Judy's Journal

One week to go now. It's strange but I try to convince myself that I am actually ok and can tackle a walk with no problems. Tried that yesterday and realised that I am truly kidding myself and the tiredness and breathlessness is getting worse. My husband commented that my annoying cough is getting worse too. My nephew is over here from UK at the moment - we're having a family get together on Wednesday which will help take my mind off things.

One week to go now. It's strange but I try to convince myself that I am actually ok and can tackle a walk with no problems. Tried that yesterday and realised that I am truly kidding myself and the tiredness and breathlessness is getting worse. My husband commented that my annoying cough is getting worse too. My nephew is over here from UK at the moment - we're having a family get together on Wednesday which will help take my mind off things.

Hi everyone, I live in Auckland, New Zealand. 4 years ago I learnt quite by chance that I had a heart murmur. Mild Aortic Stenosis is now severe and I also have moderate Mitral Stenosis. Yesterday I learnt that I am to have surgery on 15 November to replace both valves. My surgeon is Mr Haydock and I will have the surgery at Ascot Mercy Hospital. The cause of the Stenosis is believed to be Rheumatic Fever as a child although I don't recall ever hearing that I had Rheumatic Fever. Thank you all for the information and experiences you have shared! I have posted a picture of my 18 year old cat, Ken, as he keeps me company at night when I sit in my lazy-boy chair as this is the only way I can get to sleep. We're heading into Summer in this part of the world and days are getting longer.