Arnold's Profile

I was diagnosed with stenosis four years ago at the age of 60. I was asymptomatic so I went for an echocardiogram each year. My 'opening' was about 1.2 cm. In mid-July I began experiencing shortness of breath, which became increasingly worse. Within a few days I arrived at the hospital in an ambulance. The main culprit was endocarditis resulting in 'vegetation' growing on an already compromised valve. My valve was replaced on 7/31 of this year. I spent a total of 40 days away from home including hospital and a rehab facility. I came home on 8/27 and boy did it feel great to be there! I have a loving wife who acted as my advocate the entire time. I'm so thankful for a second chance at life. Doctors told me that due to the infection, I was thisclose to not pulling through. I was on intravenous antibiotics through a picc tube through 8/31. Temporarily on warfarin and visiting nurse checks INR every few days. I begin a cardiac rehab program 9/28. I'll never take everyday life for granted again after being bedridden and only being able to walk a few feet with aid of a walker. Although I'm still recovering, I'm walking around, driving and socializing and went grocery shopping for the first time today since surgery! Becoming less winded each day and I thank the cow that donated my brand new valve. Bless everyone! Arnie Update 1/15/16 In two weeks it will be six months since the AVR . I see my cardiologist on 1/20 for echo and discussions. Completed rehab and then signed up for maintenance exercise 3 times a week. Do treadmill. steps and freeweights.Gained most of my weight back but in better places. Afib still occurs occasionally. On warfarin indefinitely. Doctor offered Xarelto , but I'm wary after researching it. Still think of my time in the hospital often. Almost seems like a bad dream. Very conscious now of what I eat, my activities, and my INR. It's amazing how much I know now about my body and meds that I never thought of prior to "this". Stay well and keep on tickin'!