Can CCHC help me or should I seek attention in Philadelphia?

[Jerry E. Conners]

HISTORY: June 1983 Deborah heart and lung Hospital New Jersey,catheterization.  Found a 70% blockage Left anterior descending artery. Given "Cardizam" and told to return in a month. July 9, 1983   MI resulting in loss of over 1/3 left heart muscle.  Treated with internal medicine until Dec 1994 when a thallium stress test revealed other problems on back of heart.
Jan.5,1995 Open heart surgery at Episcopal hospital, Phila.
Double by pass using leg vein and Mammary artery.  Also repaired an aneurysm on the back of heart.  Acute emphysema discovered during surgery.
aneurysm has returned and vein by pass has closed off.
Feb 1999  Ejection Fraction  21-26%
May 1999 hospitalized with pneumonia.

Now continuing with a multitude of medicines (15 plus nebulizer and o2 at night  2 Liters per min.

Currently having spells of shortness of breath with least bit of exertion.    My Cardiologist and Pulmonary Doctors tell me   "Hey Jerry your holding your own.  Make appointment in 2 months."

White male  70 years old 5'8"   196lbs  Retired
Would it pay me to visit Cleveland?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Of course I can't give a full opinion without reviewing all your records but given the very brief history you've given me it does not sound like there are a lot of options.  Repeat surgery would probably be associated with a high mortality.  A angioplasty may be possible or PMR (laser revascularization) may be possible.  We would be happy to see you here and I would recommend Dr. Pat Whitlow as he sees many people similar to you.  Bring all your records with you and we will give you an honest opinion one way or the other.

[Jerry Added comment]

List of medications  currently taking.MEDICINE LIST OF JERRY E. CONNERS

AS OF 9 Nov 1999
(ALL ONE TABLET UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTE
FLOMAX-- 0.4 mg 1 X daily  (started 6 Sept 99)------Urology
DEMADEX--20mg. 2 X daily (started 5 Aug 99)-- (Replaced Lasix)
ALDACTONE--50mg. 1 X day (changed 21 Aug 99)-- Heart & Lung
COREG-- 9.375mg.--1 1/2 tablets 2 X daily (increased 2 Aug 99)--Heart
SINGULAR-- 10 mg-- 1Xdaily      (Started 30  May 99)--Lung
PRAVACHOL  20 mg-- 1 X daily @ night-- heart
GLUCOTROL XL 5mg --2 X Daily(2 Morn-2 eve) chngd 19 Oct 99-sugar
THEO-DUR --300MG TBSR--1 X DAILY--Lungs
DIGOXIN--.25MG--1 X DAILY--Heart
CAPOTEN--12.5 MG--1X DAILY(break in half)decreased 2 Aug 99--heart
PRILOSEC-20MG CPSR-1X DAILY @ night--Stomach
MONOKET-30MG-2X DAILY  (1 1/2 Tablets)--Heart
Coumadin-- 2.5 mg-- 1 X every other day  (will change as needed)
Prednisone-- 5 mg. 2 X daily  (one @ 3PM)--Lungs
Flovent-2puffs every 12 hours  (ONE @ 3PM)--Lungs

Mixed in Nebulizer & used every 4 hours
Albuterol Sulphate .5%--.5ML mixed with  2.5ML Sodium Chloride
Atrovent-- 2.5ML  --Lungs                                                      

NITROGLYCERIN-400MCG SL AS NEEDED--Heart
VIT. C-1000MG}
E-800IU}   1X DAILY
Zinc-60MG}
Oxygen 2.0 Liters/hr during sleep( 24 hours if needed as of 11 JUNE)

Allergy to "PERSANTINE"


TEMP SUSPENDED WHILE ON NEBULIZER
ATROVENT-14GRAMS-2PUFFS-3XDAILY
PROVENTIL-6.8g-2PUFFS-3XDAILY

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thanks.