Sheila's Profile

I'm a 57 yr old female who was diagnosed with an aortic valve stenosis in March 2011. I've been active all my life. My family members are fit & trim....active in everything from competitive running to surfing, kayaking, hiking, sailing and more. In January of 2010, I started training for a 1/2 marathon to do with my brothers when I noticed my endurance was an issue. My surgery is scheduled for July 11th. My heart surgeon has been doing valves for 30 yrs and comes highly recommended. My daughter & I met him a few weeks ago and feel 100% at ease and confident with him. Still, my anxiety hits me hard at night. I find myself stressing on the recovery aspect. I've been a Medical & Sports massage therapist for 14 yrs and I can't imagine taking more than a month off from work. No gardening or yard work either? I have found great comfort in the patients' journal on this site....especially at 2AM when I can't fall asleep because of worry.