Angela's Journal

I had my aortic valve replaced last year on March 20, 2020. I had aortic stenosis which was caught during a routine physical - I had a very loud heart murmur that my doctor insisted I have checked out with a cardiologist. My aortic stenosis was severe, so I had to have surgery very soon after I was diagnosed. I opted for an On-X mechanical valve because of my age (I am 56 years old) - I didn't want to have to have surgery again in 10 years with a tissue valve, and I feel that taking warfarin the rest of my life is a small price to pay for a longer lasting valve. At a year past my open heart surgery, I am 100% better now! What a difference in my health! I work at a power plant, so I have to climb ladders and stairs almost every day. I didn't realize how bad I was before the surgery until after my recovery! Now I can climb and not feel like I'm going to die! My mother just found out that she is also going to have to have her aortic and mitral valves replaced very soon. She also has 4 heart arteries that are blocked, so they are either going do a bypass at the same time, or use stents and try to open her mitral valve with a balloon before replacing her aortic valve. She is 87 years old and her surgeon isn't sure she should even have the surgery at her age. But my mother still has a sharp mind and is in otherwise good health. She does have type 2 diabetes, but it is under tight control (she only weighs 120 lbs). I am hoping she is able to have the surgery and that it is successful. I know if she can get her heart fixed, she will feel so much better, and she can stay active in her remaining years. She is an avid gardener; I am hoping she can keep on growing vegetables and flowers for the rest of her life! Please say a prayer for her if you will...