About Me (In My Own Words)
I had heart valve replacement and triple bypass surgery in mid November 2010. I was operated within four weeks of diagnosis at the Hagaiekenhuis in The Hague, Netherlands. I am now in the recovery phase and have just recently started back at work part-time. I am 48.
I had severe stenosis of the aortic valve. I was given a metal heart valve by Bentall procedure. The Head Surgeon said after the op that he was amazed that I had managed to live as long as I had because the valve was so calcified. So I was lucky. The blockage of my arteries was not so serious but they did the bypasses as a precaution against future damage.
There is heart disease in my family (angina) but I never suspected heart valve disease. Before I finally plucked up the courage to get a proper diagnosis last October I had been feeling increasingly unwell for about two years with all the classic heart disease symptoms except chest pain. I lived with them using various coping strategies, hoping that everything would be 'ok in the morning'; but it never was.
Now I have a new heart valve I feel better in myself, and somehow changed. After the operation I felt elated to be alive - despite the two huge scars on my chest and leg - and this feeling continued for some time. Now it is mixed with a more daunting and challenging feeling - how to live in a different way. It's a great opportunity, but difficult all the same, especially when your whole rhythm of living has to change.
I am currently undergoing a recovery programme in Leiden. I have also recently started back at work after a break of over four months. My recovery is - as for so many heart surgery survivors? - up and down. For me it is challenging because I have always been very active and busy, and now I can't afford to be like that any more. Changez la vie!
I have had great support from friends and family, and also a superb medical team. I have also found Adam's blog and book and the stories of other heart valve op patients inspirational.
In my journal I will focus on recovery aspects, particularly lifestyle changes, and the resources which I have found useful in dealing with surgery and its immediate aftermath.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Leiden, Netherlands
