Dal's Journal

How do you prepare for heart surgery? Is there a checklist to monitor? Working the last 30 years in education I always created a list of activities and projects as a way to monitor my progress. As I completed an evaluation, District report or disciplinary hearing I checked off the task and moved on. Preparing for this journey I began my usual practice and started writing down a list of tasks to complete. I soon discovered there was more emotion involved than just pushing the paper. The emotions I have had around this surgery have been the most complicated feelings I have encountered. There are so many layers to the feelings of this experience. It feels like an onion, each layer exposes a new thought, new feelings, sadness, tears, relief and finally (hopefully) acceptance. Since I received the diagnosis of "severe aortic stenosis", I was unsure if I should continue to be active. Would the next run or swim be too much? By nature, I'm one that searches for the answers. Working on my dissertation, I would frequently read the current article, and search two or three deep in the listed references. Digging deeper to understand. I have started that similar process in this endeavor. I read Adam's "Heart Valve Surgery" and another book, "The Open Heart Companion" by Maggie Lichtenberg. I read all I could find on Aortic Stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve, recalled my Dad's experience in a similar surgery in 1983. What I found was solace in the knowledge and the ability to be comfortable with the current situation. The science of valve replacements was in it's infancy when my Dad experienced the procedure. I still have moments of sadness, and the feeling of "Why Me" is prevalent. Each day though, I am stronger and glad I have the time of retirement to guide me. I am able to do this on my time schedule, not predicated on a work schedule I need to work around. I am extremely fortunate to have a strong circle of caring family and friends. They have provided me the most comfort as I traverse this uncharted territory. I am not alone and that is invaluable. I hope to share with everyone this journey. My surgery is scheduled for October 10th, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon. I have a great surgeon, Dr. Andrew Tsen, who was most comforting when I first met him. My brother, Kevin and I sat down with him and answered all our questions. The one question I am continuing to explore is the type of valve. I've decided on an artificial over a tissue valve. Primarily because of my age. However with an artificial or mechanical valve I will need to take coumadin/warfarin for the rest of my life. I've been researching and asking what that is like as a result of the choice.........................More to come, thanks for reading!!!!

I grew up knowing I had a heart murmur. As a child I had to have EKG's each year before participating in sports. It wasn't until five years ago, doing my first echocardiogram that I learned I had a bicuspid aortic valve. I quickly learned what that meant. I had always been active, completing my first marathon before I turned 50 was on my bucket list. I have since completed four marathons and continue to swim almost every day. On my second echocardiogram my doctor referred me to a cardiologist, Dr. Patrick suggested, actually said, "You are going to outlive your valve". The realization was apparent then the next steps I would need to make. Through this journey I have learned much about the condition of aortic stenosis, the surgery that will be done, and most of all about myself. I didn't see myself as a heart surgery patient, but soon learned there are as many kinds of heart surgery patients as there are people. Through this experience I hope to share for others the journey I now begin.