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My name is Bill Kalmer, and I have been a patient for the past 24 years at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My medical problems have been primarily cardiac in nature. I have had an AICD (automatic implanted cardiac defibrillator) for the past 24 yrs. My condition began to deteriorate 2 yrs ago and I suffered from congestive heart failure. In discussing my predicament with a friend who was a cardiologist, he offered to make some calls on my behalf to determine the best surgeon to turn to for a tricuspid valve replacement. He was told that Dr. Hartzell Schaff was THE BEST person to contact.
I followed up on this suggestion, and on July, 13, 2012, I underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic. It was the greatest referral I could have received! The experience my wife, daughter and I had was incomparable. The attitude, care, patience, compassion, competency, and professionalism of EVERYONE with whom we came in contact was off the charts! Naturally, this begins with Dr. Schaff but also extends to nurses, aids, staff physicians and clerical staff. My feeling is that if you need serious surgery, the Mayo Clinic is absolutely the BEST facility!
By the way, my recovery was uneventful and I am working out 4 times per week. I feel 20 years younger and have told my children that age 69 is the new 49!
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A friend has cardio myopathy, congestive heart failure, and 3 of her heart values do not close completely as they should. Doctors here have told her all has been done that can be done. She needs to see another doctor who knows what he/she is doing. The rest of her health is great. She is 75 years old and is very independent, wants to continue to live by herself. She loves to go and enjoy life. Help, please.
Thank you for your comment, Gwen. Please have your friend contact any one of our Appointment Offices in Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; or Rochester, Minnesota http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html. Thanks again.
CHF was experienced by my mother and one of her sisters, maybe more, but I am not sure. Recently I am experiencing swelling and pitting in my lower legs, ankles and feet. I am about to turn 62. I had Stage 4 Lymphoma, surgery and 6 chemotherapy sessions in 2010 and am now 2 years in remission. My left knee has had arthroscopy and ACL reconstruction and last year I took a hard fall. The x-rays say I have mod-severe arthritis in it, grinding, pain,etc. I was put on Meloxicam and I found the swelling increased considerably, so because of my history (dad had quad bypass and stroke and mom had mini-strokes and died of a stroke.) I plan to see the doctor re: all of this, but would appreciate any wisdom or input I can receive. Thank you so much.
Connie Hannah
Thank you so much for contacting us. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any treatment recommendations or a second opinion through this form of communication. As you mentioned, it would be best to consult with your physician. Thanks again.
what is the best medicine for a heart failure?
my boyfriend was confined he had a heart failure…what is the best medicine for a heart failure?
I am 75, and have had HBP since I was 45. I live in WV. For about 10 years, My doctor tried various BP meds I was allergic to, (Coozar, etc.) I changed doctors after 25 years and he added Aldactone to 6 2mg Clonidine per day as well as Bumex, Diazepam, and Lantus 60 units per day for diabetes type II. That was about 4 or 5 yrs ago. I have echocardiograms twice a year at his office. In the last month my ankles and feet have begun to swell. He wanted to inject lasix. I said no since he doesn’t have a diagnosis to back this up. Now I am worried. I’ve been told by the tech from my echo’s that I have 3 very small leakages from a valve, but not to worry, since they’re small and many people have them. Shall I seek further treatment and with what kind of a doctor? Thank you.
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices (Arizona: 480-301-1735; Florida: 904-953-0853; Minnesota: 507-284-2511). Best wishes to you.
My first cousin has told me cardiomyopathy runs in our family. Her son died in his forties while playing soccer. He was unaware he had any heart disease. There have been other close relatives afflicted as well. Does cardiomyopathy have a genetic component?
Thanks for contacting us, Joan. This link will provide you with more information on cardiomyopathy and genetic factors. http://www.mayo.edu/research/discoverys-edge/genetics-dilated-cardiomyopathy