Jimmy's Profile

Learned about 16 years ago I had Aortic Regurgitation. I have seen a Cardiologist yearly. Was just told last week that he thinks the time has come to have the valve repaired or replaced. I see the Surgeon on 1/26 to get his thoughts. I am filled with all kinds of thoughts and emotions. I am 38 years old. I have no symptoms. I am married and have 3 wonderful boys, Hunter(5), Luke(3), and Conor(18mos). I am drawing my strength from them and particularly my youngest who had open heart surgery at 6 weeks to correct aortic coarctation. He's doing very well. Updated - I had my AVR on 2/20/12 in Presbyterian Hospital. Surgery was performed by DR. David S Andrews. It went really well with no complications. At 38 I chose a Bovine tissue valve. I am expecting at least 20 years out of this valve. I didn't want to be on blood thinners and deal with the effect of that. I know that I will need to have it replaced again and I am ok with that prospect of that. My Recovery went well and I am back to a normal life. Well almost normal - I am eating healthier and exercising more and enjoying life more.