Check-up results

I had my semi-annual heart check-up last week. My pacemaker is working fine. My battery is estimated to last another 5 years. My ventricle is paced 100% of the time and atria 60%. My thyroid is back to normal and I’m feeling fine.

My doctors still tell me that I will need my pulmonary valve replaced (I call it a valve job) sometime in the future. They are paying close attention to my echo results to see if my heart function is worsening. When I have surgery will depend mainly depend on how I feel. When I’m no longer able to remain active, it will be time.

In the meantime, I plan to get back in shape and off the caffeine again. I’ve started exercising more often and eating better to burn off some summer fat. Ski season is only a few months away. I also plan to spend more time online with my wired friends.

Cheers,
Blake

5 Comments

Results

by SMITTY - 2008-09-04 10:09:51

Hello Blake,

Glad you got what I think is a positive report on your health. Now just do the exercise and diet as you say you plan to do and watch things get even better. That will be the really hard part.

I like your attitude - valve job. With that outlook you know things have to come out good.

While I'm at I want to thank you for giving so many of us the opportunity to share our experiences.

Smitty

Check-up

by ela-girl - 2008-09-04 11:09:07

Heya, Blake.

I, too, like your "valve job" attitude! It gave me a chuckle and a reminder not to take ourselves or circumstances too seriously sometimes.

Attitude = outcome

Glad to hear that the ticker (both natural and electric) seem to be towing the line. :) Best of wishes in getting ready for ski season! I think it's funny that you have "summer fat" to burn...most of us have the problem with winter fat! LOL

Happy clubbing,
ela-girl

Love that caffeine!

by bambi - 2008-09-05 11:09:42

I guess I could give up my morning coffee if my life depended on it and I could start my day in a comatose state! Chuckle... Anyway, if you don't mind me asking, why do you need a pulmonary valve replaced? It sounds so serious! I'm glad you are feeling good though, and looking forward to winter sports! I remember those when I grew up in Buffalo, NY. Now they are a faint memory! I live in Memphis TN! I would love just ONE good snow for old time's sake!
Take care,
Bambi

Reason for valve job

by admin - 2008-09-06 08:09:23

I had two open heart surgeries as a child. The flaps of my pulmonary valve were basically cut away in 1978 and the valve opening is starting to narrow. This is causing pressure in my right ventricle, which impacts my heart's function.

I've know that I would need surgery for many years now. It is common for adult Tetralogy of Fallot patients like me.

Blake

Thyroid?, Interesting!

by iraiam - 2008-09-09 01:09:32

Your post is very interesting to me, I have been hypothyroid for years, on 137mcg levothyroxine now. and more recently hypogonad.

You say your "thyroid is back to normal" was it hypo or hyper? that is awesome.

I got a PM 5 days ago, I'm sure I have bloodwork coming up for my hormones, heres hoping!

Ira

You know you're wired when...

Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.