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SIUSLAW NEWS |
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Time to Replace
Heart Valve
Again?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I had mitral
valve prolapse for many years. In
2005, I got an infection, and it ended
up as endocarditis. My mitral valve
was not able to be repaired. I got a
porcine valve. I am starting to have
a little problem with my heart. Have
you heard of a doctor doing a second
replacement? My cardiologist says it
is a really big deal. -- J.L.F.
ANSWER: Endocarditis is an ex-
ceedingly serious infection of the
heart valves. It is much more likely
in people who have damaged heart
valves, such as from rheumatic fe-
ver, but it also can happen in people
with normal heart valves. Endocardi-
tis is treated with antibiotics, almost
always intravenously to begin with,
but complications such as an abscess
or heart failure may require surgery,
either repair or a valve replacement.
I have seen many cases of replace-
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Be
prepared to face some challenges
stirred up by an envious colleague.
Your best defense is the Arian’s
innate honesty. Stick with the truth,
and you’ll come out ahead.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Your sensitivity to the needs of others
is admirable. But be careful to avoid
those who would take unfair advan-
tage of your good nature, especially
where money is involved.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
Having an optimistic attitude is fi ne,
as far as it goes. But don’t be lulled
into a false sense of confi dence. Th ere
still are problems to deal with before
you can totally relax.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You
might feel somewhat “crabby,” as you
ment of a damaged prosthetic valve.
As your cardiologist suggests, the risk
of the operation is high. However, if
the valve is very damaged, you don’t
really have any other options. It is
clear that the decision to replace a
prosthetic valve is diffi cult and should
be undertaken only if other treatments
have failed. An experienced cardiac
surgeon, hospital and entire team is
critical.
You didn’t say what the new prob-
lem with your heart is. A recurrence of
infection is fairly common, since arti-
fi cial valves, both bioprosthetic (like
your porcine valve) and mechanical,
are at higher risk of becoming infect-
ed. Consultation with an infectious
disease expert certainly would be ap-
propriate, if that were the case.
Readers wishing for more informa-
tion on heart valve disorders can order
the booklet on that subject by writing:
Dr. Roach -- No. 105W, 628 Virginia
Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a
check or money order (no cash) for
$4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the re-
cipient’s printed name and address.
Please allow four weeks for delivery.
DEAR DR. ROACH: At age 45, I
was diagnosed with bipolar II disor-
der. I am now 60 and have diligently
taken medication, and I have never
experienced the manic/depression
swings associated with bipolar dis-
ease. I rarely hear anything about bi-
polar II. Can you tell me something
about it? -- D.T.
ANSWER: Bipolar disorder is a
complex spectrum of diseases that
have in common drastic changes in
mood and behavior. Depression is the
most common initial mood disorder
in bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder
is diagnosed when there are manic
episodes. A manic episode is defi ned
medically as an abnormal, persis-
tently elevated mood with increased
activity or energy, lasting at least a
week. Feelings of increased self-es-
teem, decreased need for sleep, be-
ing unusually talkative, having racing
ideas and distractibility are common.
Spending sprees, sexual indiscretions
and foolish investments sometimes
happen during these episodes.
In bipolar II, true manic episodes
are not present. Depression always
is, as is at least one episode of hypo-
mania, which is similar to manic epi-
sodes but less severe or long-lasting.
Bipolar II is probably underdiag-
nosed, partly because hypomania can
be hard to recognize. It is important
to make the diagnosis, since treatment
is different, and it is worth reconsider-
ing the diagnosis if treatment is inef-
fective.
fuss over plans that don’t seem to
work out. Maybe you’re trying too
hard. Ease up and let things happen
without forcing them.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Heed
that keen Leonine instinct. It’s trying
to tell you to delay making a decision
until you’re sure there are no hidden
problems that could cause trouble
later on.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) Th is is a good time to reach out to
those who might be nursing hurt feel-
ings over recent events. Best advice:
Ignore any pettiness that could delay
the healing process.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) Your understanding helps a col-
league get through a diffi cult peri-
od. Although you didn’t do it for a
reward, be assured that your actions
will be repaid down the line.
SCORPIO (October 23 to
November 21) You score some high
marks in the workplace, which will
count in your favor when you face
the possibility of changing direction
on your current career path.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Your goal lies straight
ahead. Stay focused on it and avoid
distractions that could throw off your
aim and cause potentially detrimental
delays.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Keep that burst of exu-
berance in check and resist pushing
through your new project before it’s
ready. In your personal life, a family
member again needs help.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) Paying attention to your
work is important this week. But so
are your relationships with those spe-
cial people in your life. Make time for
them as well.
PISCES (February 19 to March
20) Good news. Someone is about to
repay a long-standing debt. But be
warned. Th at same someone could
try to charm you into lending it back
unless you say no and mean it.
Siuslaw N ews
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