May 18
radeshotel
radeshotel , Posted on SUPPORT NETWORK Blog

Living with Heart Valves Problems

I was diagnose with leaking Heart Valves in October of 2012, in Detroit, MI.  In November of 2012 I had two Valves replaced.  I went into cardiac arrest 3 times, I was in the hospital for 2 months.  Got home and was not doing well at all, started having Sycope (fainting) constantly.  Back to the hospital and they place a dual Defibulator/Pacemaker in.  Still not doing well in and out of the hospital every 3 months.  In June of 2013 they put me on Milrinone, which is an IV drip.  So I had a Pic Line put in my arm to depense the med.  Every 3 months, back in the hospital for an infection either on my Leeds from the PaceMaker or from the Heart Valves. After so many times the Doctors didn't know what else to do, they call my family in and told them that I was giong to die and that was it. So They kept replacing my Pic Line, this went on until October of 2015. After that things were still not good so I  went to Birmingham, AL, had an appointment with the Cardio. in Novermber of 2015.  Made my appointment, but before they could really tell me anything I was back in the hospital for yet another infection.  Went through changing my Pic Line from my arm to my chest, I had a new Pic Line put over 5 times.  I'm now off of Milrinone which is a good thing but I'm still getting infections.  Just had my Pic Line removed in March of 2016.  Have not had an infections since been feeling really good. 
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8 Comments
  • EileenC
    EileenC,
    I'm glad you're doing better! What was causing the infections?
  • Virginia Marie
    Virginia Marie,
    Glad you are finally feeling better! You have had a difficult road to travel to get here. Hope and pray your improvement continues. Keep us updated. Blessings
  • stache69
    stache69,
    You are a pillar of strength and blessed to know their is good in all WE muddle through. Hang tough....I know it is so wasy to say but this website did not make me think I was alsone and some have had it even worse than myself. Everyday is a new challenge and for me it is about the incredible shortness of breath and associated thoughts/feelings/fear associated with it right now. HUGZ
  • ringochi
    ringochi,
    I'm glad you're feeling better, obviously you're strong person having overcome so many infections. Going to the hospital is scary so take care of yourself to avoid it as much as possible. Keep up your faith
  • anne-marie halloran
    anne-marie halloran,
    I SHARE YOUR PAIN AND YOUR DESPAIR, BUT THE GIFT OF LIFE THOUGH IMPEERFCT IS STILL SOMETHING TO CONSIDER. I AM GLAD YOU ARE NOW FREE OF MECHANICAL DEVICES AND READY TO SEE THIS BEAUTIFUL PLANET. mY BEST ANNE-MARIE
  • AHA Ambassador Mark
    AHA Ambassador Mark,
    With all of the hurdles that your heart valve disease has thrown down before you these past several years, I admire your strength and resilience. It sounds like you are dealing with a more complex condition that involves both structural problems (2 valves replaced) as well as ongoing heart rhythm issues. The repeated infections from having pic lines in are another challenge on top of all. If you possibly can, I encourage you to visit a center of excellence heart hospital that is best equipped to manage more complex and multiple conditions like yours. It often requires a specialist team approach to properly diagnose and manage your type of situation. Continued strength and resolve as you do your best to overcome these heart health challenges and be there for your family. MarkR
  • hereiam
    hereiam,
    I was diagnose with a heart valve problem just last week. Do not know exactly what is wrong yet, have another appt. next month. God is good always and you have the strength to believe, now show your faith in Him that brought you thru all this and remember with God all things are possible. Hang in there and pray and stay blessed. I will praying for you and all of us.
  • radeshotel
    radeshotel,
    I thank you all for your support, it been 6 month and I have not been hospitalized, I am very thankful and I pray every day I wake up. I still go and have my cumbidin check weekly so I'm trying to keep that in check, so far it's been up and down but doing ok. You all are in my prayers. God is Good All The Time!!!!
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