JoAnen (big sis) I just want you to know that I have always looked up to you for as long as I remember. You have always had such strong, unselfish, independent and very caring traits that I know you will use to get you thru all this. You have the tenacity and willpower to get you thru anything......this is going to be a breeze. (Except the "taking it easy" part) I want you to know that I am with you every step of the way in support and prayer and look forward to hiking the mountains with you next year or kayakiing the river! You are going to be better than ever with a heart that will be able to receive more instead of always giving. It's your time!
With lots of love and prayers......
Dana

Hi JoAnen, It sounds like you are ready. I lost 45 pounds before surgery. It really did help. In fact I am only about 3 pounds from my goal. I did a lot of walking but I did slow down when I got a worse. But I think it has helped a lot with my recovery. Nobody believes I just had OHS. All I hear is how good I look. Makes me wonder what I looked like before. Keep up the good work it will pay off, and watch out for all those Dall Sheep, Moose and bear to. I have a niece in ANC and she is always sending pics on facebook of the moose in her yard.
Until later
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi JoAnen, I agree with you. A year last Sept. I was told my Aortic Stenosis was moderate. In Feb I was told it got a little worse. I got a new cardio doctor and he told me it is hard to say when it is time. They have to wait until it becomes severe before they do surgery. Severe means the valve has to measure1cm. I was sitting on the fence with 1.1cm for several months even while I had all the symtoms, dissiness, light headness, running out of breath, wanting to pass out. He said there is no way of telling when it will change. It can go so far and just stay there for a while. It sounds like yours is getting there. Let your doctor know that you are having these symtoms and that will help as well.

Oh and by the way welcome to HVJ. You will get a lot out of this site. It helps a lot. Good luck to you and keep us all posted. I will be following you. Where is Houston Alaska? I have been to Alaska twice and I just love it there. It Gods country. I did a cruise and also the AlCan Highway thru the Yukon a few years ago.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi JoAnen,
Good luck with your dr appointment and keep us posted. It is stressful waiting to find out. Everyone here has experienced that I think.

...Vicki D.
(Bicuspid aortic valve, moderate stenosis)