About Me (In My Own Words)
Lou my Husband first had a Aortic tissue Valve replacement in 2010. He is a non smoker, non drinker and he was a very fit man then at the age of 71 years old. One thing we did notice is that his memory was affected after the surgery. At about the second year mark his new valve was showing signs of stenosis and he has been having six monthly check ups with the cardiologist. I have noticed a deteriation in his well being for about the last three months. Upon asking him if he was feeling ok he would say yeah I am ok. I knew deep down otherwise. I know him well and something was going on. I did not find out what that was until his first visit to the emergency a few weeks ago with a racing heart beat. When asked if he has had any symptoms he let it slip out that yeah every now and then he feels a little discomfort in is chest. When we went to our local Dr to tell him about what's been happening and having been admitted to hospital the Dr asked do you get any symptoms going about your daily routine. He said yeah I feel funny sometimes when I am working in our mango orchard or out fishing, he could have knocked me over with a feather I was so shocked and disappointed he had kept this information from me. He then said I just stop what I am doing then I feel ok and carry on. We last saw the cardiologist only about six weeks ago. They said once again his valve is showing deteriation but has long as he does not get symptoms well they will watch and wait which was reassuring and we were told to report back to him once symptoms started because then they would need to replace his valve. Unfortunately my husband is now 77 his memory is going and when I asked him why he did not alert me or his cardiologist to his symptoms he said he forgot, also he did not want anyone to think he was useless. Anyway we were at the emergency again today with racing heartbeat 131 bpm. We have presented via ambulance three times now in the past month. I have been quite controlling with situation and lashed out with my tounge at my husband for not being responsible and stubborn and selfish. I also tried to wrap him in cotton wool then he got really grumpy. Which is to be expected. I suppose I was saying don't do this and don't do that but after I came to terms with everything I have let go of trying to control the situation. My heart was in the right place but I soon realized I was suffocating him with my behavior towards him. He is very casual about the whole thing and keeps on saying when it's your time it's your time which is one of his favorite sayings. However his main worry is that after a second surgery he might not make it out alive. Which is the main thing that worry's me. But we have to stay positive and hope we get a date for surgery soon. My husband goes for hours without drinking water which is not helping his situation one bit. The Dr says it makes the heart have to work harder. Sometimes I just want to give him a big kick up the backside. Thank you for listening. writing this all down is helping my stress levels.
Update 22nd September 2015.
We had a very thorough meeting with the Cardiologist yesterday. First off Lou needs an urgent appointment for an Angiogram. Also he has an appointment at the end of October to have a scan on his neck and carotid arteries leading to his brain. With this new information we will see if surgery is imminent. If no problems are found the Cardiologist is confidant Lou's valve could last another 1-2 years. He said we have to be careful we don't do his valve too soon or too late. So that being said we also are going to get Lou's short term memory assessed especially that he had memory problems after his first valve surgery. Just so they are aware of any further memory problems straight after this next surgery. I love our Cardiologist he is so friendly and explains everything. I recorded our appointment and it was so good to listen to it afterwards and take it all in. We are due back to see Cardiologist in 6 weeks. Depending on whether Lou experiences any more symptoms. So we have 4 appointments in the next 6 weeks we have to travel 200 kilometers each time to the next city. our fears have been quelled and knowing the hospital is doing everything that we need them to do. Thank goodness. Thank you everyone for your good wishes it really makes a big difference to me. Lou does not use the computer so I it is me that is receiving the wonderful support of this online community.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Australia
-
I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
-
My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
-
My hospital is:
Townsville Hospital
