Katie's Guestbook

Hi Katie, I understand your feelings. I've had them too. I think you have to go through the same stages as you do for grief. - Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and finally Acceptance. At least that's what I went through. These surgeries are low risk - especially for a healthy person otherwise. Best of look. Keep us posted.

I am so sorry you have to go through this at such a young age. I , too , was shocked and surprised at my diagnosis of aneurysm. My bicuspid aortic valve was still doing well, not causing problems. It was the aneurysm that necessitated my surgery. It took me a few months to accept that this was indeed happening to me. You will find that this site helps you a lot, and that there are really a lot of other people going through similar problems. You will do well!

My surgery is on the 17th. You beat me by one day. I am an oldie. I am 70 years old, had surgery in 1993 when my aorta to to burst, caught it just in time. Now it is getting bigger and they want to redo it and replace my aortic valve. Sure does make you want to jump up and down inside your head....hopefully, next month we will all be better and able to climb stairs and noe run out of breath. Good luck and you will be in my prayers! Tom

Hi Katie; I am almost 5 months out from an AVR operation. I had no symptoms (that I knew of). I am very active, mountain bike, hike, ski, XC ski. I am also a professional Coach (Ski Racing). So, I was a little surprised to learn that I needed AVR surgery. Like you, I started to have extreme shortness of breath and long story short, three days later I had surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital. I went with a tissue valve, I am much older than you (61) and did not wish to deal with Coumadin. My surgeon agreed with this and said by the time I need a new valve @15 years (I hope!) it will be much less invasive. My surgery went well (mini sternotomy). I was back at work on skis 5 weeks post op. I am now back hiking and back on my bike (on snow almost every day all winter). So yes, this is a very serious operation, but also very common. It sounds like you are in good shape, which makes your recovery go that much better. I really started to feel somewhat normal around 5 weeks. Cardiac rehab is strongly recommended. It gives piece of mind while working to regain strength and stamina. When you are first out of the hospital, you will need a good support system to do almost everything. I could not even open a jar or a sliding door (coughing and sneezing is very painful). You should do just fine, the operation is the easy part, they put you under and you wake up 6 hours later. You will stay in ICU for one night and be moved to a regular room the next day. You will be up and walking around that day and should be out and home in 2 days, force yourself to walk and move as much as you can. Good Luck!!

Hi Katie.. I noticed you are from Dedham.. I live in Topsfield (originally from Allston/Brighton/Medford) It's really hard to learn that you have a problem you never knew you had!! I found out I had a murmur during annual visit. I felt fine, worked out, boxed, did cross fit.. but, my whole life going up stairs was always an issue.. I thought it was because I was never in the "best" shape.. or age.. but, go to find out I have a bicuspid valve. I am having surgery on 4/24 at the Brigham. I noticed you are going to Dr. Khabaaz at the BI.. I saw him also and he was really a nice guy and is very well spoken and has a great record. I decided on the Brigham only as I felt more comfortable with the surgeon there and I am hoping to have a mini sternotomy.. if you'd like to talk or email let me know.. I'd be glad to share any info I can give you.. I haven't had the surgery yet so I cant give anything on that, except the anxiety level.. hahaha.. my email is formia0711@gmail.com.. I can send you my phone number if you like.. you will find this site invaluable in so many ways.. its been a God send to me for questions, support etc. The people on it are truly angels.. God Bless.