Kim's Profile

I started out with CHF in 2005 and my heart is now functioning normally. I have mitral valve regurg and it is moderate but my recent echo showed mild dilation of the right atrium and my ef is now 50 instead of 55-65 (my doctor didn't mention it but I took a copy of the report home). The overall report said no significant changes from the prior year. He did want to start me on a beta blocker (Metoprolol Succinate ER 25 mg) which I can only take half the dose prescribed due to side effects of feeling off balance, heart palpations in the beginning, numbness and a few others. The nurse practitioner laughed at me when I mentioned them to her (I don't think they are so funny). I suffer from anxiety also and that is probably contributing to these side effects. I was plugging along for so long with the same regimen and then wham beta blockers again (I had taken them years ago but my old doctor who died, took me off saying that I didn't need them anymore and I had side effects back then too). As far as surgery is concerned I hope never to have it. I do often wonder why they don't repair a valve when it's moderate instead of waiting until it's severe? I often think that maybe I wouldn't need meds, and I might feel better. I wish everyone the best. Thank you.