Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Another question - heart problems

Lon, I don't know if I have you beat or not, but I went in to ER in 2001 and they found my heart very weak and enlarged to the size of a football. I was told I had 1 yr to 18 months to live if I did not have a transplant. I did no t have the transplant and am still plugging along 5 yrs. later, I have about 40 percent function of my heart. J.R.

Hi John,
The fact that my grandfather survived IS a miracle in itself! He was driving on the highway and it happened - he managed to get himself to the doctor, four hours in the hospital later they had a diagnosis...and the rest is history. I am still so happy that he is alive! If you are interested, he said he has had RA for about 20 years and yes he had hypertension before, but other than that he was fit and healthy (non smoker, drinker, etc). Interestingly enough, the aortic dissection was enough to send his RA into remission for 2.5 months.
With the RA/AS thing, I think I got the crud of the gene pool when I was concieved. My grandfather has RA/OA, my Mum (his daughter) has Psoratic (please excuse me if I spell that wrong) arthritis, and the AS thing comes from my father's family as far as I am aware (we don't see each other often). Apparently I also have RA. My rheumatologist sees all of us - so he really is a 'family' doctor!
Cheers,
Jess

Old friend,
Hmmm, God has a plan.... I do much better with daily exercise and if I can afford medicine. I went on a trip and forgot half my medicine. So when I got back my BP was dangerous, within a week it was back down. I hoe things improve for you and that you can find a way to do those thigs you enjoy.
New friend,
Lon

Jess,

I like Nonnie have some leakage in my heart valves..

I have had several EKG'S and have had 3 ECHO'S one in August.

We thought I was going thru heart failure.

The results said I had some minor leaking and one side of my valves were thickening up. He wants to do another ECHO in a year..I have a feeling that will be a way of life for me.

I am so glad they have these tests...

I was told that an ECHO is the best way to find any heart problems, it is a good idea since AS can effect the heart and anything else in so many ways.

Take Care,

Lisa