Mary's Profile

Before I scare anyone off - in 1951 I was born 3 months early weighing 3 pounds. My parents were told I would not survive but I did! Because I was a premie - I think I just have more issues. I was born with aortic stenosis and have been followed since birth. In 1990 I had a St. Jude aortic valve put in. All was well! In 2013 I suddenly developed Arrythmia. Went into the hospital for a few days and got it under control with meds. In 2014 I started getting dizzy and out of breath. I attributed it to stress. Then one day it hit me and I had a complete heart block. No big deal - I got a pacemaker. In a routine visit for the pacemaker in Dec. 2015 - something was not right so they sent me back to the cardiologist for an echo. The echo showed an ascending aortic aneurysm. A CT scan showed it to be at 5.4. The cardiac surgeon said he would possible have to replace the older aortic valve. My cardiologist was opposed because of possibility for complications. I had surgery on March 3. The valve was still in great condition so he only had to repair the aneurysm. I did go into the hospital 3 days before surgery for the heparin drip. Surgery went well and I went home 5 days later. I suddenly gained 11 pounds of water so walking became very hard. I had to go back to the hospital for another echo. Walking was almost impossible. The echo did not show any water on the heart which was good. They asked if I wanted to stay or go home. Should have stayed - it took 12 more days to get the water off. Lasix did nothing, 2 lasix did nothing and then a new drug worked but only after we doubled it. So now I feel behind. I really want to go back to school - I teach orchestra. Today I mall walked due to bad weather here. Had to keep stopping to sit. Slept as soon as I got home. How much walking is everyone doing? My potassium is low and I am anemic. Every once in a while my heart beats really hard and feel it in the chest and head. Also - every night I run a low grade fever and I shiver. Anyone have any of this?