I've always considered myself a reasonably healthy person. I keep my weight under control, don't smoke (anything), drink very little and exercise regularly. I am now 66 and have been noticing lately that I am slowing down. A year ago, I'd walk the dogs 4 miles with my wife, and thought nothing of it. Gradually, over the last year it has become more taxing, then REALLY taxing, and now it is impossible. On a good day, I can make it 1/2 mile if I go slow enough. On a bad day, I can't go two blocks. At this point, I know something is wrong and head to my doctor. As an afterthought, he orders an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). The results are shocking. I got the official report Tuesday morning:
" ...being treated for acutely decompensated congestive heart failure due to SEVERE mitral valve regurgitation. ... will require intense medical treatment including open heart surgery."
I sat in his office and cried. In the 6 weeks since they've done that test I've gone from struggling to walk 2-3 blocks, to struggling to walk to the bathroom in my own house. I get out of breath at the slightest exertion, and it is worsening quickly. I start treatment Tueday 7/19; about half the time I am almost positive I'm not going to live that long. I am only 66, had to quit a job I love because I'll be out at least 6 months, and wanted to work to 70. My life is totally upside down right now.
If you are getting up in years, and feel like you are starting to slow down, please see your doctor. Get some answers. If you don't like those answers, see another doctor. Ask for cardiology and pulmonology referrals. Do NOT write it off to 'getting older' like I did. My heart rate goes through the roof, and my oxygen saturation tanks as soon as I stand up and start walking. I am essentially confined to home until treatment can be started, next week. This whole thing could have been managed way better, IF I'D HAVE GONE TO THE DOCTOR WHEN I NOTICED I WAS SLOWING DOWN. Don't be me. Help your doctor help you.
" ...being treated for acutely decompensated congestive heart failure due to SEVERE mitral valve regurgitation. ... will require intense medical treatment including open heart surgery."
I sat in his office and cried. In the 6 weeks since they've done that test I've gone from struggling to walk 2-3 blocks, to struggling to walk to the bathroom in my own house. I get out of breath at the slightest exertion, and it is worsening quickly. I start treatment Tueday 7/19; about half the time I am almost positive I'm not going to live that long. I am only 66, had to quit a job I love because I'll be out at least 6 months, and wanted to work to 70. My life is totally upside down right now.
If you are getting up in years, and feel like you are starting to slow down, please see your doctor. Get some answers. If you don't like those answers, see another doctor. Ask for cardiology and pulmonology referrals. Do NOT write it off to 'getting older' like I did. My heart rate goes through the roof, and my oxygen saturation tanks as soon as I stand up and start walking. I am essentially confined to home until treatment can be started, next week. This whole thing could have been managed way better, IF I'D HAVE GONE TO THE DOCTOR WHEN I NOTICED I WAS SLOWING DOWN. Don't be me. Help your doctor help you.