Chad's Posts

Can you get a second opinion on the optimum timing of surgery in Canada? If you are experiencing symptoms during activity that seems an indication that maybe you are ready for surgery. I believe studies have shown earlier intervention is better because the heart can remodel better (where possibly your enlarged ventricle is from your heart compensating for your condition). You should ask your doctor about the questions you have regarding what you are able to do that you have in your text message. I think the big concern would be if you do pass out and fall and hurt yourself, possibly seriously, if you work on a construction site.

Hi Chad I am sad to hear both about what happened and your situation now. I do not know how bad your values are and what the doctors say so it is very hard to judge. In one sense it was super easy for me. My shape was so bad so they clearly said we can not send you home even if I asked and wanted. I spent 4 weeks walking in corridors at hospital, sometimes allowed to go out a bit with someone following me, constantly connected to monitoring of the heart. I watched all what I could find on Netflix (there is a documentary called Open heart about the goalie Henrik Lundqvist), Disney+, Viaplay, HBO and all the TV channels I had in my phone. It was really mentally though. I do think you should talk to your doctors what you can do. Hard to say but I think you have to accept the fact that you can not do everything until they have fixed you up. It is really tough I now. Given that you seem to be in good shape I really do think that you for sure will come back to work. You will likely be able to do most of what you do today but if you have to go for mechanical valve and bloodthinner like me you have to be a bit more careful, like I have written. still I do a lot of things and really enjoy life. It is really tough, tell me, I know and I needed someone to talk to, l talked to a psychiatrist, my wife and my uncle who is a doctor. When you are open about it most people actually care a lot and help you. If you can go away and work I do not know..the only one that can tell you that.. I hope you get your time for surgery quick and like the nurse said to me on the surgery table before they put me to sleep. NOW WE WILL FIX YOU UP. I really hope that things start to move my friend so you can embark your journey. It will be tough, it will be up and down but when you gradually come back and extremely rewarding, // Henrik Terminator/ Cyborg Lindeberg

Hi Chad, lots of folks here with bicuspid aortic valves. I had the same thing. Had my regular physical checkup since I have been about 40yrs. Then at age 53 dr. hears a murmur long story short I have a bicuspid aortic valve just then started to regurgitate. Researched as well as a few visits to cardiologist and surgeon's. Had a ross procedure 2 years ago and I am very happy with this option as I didn't want blood thinners on a daily basis. I am active and pleased to say I have continued to be active. Find a surgeon that does Ross Procedures and discuss this option since your age is right in the "sweet spot" don't hesitate to reach out if you would like. Take care and best of luck with your journey and job.

Good comments. Mine were dilated but after surgery it have recovered and back to normal size, slightly on the high side they tell me. Still they are very pleased. Then I think since they kept me I likely was in a worse shape than you Chad. Like Deena said push to really get to talk to them.

Few things can be added. I think you have to try to do the things you like, but with your heart health restored and the exertion within allowable limits. These are established by surgeons and cardiologists, depending of the nature of your work. I fully agree in Deena and Henrik oppinions.

Grace- thank you for the reply, you are right I should try for a second opinion in a larger city. It’s always good to hear from different professionals . I’ve spoken to my cardiologist here in Kelowna and he said based on my Stress Echo I should just keep my heart rate below 140 when working out and if there is pain just stop. Henrik- I always appreciate your comments and advice, you are right only I can answer the questions I have about pushing too hard, and I do need to be realistic with my condition. Darrell- I found a guy in Vancouver that does the Ross, I think it’s time to ask him for a second opinion. Deena- I appreciate you reaching out with a reply and you are right I will get to the other side and you are right I should push to get it done sooner rather then later.

All great advice!...I would only add that, as you know, cardiologists are the gate keepers here. I would make an appointment with them, and discuss your fears/issues, and get a real good opinion on how your heart problem sits...time lines, seriousness etc. Then trust what they tell you. If you can't trust that, then possibly get your family doctor to refer you to a new one. And get a GP that knows a lot about the heart, because they all dont. ..Ask. When I started with my family doctor, he got me a new cardiologist, because the one I was seeing was not the best one for me. ....then just do what they say. I can also tell you that, in Canada, when you go to emerg with heart issues, you go right in, often to the trauma room, where you are looked after awsomely!! So I think if they say carry on normal, that's what I would do. Its too easy for me to just say "dont worry". Get the best info you can, and that will help calm your fears etc. Go see your cardiologist, and if you're not the pushy advocate type,.. bring someone with you that is, ..ask questions. If the answer doesn't help, ask again. ...Hopefully that helps a bit.

I’d talk to your doctor about your risks for remote work. I used to live on an island that had a 45 minute ferry ride to the mainland and then another hour drive to a major hospital and two hours drive to the regional hospital where I had my surgery. I was thankful I didn’t have to deal with that worry after my diagnosis because I had already moved to another island with a bridge to the mainland. If you go, you’ll want to look at emergency medical flight insurance. I had a policy for each emergency helicopter service for my island. It wasn’t expensive, like $100 each for a year. Also talk to your doctor about your other health risks for your work. If your doctor advises you against it, I suspect, you can tell the company your doctor has advised you against remote work because of a medical disability.

Thank you all for the sound advice, I think I was overwhelmed by the fact that I felt I needed to take this job up in the arctic and just had to push through and hope for the best! It’s amazing what some advice from people that have been through it can do for my mental health. I often push away and close off from people and just try to put on a happy face but my wife tells me to lean into her and my family and friends so I’m trying to take my guard down and do that more. I appreciate you all!!!! Thank you!! I’m awaiting my next appointment with the cardiologist and I will definitely tell him my fears and listen to what he has to say. If I feel In My gut that I need a second opinion then Vancouver is only 4 hours away. I’ll trust the process and try not to let the anxiety get the best of me!!! Since I made this post I actually had a new offer from another fire protection company… it’s weird how life works sometimes it brings you exactly what you need!!! This company will have me doing easier work and I get to stay in Kelowna, it’s less money but I see it as a blessing!!! Have a great weekend everyone, you’ve e helped more then you know!!!