Kate's Posts

I couldn't resist posting this photo of me at my pre-op tests and scans today in London, as I thought, for once, the hospital gown was quite chic! 😉. Anyway, I had 5 different tests today…they swabbed my groin and nose to check for bacteria-resistant infections, they took blood (don’t know what for), they scanned me with a state of the art CT scan—“the iPhone 18 of CT scanners” , did an ECG and they did a chest X-ray. A lovely group of 3 technicians were warm and reassuring--I am constantly touched by the kindness of everyone in my new cardiology world. One of the nurses told me that I had the heart of an athlete again due to my low resting heart rate, which made me happy. Anyway, I am managing my expectations, but am hoping that they will have found that my pulmonary valve is suitable for the Ross procedure. My surgery date is set for November 6 and I will know in the coming week if it will be a classic tissue valve or Ross procedure. I am feeling...ready, but apprehensive. Keep keeping me in your thoughts, please, my wonderful Valve community. Thank you!! xx

Hello to all of my Valve Community friends! Well, things are moving along quickly and I can finally say that I will soon be able to add myself to the "upcoming surgeries" category. I met my cardiothoracic surgeon, Mr. Mario Petrou (in the UK, surgeons use the title "mister" instead of "doctor") from the Royal Brompton Hospital and know that I will be in good hands for my aortic valve replacement surgery in November sometime. Mr. Petrou has said that, on the basis of my file, I seem to be a good candidate for the Ross procedure, but I will need a CT scan first to confirm. I am feeling a mixture of apprehension and excitement--I am ready for this to be done and behind me, but know that the recovery road ahead won't always be smooth. Anyway, I am, as ever, grateful for this community and looking forward to reading any words of encouragement or advice. Thank you so much for being there for me--especially Adam who has been a lodestar for me. x PS : the photo is of me heading out to my appointment with my surgeon wearing my lucky jade bracelet--green is apparently the color of good heart health. It also happens to be my favourite color!💚