Thursday, July 22, 2010

Encouraging results from HeartNet procedure

Hi everyone:

Patty met with Dr. Costanzo yesterday for her routine appointment (at which Patty sold the doc a copy of my book). Patty is doing very well. Dr. Costanzo told us that updated results of the HeartNet study in which Patty participated have been so positive the FDA is encouraging further research. Patty's recovery from the procedure was far from pleasant, but it's nice to hear it may have been worth it.

Also, Patty's ICD/pacemaker is gradually running out of juice. When she hears the music coming from her chest (really)--most likely within three to nine months--it will need to be replaced.

Love,
Brian

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Some worrisome symptoms

Hi everyone:

During a recent routine visit to her cardiologist, Patty shared with her doctor that she'd been experiencing chest pain whenever she was especially active--such as when she climbed stairs at school. Dr. Costanzo was alarmed, and quickly set up a series of tests to investigate. None of the tests could explain Patty's discomfort, so her doctor concluded that whatever Patty was feeling was likely not heart-related. Of course, any such conclusions are a bit confusing--nice to find out there's nothing major jumping out, but a bit worrisome that she's having symptoms for which no explanations are offered. My hope is that Patty's summer break will give her a chance to relax and unwind; her school year was a brute.

Love,
Brian

Monday, March 22, 2010

Some non-cardiac surgery for a change

Hi everyone:

Patty had surgery this morning to remove a neuroma from her right foot. For the past two years, it has been a nuisance, and recently has made working on her feet painful. We left the house just after six this morning, and were home by 10:30. As I write this, our patient is in a deep slumber on our sofa, even with the chaos of a full house around her.

When Patty was being prepped for surgery, the nurse seemed quite surprised to learn Patty has an ICD/pacemaker. Patty seemed quite surprised that they were surprised, because she had communicated this fact on more than one occasion. At first, we worried the surgery would need to be postponed, which would be frustrating because Patty planned it for her spring break. Apparently, the normal way of doing the surgery involves electrical impulses, which might have caused some problems with Patty's ICD. Doctors opted for a different approach.

As unfortunate as it is that Patty had to have yet another medical procedure, we're glad for once that it has nothing to do with her heart.

Or does it? I have this theory, which I believe I pulled out of my ass, that this neuroma and the numbness she experiences in her hands and arms are all related to whatever unnamed autoimmune condition she has. I can't prove it, of course--and I'm no doctor--but it sounds right to me, so there it is.

Love,
Brian

Monday, February 01, 2010

An encouraging sign?

Hi everyone:

At long last, we have some results from Patty's latest round of tests (those designed to measure the effectiveness of last summer's HeartNet surgery).

Patty's ejection fraction (EF) now measures at between 30 and 35 percent, up from 20-25 percent. Normal is around 55 percent. With heart failure, it's very unlikely Patty will ever be at normal levels, but she seems to be functioning just fine where she's at.

We were pleasantly surprised by the increase in EF, because one member of the research team said that the short-term results were not as dramatic as they had expected from the study. So, for once, Patty seems to be an exception to the rule in a positive fashion.

All in all, Patty is faring quite well. She has had to battle a few bugs this winter (for example, she missed work today because she was vomiting), but on most days seems no different from anyone who doesn't have heart problems. That's the best sort of news, and we're living it most every day.

Love,
Brian