I'm going to get a TEE on Wednesday and I'm a bit scared.

[icymist]

Some history: I had a TVAR back in June, 2019. A TVAR is having a heart valve replaced by inserting it through an artery from a thigh. It seemed to be working for the next couple of years. The heart murmur came back last winter. My doctor tried to treat this with an extreme blood thinner. This caused coffee ground (color) stool so it was discontinued. The TEE involves having a camera inserted through the esophagus which gives a clearer picture of the heart. I will be drugged.

I fear my end is near. Every day it is getting harder and harder to perform even basic activities of daily living. I am constantly short of breath, but my oxygen saturation is always above 95% on room air. This is about as bad as I've ever felt.

Being on the DU since 2004, I've seen a lot. I've grown to appreciate all of us here and how Skinner, EarlG, and Elad have created an extremely special place. There's nothing else like it on the web.

[MOMFUDSKI]

1. The docs will

fix you up Wednesday. You are going to be just fine. Best wishes!

[icymist]

6. Thank you.

[irisblue]

2. Icymist, we are all sending our best hopes prayers, and vibes for you.

Wil someone be able to let us know you are doing after our study is complete?

[icymist]

5. Thank you.

I'll be bringing my cell phone with me so I may be able to post if I get admitted.

[irisblue]

9. You have a color of candle you favor? I ask permission to light one for you

[icymist]

10. Of course you may.

A light green would be good for me. Thank you.

[calimary]

43. From what I know about color meanings, green is the color of health and healing.

And renewal, and new growth, and Spring!

It's a perfect color for this.

[Walleye]

3. Here's wishing you best of luck on this. Doctors are amazing I had

Visually assisted thoracic surgery and it went very well it involves putting a camera like you described. I agree with what you say about DU. Feel better

[icymist]

7. Thank you.

[ms liberty]

4. Sending vibes and love. Will be thinking of you on Wednesday.

[icymist]

8. Thank you.

[MiHale]

11. Best health tool...

is a positive attitude. My wallet has a special card section for all my “artificial add-ons”. I laugh about them all the time. Keep smiling, and please take the breathing exercises they’ll give you seriously.

Waiting to read more of your posts in the future.

[icymist]

12. Thank you.

[calimary]

13. Oh icymist, just imagine all of us on DU going with you

to your appointment and waiting for word from your doctor(s) that all went well and you are on the road to RECOVERY! Cuz that’s where we’ll all be on Wednesday, at least figuratively-speaking!

Hugs and healthy healing thoughts streaming out toward you right now and throughout!

We’ll be waiting to hear.

[icymist]

17. The TEE is just a test to try and see what's wrong.

This may lead to surgery.

[calimary]

21. I'm keeping all fingers crossed

so hopefully I’ll be forgiven if my posting here looks funny (or noticeably weirder than it already is)!

[ancianita]

30. Ditto!

You know we'll all be there with you, icymist!

[Wild blueberry]

14. All the best to you

Will also be lighting a light green candle

[icymist]

15. Thank you.

[calimary]

22. And wearing as much green as possible!

[BoomaofBandM]

16. Best wishes and hope that it helps.

I have some health issues, one being asthma. The air quality has been brutal and temps pretty warm in my neck of the woods. Breathing definitely affected. It is very scary to not be able to catch your breath and feel weak. Sending positive thoughts and hope for a way to ease your discomfort. Good luck.

[icymist]

19. Thank you.

[Hamlette]

18. You and I will be around forever,

remember, only the good die young.

I'm sure you'll be fine. All my best.

[icymist]

20. Thank you.

I don't know if I want to be around forever the way this planet is shaping up! LOL!

[Hekate]

23. All the best to you, icymist

[icymist]

24. Thank you Hekate.

[Botany]

25. I hope that you find enjoyment in whatever time you have.

Besides we all get to see the best President of my lifetime in Joe Biden and the Master Class on being POTUS he is giving right now.

[Nightowl]

26. It is Amazing What They Can Do

Now to keep us healthy. You will be in my prayers and I am wishing all the best for you.

[icymist]

27. Thank you.

[cate94]

28. I wish you the best

Hopefully this will help them determine the best treatment.

[icymist]

29. Thank you.

[TNNurse]

31. A TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) is a wonderful tool.

When the cardiologists at our hospital were learning to do them, my husband the CCU nurse volunteered for practice. I watched. I did not volunteer. It does give the doc a great view of your heart valves.

You will have a great nap during the procedure, like for a colonoscopy, and when you are awake, they will have info.

Hope it is good news, but shortness of breath is scary and irritating.

Please give us an update.

[Delphinus]

32. Sending love

and healing vibes your way. May your doctors find a solution so that you come back to your best self.

[Fla Dem]

33. Icymist you are a DU trooper and will come through this with flying colors.

All my best wishes your Dr will see what's going on in your in your heart and will have a course of action to get your heart functioning again as it should to give you a good life.

[Solly Mack]

34. Hoping for the best!

[LoisB]

35. Nope, nope, nope. Your end is NOT near. The doctors will figure it out and you will be good to go

for a number of more years. Sending hugs and positive vibes to you.

[mountain grammy]

36. All the best to you.. hope the procedure goes well

Keep us updated.

[democrank]

37. Sending strength

We’re all with you.

[yankee87]

38. Good luck

My beautiful wife just had a heart valve replacement surgery and it went well.
There is always hope.

[BaronChocula]

39. I'll tell you what a good doc told me years ago

after not being able to get my blood pressure under control. I was getting a little edgy having different meds switched out year after year and I was concerned that nothing would ever work. He told me "seek comfort in the fact that you are actively in treatment though you might be discouraged with the progress, but we'll keep working at it." It did sort of calm me down and it put things into perspective.

It sounds like you are listening to your docs which is good. Keep it up. We'll stay positive for you here at DU.

[KarenS]

40. Sending you the very best!

Heart issues can be so overwhelming and scary.

Sending ((Hugs))

[Faux pas]

41. ...

Sending the best healing vibes ✨ icymist

[Warpy]

42. They'll wheel you in, give you medication

and you'll ask them when it starts. They'll tell you it's all over. Really.

I just hope you get good news, that it can be managed short of a total valve replacement. Those work very well, they just ruin your life for a few weeks when you're recovering from surgery.

[littlemissmartypants]

44. Stay encouraged, icymist.

I'll be burning sage, banging my drum and shouting out to the universe on you behalf. We love you. ❤️

[icymist]

45. I am home now. The tests are all done.

The problems that called for the test still persist. I am waiting for consultations from my doctors. Being really drugged out of my mind yesterday I went right to bed we got home. What people see in enjoyment of being drugged like that is beyond me. I still feel a bit out of it.

I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and encouraging sentiment.

[icymist]

46. My medical condition has deteriorated.

I'm going in for some blood draws to prepare for open heart surgery tomorrow. I saw the doctor's instructions and I may go directly to the ER. Sorry for the short notice. I wanted to be sure what was happening first. In case the worst happens, it's been fun, interesting, and wonderful being here with you all. DU rocks!