for those that have been asking......

I had my follow up appointment with my cardiologist on Tuesday. It was a follow up appointment to an echocardiogram that I had that didn't render too great of results. He told me that he, himself, was not happy with the results. That he had anticipated the results would, if not gotten better, that they would have at least stayed the same. I think he was most concerned that the EF had gone from 35-40% down to 25% or so. I don't think either of us were thinking that we'd get those kind of results for me, especially after I have lost 112 lbs. But my blood pressure was perfect... 100/71!!!

Soooo we began talking about a game plan. He thinks, at this point, that I need to be started again on the medicine for CHF. So he prescribed Coreg. But because my blood pressure being so great, he lowered my blood pressure medicine because the Coreg will lower it too. He doesn't want it to bottom out. He isn't sure if additional weight loss will be effective, or if my body needs to play catch up to the weight loss that I have experienced. He isn't sure that the medicines will be as effective as he is hoping. The good news is... At this point, there is still enough heart pumping function to not be even slightly concerned with a heart transplant and the mitral valve leak, while moderate to severe, is not bad enough to render repairing or replacing. Thank God!! But I do have to take this new medicine regimen for 1 month and go back for another echo and to see him again. Hopefully things will improve or at least stay the same!

As of right now, we are just trying things. I have seen other physicians in the office and they all concure with my cardiologist. So I am not at all doubting my doctor or his opinion at all. It could be as he suggested, maybe more weight loss, more time for my body to adjust... Or even maybe, on the bad end of the spectrum, maybe I just have a bad heart, that even without being obese, it would be bad, but the weight did make it slightly worse. What ever the case may be.... I WILL continue to do my very best on succeeding with this weight loss journey. I will live my life, without focus on the negative or the problems that I'm having. Together, with my cardiologist, we WILL figure things out, and work together to make this situation better. Bad heart or not... I won't let it beat me!

Thanks for all that have written and asked about me... For sending prayers. I am absolutely positive that they have helped! Hugs to everyone!

Hey Theresa,

It seems as if this appointment was very positive in nature. I would think you are still processing all you've learned today but it sounds like you've got a great plan in place and much to look forward to. Getting healthier certainly adds to our lives and aids in helping with the lessening of meds and the lessening of many stressors. I hope that you continue to improve and at the next appointment I hope you hear things are going smoothly.

Hi Kat!

I think the appointment went very well, with all considering. You are right. I am still processing everything that is said and being done. I am trying to look at everything as a learning process so that hopefully, I can grow from each experience. Thanks so much for your advice and well wishes. And I will definitely keep you posted on the new events!

Well it sounds like you did get some good news.  I think that the plan you & your doctor are taking sounds like a good one.  Sometimes it does take awhile for our bodies to adjust to the changes so as you go along things may switch for the better.  Keep that positive attitude!!

It sounds that overall, things are positive.  It sounds like you have a very thorough cardiologist, and that makes a big difference.  Keep up the positive attitude and know that we are all cheering you on through all of this. 

Sounds like you got some positive news and some things to process today at the appointment.  Glad things seem to have gone smoothly and hope they continue to.

Glad to hear you have a game plan in action with your cardiologist.  Update us in a month with the new results!  :)

I am glad that you were able to get a game plan to put in action. I hope things improve with your heart. I know it is a very scary thing.  Please keep us updated!

I have no doubt that you will continue to succeed in your weight loss. Savor each moment.
I don't care what the doctor says--you have a GREAT heart!

Woo Hoo! Yeah! Glad things are a little better. Had fun last night!