Andrea's Guestbook

Sonia M  When serious illness strikes a person, the family as a whole is affected by the process and by the entire health care experience. Specially families that have a great bond together. I’m blessed with good parents and a sister. Their love, strength and support got me through my surgery and other things in life.
Obviously I don’t know you, but I totally could relate to you and your sister’s post. It reminded me of all the support my family til this day gives me. God bless you Andrea and your family. All the best. :)

Andrea Smith  Having been on this site for a few months I've just noticed a little heart showing me unread messages! Sorry that I haven't replied to you before. I'm sorry to hear about your son's problems. I was 50 when I was first diagnosed and it came as a complete shock. It was a bit of a saga but it was discovered after I had had a number of tests following the brief loss of sight on a couple of ocassions in one eye. It transpired that I had a cyst on my thymus gland (most adults have had theirs atrophy and go by their early twenties). This needed to be removed and it was planned to be done by collapsing a lung. However, the tests prior to that op revealed my bicuspid valve and within a few weeks I had the AVR. My only other symptoms was tiredness, but I put this down to working hard with a long commute. I didn't suffer chest pains or shortness of breath. The echo revealed that my heart was enlarged and not functioning well. I was lucky to get to that point without too many symptoms. I think you probably stop growing by 21 so hopefully the surgeon will consider doing the op. I know you will feel anxious for your son and the sooner he can be fixed and get on with healing the better. Please let me know how he got on. Best wishes to him and to you (I know how I would feel if it was one of my daughters with the problem ).

Andrea Smith  Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts. Apologies for not responding sooner. I'm afraid that I didn't spot your message. I'm pleased to say that I'm now recovering well and just about to go on holiday. It's a long haul (recovery, not the holiday!) but we get there. Hope you are well.

Andrea Smith  Thank you so much for your kind message. It's good to hear from someone who has had a redo. I'm currently in hospital waiting for my pre med before being taken to theatre. I am unbelievably and pointlessly nervous! I didn't expect to feel like this I really appreciate the support from this forum. I hope you continue to improve.

Andrea Smith  Hi Larry. I'm afraid I found out yesterday that my surgery will be in May. My surgeon is going away for a month in April and they arranged for my CT scan after my surgery date which didn't leave time for it to be done. Very frustrating, although it almost feels like a reprieve! We're now going to make the most of it and try to get some sun on holiday next month. With regards to your valve, I think you did the best thing. I'm having to be opened up this time, but the surgeon wants me to have another tissue valve. Apparently the valves now have a longer life and are fitted so it will be possible for any replacement to be made through the groin which is not the case with the older ones. I asked him which he would go for and he said the tissue one. You can imagine, I don't want to be opened up again! At least you won't be on warfarin for the rest of your life. Happy Birthday for next Tuesday and best wishes for your continued recovery.

Andrea Smith  Hi Jane. It's great to hear from you and good luck for your op. I've already been through this once before so I know you'll be fine. I can't deny, though it is scary. Mine's a redo and I am facing it again with trepidation. I'm looking forward to it being over, as I'm sure you are. I need to check my date with the hospital tomorrow, however as I need a CT scan before the op and I got the letter yesterday with an appointment for the 20th! All the best.

Andrea Smith  Hi Jane. My surgery is now scheduled for May due to the CT scan being booked in after the surgery date and the surgeon going away for the whole of April. Very frustrating! You will be well on the mend by the time I get my op. All the best for Tuesday.

Andrea Smith  Thank you, Kieth. I hope you definitely get your op next week. I know how you feel when it is postponed. First time around I was woken up after the pre med to be told mine was cancelled as someone needed the ICU bed. Difficult for me, but totally understandable. All the best.