Am new to the site. My aortic valve replacement is scheduled for January 31st. Needless to say, I'm very anxious and terrified of the upcoming surgery. Being ...Read more
Am new to the site. My aortic valve replacement is scheduled for January 31st. Needless to say, I'm very anxious and terrified of the upcoming surgery. Being on this site and reading other people's journey has helped. I think the waiting is the hardest part....
I think most of us found that the waiting was difficult. Its good to know that as complex as valve replacement is it has become almost routine with unbelievably high success rates. In my case, at least, it worked wonders for me and I've come to regard my "moo valve" as a gift. So best wishes for you. You will do fine.
Cathleen Weed The waiting IS the hardest ❤️. You will be amazed by your strength and courage. Best wishes on y ... Read more
Cathleen Weed The waiting IS the hardest ❤️. You will be amazed by your strength and courage. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery 💛.
Vicki Hake Hi Constance, I KNOW exactly what you are feeling. I am having my mitral valve replaced this Friday , ... Read more
Vicki Hake Hi Constance, I KNOW exactly what you are feeling. I am having my mitral valve replaced this Friday , January 27. I had it repaired 16 months ago, but it didn't help. To think of having to go through OHS again, has caused much anxiety.
I have my faith to hold onto. Without my trust in Jesus, I would really be a mess.
Will be praying for your surgery.
Met with Dr. David Heimansohn of St. Vincent Heart Center in Indianapolis yesterday for my consultation. My 2 sons and daughter-in-law were with me. First ...Read more
Met with Dr. David Heimansohn of St. Vincent Heart Center in Indianapolis yesterday for my consultation. My 2 sons and daughter-in-law were with me. First time meeting Dr. and was so impressed with his compassion, kindness and expertise. My family was equally impressed. My surgery date is January 31st. Now the waiting begins..... I have been very anxious and frightened for a number of weeks but after meeting my Dr. I feel much less anxiety. Also, by reading the many entries on this site have helped and encouraged me so much.
Bob Jensen Constance. we have all walk in your shoes and some of us are still walking in it today. Believe me w ... Read more
Bob Jensen Constance. we have all walk in your shoes and some of us are still walking in it today. Believe me when I tell you that the anxiousness and the uneasiness about the surgery will be over the minute you wake up after it and you will begin a new phase and it will be beautiful so look forward to that part of it.
Catie B I'm so glad your surgeon instilled confidence in you. Anxiety is the worst thing and some is unavoida ... Read more
Catie B I'm so glad your surgeon instilled confidence in you. Anxiety is the worst thing and some is unavoidable. I'm glad you're feeling better and hope the days will fly by, till you're safely recovering.
Constance Tacosik Thanks so much for the words of encouragement....makes the waiting somewhat easier.
This is the beginning of my journal. Am having aortic valve replacement soon. I go see the heart specialist on Jan. 17th for a consultation and am so frightened ...Read more
This is the beginning of my journal. Am having aortic valve replacement soon. I go see the heart specialist on Jan. 17th for a consultation and am so frightened and anxious. Have no idea as to what questions I should ask. My two sons are going with me because I doubt I'll remember everything he tells me. Any questions I should ask would be greatly appreciated.
Civita Fahey Hi Constance, welcome to the group.. As far as questions, you should ask, the type of valve they reco ... Read more
Civita Fahey Hi Constance, welcome to the group.. As far as questions, you should ask, the type of valve they recommend for your age, the method they would do the surgery, i.e., full sternotomy or mini sternotomy, how many of these surgeries has the surgeon done. Your journal doesn't say why you need the surgery so its hard to say what questions to ask, but mostly, how will this affect you and most of all make sure you feel comfortable with your doctors.. there are many, many wonderful people on this site who share the same experience and will give lots of comfort and hopefully alleviate some anxiety.
Maggi Turner Hi Constance, Welcome.. I'm in the UK and my surgery for an Aortic valve replacement is scheduled f ... Read more
Maggi Turner Hi Constance, Welcome.. I'm in the UK and my surgery for an Aortic valve replacement is scheduled for10th January. When I was first diagnosed, without any obvious symptoms, like you I was very anxious and frightened, but I have learnt so much from the wonderful people on this site that a lot of my fears have gone. I purchased Adam's book too which I found very reassuring. I agree with Civita feel comfortable with your cardiologist and surgeon. I have complete trust in mine. I'm not looking forward to my operation, but I am approaching it with a lot more confidence than when I was first diagnosed. A good idea to take your sons to your appointment they will hear things that you don't take on board. My husband has come to all my appointments and it has been good to discuss facts afterwards. Read some of the journals on this site it will give you confidence.
Darlene Smith How many times has the surgeon done the specific procedure you are having? What is the mortality rat ... Read more
Darlene Smith How many times has the surgeon done the specific procedure you are having? What is the mortality rate he has experienced with those patients? For your age and health, what are the possible major complications, i.e. afib, stroke, etc.? Since I was having a repair and not a replacement, most of my questions centered around surprises and the last time he had to replace instead of repair, but for you, I expect the choice of valve and to ensure he explains all the pros and cons. Adam's book has lots of questions, and there are video's too on this site. And if the surgeon shows any hesitancy with answering questions, run for the hills. He should be completely open with any previous complications or risks, and why he is the best choice for you and your situation.
Ellen Leng Welcome to the site. I'd add that you need to write your questions down and take a notepad for answer ... Read more
Ellen Leng Welcome to the site. I'd add that you need to write your questions down and take a notepad for answers because it is easy to get confused with numbers and options floating around. Your sons might want to take their own questions and answers to get it all down.
Best to you!
Kevin Lee Welcome to the group. I had my AVR in August. It is scary and tough but you will be in good hands. ... Read more
Kevin Lee Welcome to the group. I had my AVR in August. It is scary and tough but you will be in good hands. Ask lots of questions and do a lot of research. I recommend Adam Picks book that you can purchase on this website.
Good luck!
Carmen P Adam's newsletter last month had a segment featuring Dr. Kevin Accola suggesting the questions you sh ... Read more
Carmen P Adam's newsletter last month had a segment featuring Dr. Kevin Accola suggesting the questions you should ask your surgeon before having surgery. I had AVR on October 11, 2016. My surgery went well and I was released four days after surgery. Think positive and take your pain meds. Rest and give your body time to heal. Let others help you. It was not nearly as bad as I had thought it would be. Read about what to expect, so that you will not be as scared. Good Luck and relax. Trust your surgeon and nurses.
Meredith Bray H Constance! Welcome. I had my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical valve in march 2014 at age 42. ... Read more
Meredith Bray H Constance! Welcome. I had my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical valve in march 2014 at age 42. It's a good idea to bring someone with you to your appointments because you've got enough to remember. My brain was like mashed potatoes for about 6 weeks before surgery, I had to write EVERYTHING down! Let us know what questions you have for us!
I am from: Fishers
I think most of us found that the waiting was difficult. Its good to know that as compl ... Read more
I think most of us found that the waiting was difficult. Its good to know that as complex as valve replacement is it has become almost routine with unbelievably high success rates. In my case, at least, it worked wonders for me and I've come to regard my "moo valve" as a gift. So best wishes for you. You will do fine.
I have my faith to hold onto. Without my trust in Jesus, I would really be a mess.
Will be praying for your surgery.