Irma's Guestbook

Hello Irma and welcome to the heart community. I am Terrie and I also shared the diagnosis of yours. I had my surgery 6 weeks ago and received a bovine valve to replace my calcified aortic valve. I had hit the severe stage as well prior to surgery and had been largely asymptomatic up until then. Your question on how long you want to watch the condition pretty much in my opinion is based on the opinion of your Doctor or Cardiologist and the tests that they perform to see the degree of damage being done by the calcification of the valve. Each test performed gives them the knowledge to inform you the best time to mend your valve. If you have confidence in those people they are the ones to move forward towards surgery. By the way Irma, your being in possible denial and confused are just part of the process we all go through when being given the diagnosis of needing a heart valve replaced, especially if you have been healthy up until now and showing no symptoms. It is a shock to learn that you will need open heart surgery in itself but I want to assure you that(especially in this community) there are many people who will offer you support and comfort in knowing you are not alone in these feelings you are having and will be here to help you through the start of your journey up and to surgery and after you have returned home to recover if you need them to. I am 65 and home 6 wks. I want to tell you that once you have the full knowledge of the plan your Doctor/cardiologist will make with you towards getting the surgery scheduled the easier you will be able to move forward in an informed way. That answers your question as to what point you should opt for surgery. It will be with your primary physician, Cardiologist and chosen Surgeon that you will be on a path where any testing gets done to find the condition of your valve and how soon it needs replacing. It is important that you see these people as YOUR TEAM of people more qualified to helping you make this big decision. I wish you all the best as you begin this journey and want you to know that you will find many very knowledgeable and caring people who have shared your diagnosis here to help you with great support and information. I couldn't have gotten through my journey without them and continue to enjoy their support as I myself recover! Take care and will be looking for your posts.