StrokeSurvivorBlog

For the last two months Steve has been closely monitored by his new cardiologist. There were four goals he wanted Steve to achieve in order for him to live a long and productive life. The number one priority was treating the atrial fibrillation, which the doctor believes was the cause of the stroke.

The second priority was treating the congestive heart failure with the medication Coreg (Carvedilol).

Third on the list was treating the hypertension (high blood pressure). Each one of these goals have been reached with very few side effects.

The doctor specializes in non-invasive cardiac treatment, which means he chooses to take a more conservative method of treating his patients. He added the new medications one at a time at a low dose, and then increased them very slowly to determine if there were any side effects. This approach was very successful and it allowed Steve’s body to acclimate to each new medication. The meds are working quite well, and Steve’s blood pressure is within a normal, healthy range. When I took it tonight with our new blood pressure monitor, it read 106/66. That’s the lowest it’s been since his stroke!

His breathing is so much better too, and he doesn’t feel the congestion around his heart. It just so happens that the same medication (Coreg) used to treat the congestive heart failure also decreased his blood pressure. It’s very interesting that Steve tried Coreg in early January with a different cardiologist prescribing it at a higher dose, and he experienced severe shortness of breath and had to go off of it.

The blood thinner is working perfectly. We have not noticed any side effects except a little drowsiness, and I am so pleased that we’re finally getting some good results! It really gives us hope that brighter days are ahead. Thank you so much for your prayers!