Suzanne's Guestbook

Hi Suzanne, I am just reading your story now. I hope you are doing well. Like you, I have had a murmur for as long as I can remember and was never alerted to the fact that it could be attributed to something serious. At 40 (this year), my doctor referred me to a cardiologist based on our conversation and the fact that I had never had an echo. I had an echo which revealed a bicuspid valve and moderate stenosis. I am now on a yearly schedule to have an echo and follow-up. You mentioned that you went 30 years getting an echo yearly with a few progressions during that time. Can I ask what your baseline AVA/Jet velocities were and how quickly they progressed? This is all fairly new to me and I am trying to read as much as I can to educate myself as to what I should/can expect on the years to come. This site has been a great resource. I am very thankful to Adam and all of you that take the time to post here. It is definitely much easier to deal with when you know you are not alone. Thank you.

Hi Suzanne - really great to read your story. Like yourself I opted for the mechanical valve during my recent operation on the basis that I’m 58 and do not want to run the risk of having to have a further operation in my 70’s. I had my aortic value replaced at Papworth Hospital in the UK on 29 January this year and im now into my 6th eeek post op. Everything is going well, I’m up and about, walking and have recently resumed driving. I do get tired in the afternoons but my Rehab course starts in two weeks and that hopefully will build up my strength and stamina. If there is a downside it’s that I’ve been told that I’m a warfarin “lifer” and will need regular blood checks to manage my INR. Over the last week or two I have been researching all issues around vitamin k consumption and the impact on my INR. This is making me confused and somewhat depressed. What I’m struggling with is the recommendation to have a consistent intake of vitamin K. Both my wife and I enjoy our green vegetables ( cabbage, spinach, broccoli, etc) which are high in vitamin K and also other high foods including mayo, green salads and coleslaw, but I’m unsure as to what is meant by a consistent intake. At the moment I’m avoiding foods with high vitamin k levels and my INR has varied in and out of my target range (2.5 - 3.0) . I do want to reintroduce these foods into my diet as I do enjoy them but am struggling to understand how best to go about this. Do I really have to have a small portion of foods with a high level of vitamin K everyday or is there a better way to go this? I would be extremely grateful to hear of your own experiences and would welcome any thoughts and advice you may have. In the meantime I wish you well as you move into the next phase and you look forward to your return to work. I’m hoping to start this phase in May 😁 Thank you John

Hi Suzanne Sounds like your going really well - enjoy the new valve - I am in my 9th week of recovery. I see you have posted a great picture of yourself and the hubby hiking in Ireland. Myself and my wife Ruth hike a lot around Ireland we live close to the Mournes & Slieve Gullion - we have hiked in Peru Austria & the states - I think it has been a big help in my recovery. Stay strong and enjoy the road ( Hills ahead) Pat