About Me (In My Own Words)
Several years ago I was dx'd with a narrowing of my aortic valvedue to a bicuspid valve. I was referred to a cardiologist, Dr. Harrison, in Danville, PA and he performed an echo to see the extent of my damage. I was then told that we would keep an eye on things, because of my age, a ripe young age of 53 at the time, that he wanted to hold off surgery as long as possible. He told me that he wanted to see me in 6 months time to re-evaluate. Which I did, and continued to live my life. Riding motorcycle, participating in shooting competitions and activities. Fast forward to January of this year. Had my usual 6 month check up and echo. My condition had worsened, but Dr. Harrison left it up to me as to whether to have the surgery now or wait another 6 months. Because it was the winter time and the fact that I have to drive a good distance to get to the hospital, I decided to hold off, hopefully another 6 months. We moved into a new home over the winter, and that's when I noticed a dramatic difference in my stamina. I was getting out of breath easier and a heaviness in my chest, like someone was sitting on my chest. Also, some dizziness upon exertion, which went away once I sat down and relaxed. But, things were definately getting worse and quickly. On Monday I saw my family doctor and told him the symptoms I've been experiencing and he told me it was time. Not words I wanted to hear, but deep down knew he was right. He emailed my cardiologist and told me to follow up with an email as well. I'm waiting on pins and needles to hear from the cardiologist now. I'm scared to death to have the surgery, which would be a aortic valve replacement. Not scared of the surgery near as much as the thought that I would wake up with a breathing tube down my throat. That happened one time before during one of my surgeries. I woke up in recovery with the tube still down my throat and I felt like I couldn't breath. I panicked and if I could have reached up and pulled it out, I would have. The nurses tried to calm me down and told me everything was going to be ok, and I either passed out, or went back to sleep. When I woke up again, the tube was out. One minute I'm thinking once again I'll have energy to do the things that I love to do, and the next, I start thinking what if something goes wrong. Who's going to take care of my Dad, my dog, my fiance'. My thoughts start to run away with negativity.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Honey Grove, Pennsylvania