About Me (In My Own Words)
I was diagnosed with aortic valve reguritation, moderate - severe about 10 years ago and have had it for quite awhile. Then in 2013 after a CT scan I was also diagnosed with an aortic ascending aneursym at 4.6. I have been monitored by my cardiologist yearly and now that I am 70, it went from 4.6 to. 5! Doctor said it was time to do surgery. I also have no symptoms and I exercise everyday and walk 10,000 plus steps daily. I am in excellent health other than these 2 issues. I am not overweight, have never smoked, drink rarely and have never had surgery other than a colonoscopy. I am very nervous about my impending surgery which should be soon. No date yet. I do have questions regarding my surgery and recovery. They are: How long approximately, does the surgery take? 2. How long do they usually keep you in the hospital after and ICU? 3. I am very concerned about infections because I have known people who end up with nasty infections after the surgery.....How likely is an infection? I know I don’t want to stay in the hospital long as that is a risk for picking up an infection! 4. How do you take care of your incision scar so it stays infection free? 5. Last for now, is how much pain should I expect and for how long? Can I ever expect to feel normal again? Oh, I did think of another question. 6. I do not want to take opioids for pain. They scare me. What is a good medication to take to get through the first days after surgery that is not a narcotic? I would really appreciate any advice you can offer me. Thanks so much! Ok....final question for now. Any advice on what kind of valve to use? I want one that will last so I am thinking either a pig valve or bovine valve but I really do not want to be on coomidin for the rest of my life. Any comparisons between a pig or a bovine valve? Which is better?
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
I am from: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
