Sorry I haven't been posting. I suppose I am more of a "lurker" than a an actual "poster". Anyway, Miss Ryan is going Thursday for her annual meeting with her Cardiologist. She has an ASD and last year they found a Mirtal Valve Regurgitation while looking at the ASD. My concern is that lately (maybe the past 3 months) her circulation has been really awful. Her little feet and hands get purple and pink so fast. They always seem cold and sometimes her feet seem swollen. I have noticed that she often coughs at night as well. As, these are all symtoms of the valve problem, my question is for all of you who have been through this....At what point did your heart Doc's actually correct these problems? Did they recommend medicines, surgery, etc?
Our Doc has been "watching" these problems for a while now. I know the appt. is in 2 days, but I can't really focus on anything else right now.

how old is Ryan?

has her leak been labeled as mild, moderate, or severe?

Janna was and is still on Enalapril, Lasix, and Aldactone due to Mitral Valve Regurgitation. She had AV Canal repaired at 4 mos., Mitral Valve repair at 1 yr. She was on Digoxin just prior to her 1st surgery. the swollen feet and cough could definitely mean she needs diuretics to remove fluid. ask A LOT of questions when you go Thursday. have they said she would definitely need surgery and given you an estimated guess as to when?

hope you soon have the answers you and your sweet girl need, aj

Last year it was mild mild mild. They almost didn't catch it. Like I said though, the symptoms have gotten worse in the last couple of months.

well, i can tell you this, if Janna's was still mild, we wouldn't have done surgery - they didn't even op for surgery when it was moderate to severe. they controlled with meds until it got severe and then surgery. once again, hers is leaking mod-severe and being controlled with meds. IF it ever gets severe again they will replace that valve with a mechanical one.

we will pray that Ryan's is still MILD and that they can control it with meds if need be. keep us updated on your sweet girl - i just found an old photo thread and saw wonderful pictures of your red-head beauty - she's adorable! aj

Persephone's went from moderate to severe really quickly (and we didn't really notice!) It was only due to the cardiologist seeing her in April then July after her bouts of pneumonia (not related!) that he picked up on it going so quick.

After that he had her in almost straightaway. Now it's been done (replacement in our case) she's unstoppable!!

Ask all the questions that you need! The coloring and swelling are pretty likely to be signs and diruetics are probably needed!