I went to see dozens of doctors, neurologists, cardiologists, ENTs and internists, and no one seemed to have a clue as to the underlying causes of my health problems. After finding out that the results of my first CAT scan were negative, my neurologist suggested that I have an echocardiogram done. He was doubtful that anything would show up.
His recommendation to me: find a good psychiatrist.
The echocardiogram indicated that I did have mitral valve prolapse, so the visit to the psychiatrist was not necessary after all! You have no idea how relieved I was; after almost six months of not knowing what was wrong with me I was actually happy to learn that I had a heart condition! With this discovery I sought the help of a cardiologist. I was given a medication called Inderal (a beta blocker), told to take one aspirin a day to minimize the chance of a blood clot, and to stay away from exercise!!! Needless to say, my condition did not improve much, although the Inderal helped the heart palpitations, and I continued to experience daily episodes of disorientation and fatigue. Frequently my bouts were severe enough to keep me in bed for weeks at a time.
The saddest part of this whole thing is that I am now learning that my experience is not uncommon. There is little research and little information available about MVP, and many doctors do not think that the symptoms patients experience are related to mitral valve prolapse. Many people seeking help with their symptoms are misdiagnosed and mistreated. I was recently told by an endocrinologist that he believed I had a chemical imbalance, and he treated me with an antidepressant called Paxil. The medication exacerbated my condition and sent me back into bed for two weeks!
I really began to wonder what was wrong with me. My doctors all convinced me that my symptoms had nothing to do with the mitral valve prolapse, yet they could give me no answers and no relief. Even on days when I felt good I was afraid to venture too far from home or work in case I "had an episode." I wasn't giving 100 percent to my family or my job, and though I am lucky enough to have a very supportive husband and boss, it didn't make me feel any less guilty or worthless. It was a good day when I could go downstairs long enough to make myself some breakfast or lunch!
Several people suggested that I might have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so I set out to learn as much as I could by reading books and discovering ways to combat it. While in the bookstore I discovered a book by Lyn Frederickson called Confronting Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
, and purchased it along with other books on CFS. In two hours I read Confronting MVP
and was convinced that after all this it was indeed the MVP that was the cause of my problems.
Just having the answer made me feel better immediately.
I began the lifestyle changes recommended in the book and made an appointment to visit the MVP Center in Birmingham. It was so reassuring to visit the clinic and find a group of caring professionals who recognize that MVP is a real thing that can be treated and controlled. Kidding with my family and friends after my visit to the Center, I told them I feel like I went to see the wizard and I got a new heart. I plan on getting involved with a support group in Atlanta, and hope to help other patients understand and cope with their symptoms. More importantly, I would like to help the many individuals who are suffering from symptoms of MVP but have been misdiagnosed and mistreated. MVP is not a life -threatening condition, but it can undoubtedly affect your lifestyle.
What you have to realize is that you have the choice. There are things you can do to take control of the situation and not let the symptoms get the best of you. My belief it that I am a healthier person because I have mitral valve prolapse; it has given me a reason to commit to a lifestyle of exercise, good nutrition and a positive attitude. I wonder if, without the diagnosis, I would have been just another couch potato making excuses for why I couldn't do it. Don't make excuses! There is nothing more important in your life than your life. We are all responsible for the choices we make, so I choose to believe that having mitral valve prolapse has been a blessing. Another blessing is Lyn Frederickson, for writing her book, and another is the Mitral Valve Prolapse Center. I can't tell you how grateful I am for finding you!
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