Kate's Posts

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!💚

As recommended by my new BAV community here, I was finally able to get a second opinion today. Contrary to my first cardiologist in the UK, the second does not understand why I am waiting for surgery as my Maximum aortic velocity is already 65 and 40 is the threshold for surgery in France (my second home). He also said, again contrary to the previous cardiologist, that I shouldn't be doing any sport that raises my heart rate as I could suffer syncope. He also doesn't believe I am asymptomatic...saying that we find ways to adjust to our condition over time--taking easier ways out of rigorous exercise. I am realising that he is correct, e.g., I am always the slowest on hikes, pacing myself behind everyone else...unconsciously not wanting to push myself. I also do feel faint tightening in my chest from time to time, but have always thought it was to do with pectoral muscle exercises. Anyway, I am now thinking that I need to bring forward my surgery, instead of waiting another six months as my British cardiologist suggested. If anyone has any thoughts, I would be so grateful.