Kathleen's Posts

Kathleen, I'm in New Jersey and walking last night felt like walking in a sauna. I definitely walked slower than other nights just because of the weather. I'm tired too, and about 7 weeks post op. I think our bodies are still recovering, but you might mention it to your doctor if it feels debilitating.

Thank you guys! I sent an email to my surgeon about this. I won't see him until early November, however, I am seeing my cardiologist next week. I also have a left ventricular hypertrophy , which I wonder if that is adding to the fatigue. What could be done for that? I'm nervous about all this...which I guess is normal considering everything.

Thank you guys! I sent an email to my surgeon about this. I won't see him until early November, however, I am seeing my cardiologist next week. I also have a left ventricular hypertrophy , which I wonder if that is adding to the fatigue. What could be done for that? I'm nervous about all this...which I guess is normal considering everything.

The fatigue stays for a long time. I was grateful to my surgeon for being brutally honest before surgery. He said "you will be tired for a LONG time". 16 months after surgery, I still get tired on stairs or going uphill. I'm back at dance class but get very tired when there are moments of fast constant movement. Doctors say I'm fine, so I'm counting on more time. But I have a hard time saying "better than before". Hot weather is also not friendly to cardiac patients, so keep that in mind... Take care, and know that healing can take a long time and your body is working hard to recover!

After my heart murmor was discovered I saw a cardiologist for about 6 yrs for regular ultrasounds to see how my valve(s) were evolving. I had no symptoms at that time. When I got my first "symptoms" (tiredness, out of breath on stairs) I was sent to a surgeon to have all tests done to be prepared for when I might need surgery. After that I was seen every 3 months, but the surgeon left it up to me at that point to decide when to have surgery. About a year after symptoms started I opted to have surgery. I ended up having 3 valves worked on (2 replaced, one repaired). In retrospect I might have waited longer for surgery, but it can be a very hard call for anyone to make because one doesn't want the heart to get irreperable damage and yet rushing into a life with replacement valves can sometimes be put off as well. Patient and doctor usually work together on that decision.

Sorry to hear you're still having so much fatigue, Kathleen. I hope you start to get relief from that soon and that your cardiologist will be reassuring. Everyone's journey is so different. You asked about timing. I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve in my teens, and I'm in my late 50s now. So, there were many years of cardiology appointments. Even now, I'm asymptomatic, but will have surgery soon because of aortic aneurysm. Valve just became severe this year. Best to you in your journey!

You're in my prayers <3. I'm so glad you listened to the signals your body was giving you. You are a very strong person. Did you say you've decided on the bovine valve? I have a bovine (cow) valve. I feel awesome. You'll lead a totally normal life with it. God Bless! xo

Yes..it's bovine. My surgeon believes it is the best choice for me. We agreed. Thanks Cathleen for your support. The surgeon gave me the pros and cons of having the surgery..but in my case it's best to get it done or I can face an visit to the Pearly Gates a bit early. LOL

Thank you everyone. I'm scared...but this has to be done. I'm running out of energy. So darn tired. I'm worried about the risks to my kidneys, blood, and strokes. Probably pre-op nerves I guess. I can't do anything but sit and think. Well it's in God's hands..it is what it is. I really hope I get my energy back.

Hope all continues to go as well as can be Kathleen. You have a really nice attitude about this, which is half the battle. The Pearly Gates can wait for a few decades. Oh - and I really like my "moo valve". Works great and life is excellent with it. I've come to regard it as a true gift.

You will do well, Kathleen. I had a bicuspid aortic valve replaced and had a part of my aorta replaced to fix an aneurysm two weeks ago and I am now walking two miles a day and getting stronger all the time. Its a slow process, but I know I will be back at 100 per cent soon and so will you.