I was told in December that I need a Cardio/Pulmonary Stress Test before going forward with the Pulmonary Hypertension.
I saw my PH Cardio Dr who got me in touch with the Dr who does this special kind of testing. All plans were set, I was to have this 2-1/2 hr test on Jan. 7th. The only thing that would prevent this from happening is a cold.
Well at Christmas time, everyone in our building came down with something and of course so did I. I got a cold that wouldn't quit. Turns out it was severe bronchitis. I was put on antibiotics and cough suppressants. I had to put the test on hold. At the same time the clinic returned my call to reschedule the test telling me their computer for the equipment was down, it needed to be fixed.
I waited a week called back and was told they needed to get a new computer and have it programmed could take more time and I have to wait a month after the bronchitis to be well enough to have the test. So we were going to plan the test for the second week in Feb.
My plans are again on hold because my bronchitis came back with a vengeance. This time I was given Prednisone, antibiotics and stronger cough suppressants. The test will have to wait and so will my RHC because I am also having problems with my gallbladder.
If the Gallbladder has to come out I'll have to wait an additional 6 weeks, been in testing for the gallbladder for the past 10 days. Endoscope and ultrasound. Final test was the HIDA scan. Which took 2 days thanks to some complications. 7 attempts to get the IV in, then an hour into the HIDA scan my IV clotted off and they couldn't get the second part of the meds in. Since I could not have any more attempts at the IV I was told I had to go back the next day and have a pic line put in to do the whole test over again. I look like someone strangled my arms, they are covered in bruises. The Dr should get the test results of the HIDA scan on Monday or Tuesday and will let me know what's next. I'll try to keep you updated.
February 02, 2013
December 15, 2012
Health Update
I should start out with the info about my Neck. I did have the surgery on Sept. 13 where all the hardware was removed - I have a completely fused 7 vertebrae fusion with an add'l laminectomy done on T2. I am pain free in the cervical area with the exception of the muscles and nerves. I am in PT for that.
While having the chest X-rays for the pre-surgery it was discovered that I have scoliosis of the thoracic area. Which prompt more testing and I have an S-shape throughout my entire thoracic spine. That surgeon said I am looking at a 12 to 15 vertebrae fusion. Not at this time since I have other issues to deal with.
They also found on that complete spine X-ray a large portion of my intestines up in my chest area under my diaphragm and liver as well as a severely enlarge heart. I was told to see my Cardiologist asap. Which I did. That info is following.
It has been confirmed I have secondary PH (Pulmonary Hypertension).
I have been through almost every test under the sun, my RHC with medicines will be taking place as soon as I get through my Pulmonary stress test. I will getting the date for this on Monday. Recent Stress Test was stopped after only 4 mins. I could not breathe. Heart rate 155, pb dropped.
I had 2 different PFT's at 2 different locations with the same failed findings. They are trying to get me in for the pulm. stress test asap as I have an extremely large heart at the moment. They need to find out why.
I am seeing a PH Cardiologist so he is on top of this.
Recent tests since July have been echo - approx. PA pressures were 35. Up 15 points since March.
Chest X-ray - Sept. Severe cardiomegaly with twisted aorta. Pulmonary Fibrous and scoliosis.
EKG - abnormal
PFT - failed - Neuromuscular weakness (no asthma) He wants to order a muscle biopsy to see what kind of Neuromuscular condition I'm dealing with. 1st things 1st he said.
Ct-Scans with/wo contrast showed same as chest X-ray.
Blood gases - just normal at 83.
As with everything there is more tests that have to be done - some of my current meds have either been discontinued or changed out of help aide in my healing.
While having the chest X-rays for the pre-surgery it was discovered that I have scoliosis of the thoracic area. Which prompt more testing and I have an S-shape throughout my entire thoracic spine. That surgeon said I am looking at a 12 to 15 vertebrae fusion. Not at this time since I have other issues to deal with.
They also found on that complete spine X-ray a large portion of my intestines up in my chest area under my diaphragm and liver as well as a severely enlarge heart. I was told to see my Cardiologist asap. Which I did. That info is following.
It has been confirmed I have secondary PH (Pulmonary Hypertension).
I have been through almost every test under the sun, my RHC with medicines will be taking place as soon as I get through my Pulmonary stress test. I will getting the date for this on Monday. Recent Stress Test was stopped after only 4 mins. I could not breathe. Heart rate 155, pb dropped.
I had 2 different PFT's at 2 different locations with the same failed findings. They are trying to get me in for the pulm. stress test asap as I have an extremely large heart at the moment. They need to find out why.
I am seeing a PH Cardiologist so he is on top of this.
Recent tests since July have been echo - approx. PA pressures were 35. Up 15 points since March.
Chest X-ray - Sept. Severe cardiomegaly with twisted aorta. Pulmonary Fibrous and scoliosis.
EKG - abnormal
PFT - failed - Neuromuscular weakness (no asthma) He wants to order a muscle biopsy to see what kind of Neuromuscular condition I'm dealing with. 1st things 1st he said.
Ct-Scans with/wo contrast showed same as chest X-ray.
Blood gases - just normal at 83.
As with everything there is more tests that have to be done - some of my current meds have either been discontinued or changed out of help aide in my healing.
November 13, 2012
More Pressing Needs Than Myself
Hello all, I know this blog is mainly about me - but right now there's a greater need.
A dear friend of mine really could use our prayers - her name is Michelle. you can read about her at one of the blogs I follow "Michelle's Road to Recovery". It is on the right side of my blog down a few posts from here.
She's not doing well her cancer is back and has spread to her brain, please read her blog and pray, she really could use a miracle. Thank you.
More on my update soon.
A dear friend of mine really could use our prayers - her name is Michelle. you can read about her at one of the blogs I follow "Michelle's Road to Recovery". It is on the right side of my blog down a few posts from here.
She's not doing well her cancer is back and has spread to her brain, please read her blog and pray, she really could use a miracle. Thank you.
More on my update soon.
September 05, 2012
What's Been Happening Since Mayo
I am not even sure where to start but here goes:
Neurologist: Appt. is set for Nov. to go over the findings of the Brain MRI and the EEG.
Neurosurgeon was seen last week - Aug. 28th. He did not like to looks of my neck. I have to have another laminectomy done on T2 and possibly T3. I have to have all hardware removed as I am rejecting it. The Surgery was scheduled for asap - so the date is Sept. 13th.
https://www.memorialhealth.com/healthinfo/content.aspx?pageid=P07681
Orthopedic: New X-rays were taken of my Thoracic findings were: Severe DDD changes throughout the thoracic area. Detroxscoliosis of the thoracic spine centered at the thoracolumbar junction. This is at the same junction where the tortuous aorta attached itself. Needs to be watched.
Pulmonary Specialist Met with my new Pulmonary Dr. today. He has confirmed Pulmonary Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis wall thickening of the lungs and blocked bronchial tubes. I will be needing more tests as time goes on - they are on hold at the moment because of my scheduled neck surgery. I will stopping the saline chloride treatment that Mayo started me on because it is not clearing my lungs. My new treatment plan will begin on Sunday when I can pick up my meds. My appts. to start out with are in 1 month intervals then every 6 weeks. Chest X-rays and CT scans need to be done on a regular basis to watch the progression of the Pulmonary Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis.
Vascular saw my vascular surgeon the first week I came home - but we put the laser ablation plan on hold for the time because there are other health issues that require more immediate attention. I am to go back when I am in better shape (health wise).
Endoscopy and colonoscopy were both done within the first 2 weeks of getting back from Mayo - no bleeds were found. My Dr. is thinking I do not absorb my iron. I was sent to my Hematologist for further testing on the extremely low Ferritin Levels.
Hematologist tests were repeated, my Ferritin levels were still low so I begun my Iron IV treatments. I go back every 5 weeks for blood work and on the 6th week find out where I am at. Good news I have be given the clearance to stop the blood thinners until they can find the source of my extremely high d-dimer test. I supposedly do not have a clotting problem yet my d-dimer is high. Being watched and tested on a regular basis.
I believe that is it for now - still more tests to be done - but not until after my neck surgery and I have had at least 6 weeks of healing behind me. Thanks for reading.
Neurologist: Appt. is set for Nov. to go over the findings of the Brain MRI and the EEG.
Neurosurgeon was seen last week - Aug. 28th. He did not like to looks of my neck. I have to have another laminectomy done on T2 and possibly T3. I have to have all hardware removed as I am rejecting it. The Surgery was scheduled for asap - so the date is Sept. 13th.
https://www.memorialhealth.com/healthinfo/content.aspx?pageid=P07681
Orthopedic: New X-rays were taken of my Thoracic findings were: Severe DDD changes throughout the thoracic area. Detroxscoliosis of the thoracic spine centered at the thoracolumbar junction. This is at the same junction where the tortuous aorta attached itself. Needs to be watched.
Pulmonary Specialist Met with my new Pulmonary Dr. today. He has confirmed Pulmonary Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis wall thickening of the lungs and blocked bronchial tubes. I will be needing more tests as time goes on - they are on hold at the moment because of my scheduled neck surgery. I will stopping the saline chloride treatment that Mayo started me on because it is not clearing my lungs. My new treatment plan will begin on Sunday when I can pick up my meds. My appts. to start out with are in 1 month intervals then every 6 weeks. Chest X-rays and CT scans need to be done on a regular basis to watch the progression of the Pulmonary Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis.
Vascular saw my vascular surgeon the first week I came home - but we put the laser ablation plan on hold for the time because there are other health issues that require more immediate attention. I am to go back when I am in better shape (health wise).
Endoscopy and colonoscopy were both done within the first 2 weeks of getting back from Mayo - no bleeds were found. My Dr. is thinking I do not absorb my iron. I was sent to my Hematologist for further testing on the extremely low Ferritin Levels.
Hematologist tests were repeated, my Ferritin levels were still low so I begun my Iron IV treatments. I go back every 5 weeks for blood work and on the 6th week find out where I am at. Good news I have be given the clearance to stop the blood thinners until they can find the source of my extremely high d-dimer test. I supposedly do not have a clotting problem yet my d-dimer is high. Being watched and tested on a regular basis.
I believe that is it for now - still more tests to be done - but not until after my neck surgery and I have had at least 6 weeks of healing behind me. Thanks for reading.
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