Douglas's Journal

I am a 70 years old and retired. I have been in good heath with a diagnosis of diabetes which I am able to control with diet only. On January 18, 2018, I gave blood at a Red Cross blood mobile. I did a new (for me) donation where they remove red? blood cells and return the plasma into you body. It was much longer in duration than a regular donation. It left a metallic taste in my mouth. It tired me out. Three weeks later about January 24th I started asymptomatic A-fib. It may have started earlier, I really don't know but that is when I first felt a difficulty in breathing and lack of energy. I was able to see my regular Doctor the following Monday, January 29th. I was so weak by then that the nurse had to help me to the examining room. I didn't know what was wrong but never suspected heart trouble as I had always been healthy and active. The nurse immediately did an electrocardiogram, she left and brought the Doctor back. My pulse was 160-170 and I was very weak. She diagnosed A-fib and said I needed to see a cardiologist asap, or go to the emergency room. Being too stubborn I said I would go to a cardiologist whenever they could get me into see one. Even though it was late afternoon, they scheduled me to see Dr. J Patel the next morning here in Greenville, NC. He confirmed A-fib and started me on multiple medications. I had difficulty sleeping and the following day continued to go downhill. Wednesday evening things deteriorated to the point that I could not breath. My wife called the ambulance and I was take to Vidant Hospital in Greenville, NC. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and given an injection of a diuretic. I was able to pass enough fluid to relieve the bloating and helped with my breathing-good enough that I was able to return home and sleep in my bed. The following morning I had an echocardiogram done and saw Dr. J. Patel, my cardiologist. He diagnosed mitral valve leakage with severe regurgitation. The A-fib continued. I was scheduled for an outpatient procedure the following Tuesday, February 6th. At 7 am I was sedated for a TEE and cardioversion. That part went ok but I had a severe reaction to the anesthesia- fentanyl and versed. They even called the "crash team" to bring me back. Overnight for observation- all ok. The following Friday, Feb. 9, I saw my cardiologist and he gave a shot of a Lasik to reduce fluid. Two days later there was fluid build up and Dr. J. Pate changed my dosage of Furosemide to 2x/day. I saw the cardiologist again on Weds. Feb. 14th. All seems much better and the Doctor listened to my heart and stated that the regurgitation sounded better and he felt things were going the right way. No restrictions and come back in a month. So March 16th back to see him and things are better but continue the meds. Call if a problem. Scheduled a 3 month echocardiogram and consult for Friday May 18th. My weight has gone down about 18 lbs, and I'm feeling fine-just apprehensive. I am awaiting Adam Picks book to learn more about the mitral valve and its regurgitation. Also the stages of that disease. Dr. Patel said that if he was to recommend surgery, he would refer me to Dr. Glower @ Duke Hospital in Durham. Echocardiogram and consult this Friday. what that will bring, I don't know