A related discussion,
Had symptoms and MDs found a PFO was started.
Thank you for posting. No one mentioned left ventricular dilation, but I have not seen my actual reports from my tests. My doctor simply stated that because I'm 42 and never knew I had this before, it can't be a problem. I do know that that is not necessarily true - I just don't know if mine is actually the problem or the cause of my sumptoms. I know of 2 people in their 60's, recently diagnosed, who's doctor's recommended that theirs be closed. My doctor has never even talked to me. I just wish he would communicate. When I go back in early August, I will probably have a better idea of what to ask.
I'm fine with waiting until August. As I continue to exercise, I'm trying to figure out if there is any rhyme or reason to my symptoms. All I know for sure is that I do not have the stamina I had before this started...and the fatigue is frustrating.
Thanks, Fiona, for your input. No, my adrenal function was not checked. I go back to my internist in early August and he said we'll see what to do next if I am still experiencing the shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. I did NOT take any weight-loss supplements, though. Does that change your thinking?
Hi. I understand you are not a doctor, but I would like to ask your opinion on something. My doc found a small PFO (atrial) when doing some testing to try and find out why I was having postpartum arrhythmias. I had a couple short episodes of atrial fibrillation and now I have PACs. Is it possible that my pfo is causing me to have pac's? I have read that pfo's can cause atrial arrhythmias, but I never had any until I was postpartum. My theory is that the pushing during childbirth re-opened my pfo which had probably sealed over previously. Does my theory make any sense? Thanks for your opinion.
Adult cardiologists do understand VSDs ( and PFOs and ASDs) since that is something that is more common than you think. Other congenital abnormalities no, they wouldn't get it. A small VSD isn't going to really affect you. If it was affecting your heart, it would have shown up as left ventricular dilation, of which you did not mention that you have. The echo would have picked this up. I would lean towards finding other causes of decreased performanc and zip. The only other possible scenario that I could imagine is diastolic dsyfuction, but many millions of people have it and do just fine.
Good night and good luck.
Did they check your adrenal function at all during your work up? It would probably have been a morning cortisol level. Changes with adrenal function can cause an incredible amount of fatigue to occur. This is especially important to check if you have been using weight loss supplements.
Just an idea. Hope you find an answer soon.
Fiona
tjw,
A small VSD will generally not cause significant symptoms. An exercise echo could show if there is any change during exercise, but from what you post, I would consider it unlikely.
It is impossible for me to make recommendations about exercise without personally examining you. Lack of energy can be from a large number of things. If you are not comfortable with your care plan you should discuss it with your physician or seek a second opinion. Dr Richard Krasuski at the Cleveland Clinic specializes in congenital heart disease and would be a great second opinion resource.
good luck