About Me (In My Own Words)
I read Adam Pick's book, The Patient's Guide to Heart Valve Surgery, in July, and it helped me come to grips with proceeding with surgery. I also have purchased the Incision Shield, and just put it in my bag for the hospital.
I found out I had a bad heart when I was in law school in 1987. The doctors have been watching the leakage from my bicuspid valve and the size of my aneurysm for about 20 years, and they have now convinced me that I should go ahead and get these fixed sooner rather than later. I have had few symptoms other than occasional left arm pain. I finally decided to quit arguing with the doctors in July--after all, as I tried to make my case, the numbers have not changed that much--my aneurysm is 4.8cm, but that number plus the tricuspid valve lead to their conclusion that these need fixed now. I went and got a 2d opinion in Denver in August and decided to stay with my original surgeon, Dr, John R. Frederick, and have the surgery done here where I live in Colorado Springs. So I have surgery bright and early this Tuesday morning, October 13.
I have been an occassional visitor to this site,and am always encouraged by others' stories. I am a very private person, but I decided I want to share my story as I might be able to be an encouragement to others.
I just turned 60 in Spetember. I am an attorney for our local county government where I practice in the areas of real estate, land use/zoning, and water law. I am married, and we have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I like to read, ride my bicycle, am trying to get better at golf, and I started skiing again a couple of years ago. My goal is to be able to ski in February 2016. I would appreciate any prayers or positive thoughts on my behalf.
Regards,
Cole Emmons
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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My surgery date is:
October 13, 2015
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I was diagnosed with:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. John Frederick
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My hospital is:
Penrose Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO
