Jim Jones posted a note for Joseph that says: Joe
The very best of success tomorrow! I will be trusting in a great outcome for you.
We seem similar. I am also 61 years old, a runner for 47 years and will be the benificiary of Dr. Adam's considerable talents in November for a MVR.
All the best
Jim Jones

Ernie posted a note for Joseph that says: GO JOE!!!

Wishing you a speedy and (relatively) pain-free recovery.

jeff o posted a note for Joseph that says: I'll be looking for your first post surgery journal entry. Hoping you have a great recovery and you'll be in our prayers.

Jim Eyler posted a note for Joseph that says: Hi Joe
You are going to do great! Sounds like you have a terrific wife who deeply cares for you. Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.
We'll see you on the other side of the mountain.

Michelle posted a note for Joseph that says: My darling husband Joe
I am so proud of you for going through this already with such bravery and courage. You are a true inspiration to me and all of our friends and family. Once we found out the news, you just took action - one appt at a time and now we are 3 days away from what will be the beginning of the rest of our healthy, active, loving lives. I love you so very much and will be with you every step of the way. Your ever, forever wife, Michelle

Sandy Wummer AVR 5/9/13 posted a note for Joseph that says: I had the same thing. 2 days before my diagnosis i was doing an aggressive Zumba class! I have my valve replaced 11 weeks ago. (at Penn in Phili). pick a doc, pick a valve and put your trust in them. its normal to be really nervous, its a big surgery but it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would and the recovery better than I thought. I feel better now than before , I hadnt realized how fatigued I was. keep posting, there are a lot of us "on the other side" that can share experience , strength and hope... j

jeff o posted a note for Joseph that says: Hi Joe, I'm 17 days away from surgery and numb, does that count as calm? I'm also taking things in stride and trying to sloooow down, but it's tough to do since I really enjoy my work and there is plenty to do. Unlike you I have known I probably would need surgery, been on watchful waiting for 35 years with my bicuspid aortic valve. The valve seems OK an aneurysm is the reason for my surgery. Wishing you the best of luck.

Jim Eyler posted a note for Joseph that says: Hi Joe
Sorry it took this long to reply. The echo I had revealed that my Aortic valve was failing. My surgeon confirmed that I had critical aortic stenosis. My symptoms included shortness of breath, fatigue and water retention. I balloned to 190#'s from 165. Quoting my surgeon, I ran this valve out to it's last second. My strongest advise would be sooner than later if given the option. Any other questions just ask!

Brian Walsh - 7 months post MV Repair posted a note for Joseph that says: Dr. Adams is awesome and his staff is the best. Your in great hands and keep in touch with them post procedure as well, since they are very thorough and make sure you have all the care you need.

Debbie Cross posted a note for Joseph that says: So happy to hear about your meeting with Dr.Adams! Sounds like you are on a good path.We will meet with my local cardiologist July31st.We should have my records from Cleveland Clinic Clinic by then.My story is very strange.From worsening symptoms(Afib,cardioversion,dizzy,fainting,terrible fatigue),being referred to Cleveland Clinic(in March).They said I should have my mitral surgery within 6 months.With a surgery date of June 26we began to prepare.We arrived in Cleveland June 23,had testing the 24th & 25.The afternoon of the 25th we met with the surgeon,he went over the test results and told us both mitral and tricuspid valves needed to be repaired and he would do a maze procedure for the AFib.I asked him if this was the right time for me to do this.His response was,"absolutely".When he explained I would have a full sternotomy I was worried.Our youngest is 11 and we home school. Next morning I checked in for my surgery at 6am. I woke up hours later,on the vent,lines in arms and neck,e.c.t. I was so happy to be on the other side,only to be told my surgeon had changed his mind.No surgery! It is such a long story.It's all in my journal.We are so confused! Best wishes for your surgery and recovery!

Grant Goeglein posted a note for Joseph that says: Joseph,

My wife had severe AS, as well. We went to Mt. Sinai hospital and had the surgery performed by Dr. Stelzer. Everything went great and the nurses and staff were awesome. Be sure to ask ahead for nurse Pinky in ICU and nurse Helen on the cardiac post-op floor. Feel free to read my wife's journal on here, Michal Goeglein. Our prayers are with you.

Sherry Stevens posted a note for Joseph that says: Hi Joseph, I can imagine what a surprise this has been for you. I have known for about 8 years; my aortic stenosis was mild when first found. But went from moderate to severe in less than the last year, which was a surprise even to my cardiologist. I know this; learn everything you can, ask any and all questions and trust in God to be with you every step of the way and in every decision. We just met with the surgeon a few days ago and I had lots of questions for him that I knew the answers to but wanted to hear his responses. Armed with my research, the amazing information and encouragement from others on this site and being able to make some decisions about this surgery I am going into it in about three weeks with positive feelings and a calm spirit. Don't hesitate to ask questions and keep asking until you are comfortable with the answers. You will do fine. You will find that hearing from others (through this blog) that have been through it will help you feel much more confident and knowing what to expect takes a huge amount of the fear out of it. Stay strong and positive.

Debbie Cross posted a note for Joseph that says: Hello, I don't even know where to begin! You are not the only one in limbo! I was actually on the operating table,under, before my surgeon came to that conclusion.Not fun.Didn't help my symptoms either! We are very frustrated.

Jim Eyler posted a note for Joseph that says: Hi, Joesph
Six months ago I had OHS to replace my Aortic valve at age 61. Like you, I'm physically active and then suddenly experiencing shortness of breath. I'm now feeling better than I ever have. This surgery is a blessing.
Best of luck to you!
Jim
La mesa, Ca