News

I finally got the results of my nuclear stress test yesterday and there is good news and bad news.

The good news is that my Ejection Fraction was confirmed to be at 45%. The last test in October 2007 it was 30%. This is the best it has been since this all started. 60% is normal.

They also found a scar on the heart that the nurse said looks like I did have a heart attack a few years ago. I will follow up with the doctor on this when I get a chance to talk to him, but this is a big surprise.

The not so good news is they found what they think is a blockage to the heart of 70-80%. They need to go back in and take a closer look so I am going to the hospital Thursday for an outpatient procedure called a heart catheterization. Link to description here: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4491

They are not sure what they are going to find when they get in there, as I may need a stent to be put in, or I may need bypass surgery. If a stent is put in, I could end up spending the night at the hospital. Stent description: http://www.fda.gov/hearthealth/treatments/medicaldevices/stent.html

If they determine I need bypass surgery, they will schedule it at another time.

I must admit this has me shaken a bit. I am so grateful for my children and friends.