Mark's Profile

I was first told of my heart murmur at the age of 7 while being hospitalized for rheumatic fever. I don't remember much except that I missed a lot of the first grade and was followed by a doctor and cardiologist for many years. I was also instructed to not over exert myself in sports or activities. It didn't slow me down though. Nothing new until I was in my late 20's and my doctor would not sign a medical release for scuba lessons, stating that my heart had some issues and that he didn't feel comfortable with the pressure issues of scuba. Also, this was the first time that I was told that I would probably have to have my heart fixed, probably when I was 70. No big deal as that was way off in the future and they will probably have a "miracle drug" to fix it by then - and probably a hover board too. After getting echocardiograms every other year with no new issues, it finally started to change in my mid 40's. The cardiologist at that time said I will probably now have to get it fixed in 10-15 years. Still no big deal as that is still a ways off. Fast forward to this year January and the cardiologist now thinks I will need it fixed in 3-5 years - and he tells me that it will be open heart surgery! Whoa!!! That's the first I heard that. Still a little ways off, but he wants to do some more tests later in the year just to verify. Fall of 2014 and after a stress test, TEE and cardiac Cath, the cardiologist breaks the news to me that I need to have this "life-saving" surgery in 2-3 months max. So much for the miracle drug. (They have invented the hover board though. Google it) Alot of symptoms that I used to write off as getting old and out of shape I now see as the symptoms of a failing heart. And, since being told that I need this surgery soon, it seems like the symptoms are getting worse weekly. After educating myself about what is going on and visiting numerous Dr's and surgeons, as well as using this website, I have settled on a surgeon, hospital and date. I am comfortable now with what is going to happen in a few weeks as I have a great wife and kids who will be there to help me, and I know my mother, (who passed this January) will be there in the surgical room to make sure everything goes well.......