whose are larger still!

    First, a catheter is inserted into a large vein through a small incision usually made in the inner thigh (groin area). Then it is slowly moved through the vein and into the heart. One or more tests will be done to measure the size of the ASD and to make sure there are no other defects.

    Next, a device used to close the hole in the heart wall is moved through the catheter to the location of the hole. Once in the correct location, the ASD closure device is pushed out of the catheter. The device opens and expands it shape to straddle each side of the hole. This stops the abnormal flow of blood between the two atria chambers of the heart. The catheter is then removed and the procedure is complete. The device will remain in the heart permanently closing the hole in the heart wall.

    Probably more than you wanted to know but hey- since I have now studied this into the ground might as well share right?  lol  Wink

     

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,486 Member
    edited June 2017 #6
    Nellasing, you are in my

    Nellasing, you are in my prayers.  I think your approach, one day at a time, is good.  We look forward to hearing from you when you are up to it.

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member
    #7
    Nellasing, I'm glad you

    Nellasing, I'm glad you pursed and got to the bottom of your fatigue. Praying for you and looking forward to a good report after your surgery.

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    #8
    Nellasing, I love your

    Nellasing, I love your attitude! Wishing you all the best on Friday and will be sending you out positive/healing thoughts. Kim

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #9
    UPDATE:

    Hi all, I made it Laughing  I'm alive and I was able to see the new device dancing with my heart on yesterday's echo before I was discharged.  I asked how much it weighed and I was told it was light as a feather. 

    Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts while I went through this.  Laying low and resting for a few days but looking for the blessings in each and every day for they are surely there Innocent   (((HUGS)))

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,688 Member
    #10

    Great!  Take it easy. 

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,486 Member
    #11
    Yeah!  Thank you, Nellasing,

    Yeah!  Thank you, Nellasing, for letting us know!  Thank you, God

  • derMaus
    derMaus Member Posts: 558 Member
    #12
    Thank you for the update.

    Thank you for the update. Good news is always a great thing to start my morning with. Be well !! 

  • Hma4
    Hma4 Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2017 #13
    Amen!

    happy for you

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,814 Member
    #14
    Glad that is over. I hope you

    Glad that is over. I hope you find a new found energy once you heal!

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    #15
    Thank you for your detailed explanation, my friend

    I review and analyse medical reports as part of my job each day and everyday.  So, thank you for the details. I am happy to hear  that you are doing so well. Bless you and I wish you continued good health.

    Warmly

    Cathy

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