Mae's Journal

Artie Hall  Stress and nerves are quite normal. My anxiety was through the roof once i learned I needed the surgery. Its different for each individual but for me, I went into the er with symptoms and did not leave until post surgery. To be honest, once I knew I needed the surgery, I did not want to go home, I wanted it done ASAP. I read a lot, came here to this site, downloaded and read the book, read others accounts and asked a lot of questions. Knowing whats involved and what to expect is what somewhat calmed me down and the day of the surgery I think i was ready, or as ready as one can be. I was still scared, anxious, and apprehensive, but somehow oddly calm too. I knew it had to be done and before I knew it, I was waking up in the ICU. Get the best surgeon you can and ask if repair is possible, trust in your surgeon is of the utmost importance. The best of luck to you.

Gerald Poulton  Hi Mae Ann, the amount if time could depend on a lot of factors, if you have an Aortic Aneurism, if you are having symptoms etc. My condition went from moderate, past severe and to critical in just over 6 months. I new it was coming for years and it still shocked me when the cariologist said, can we call your wife in, your condition is critical and it is time to operate. I remember feeling both shock and fear but as time went on I accepted my fate, prepared for and welcomed the operation so that I could move forward with my recovery. Even from that time, because I was Asymptomatic it was still months before my operation. I am now 3 weeks post opp and feeling great.
I think most will tell you that the operation was not near as bad as expected, very little pain and recovery goes pretty fast as well.
You are fortunate, as I was to have time and if you are able I can not put enough importance on getting out and walking and exercising daily. It will make a huge difference on you operation and recovery. I have some pretty graffic pictures on my site but they help you face reality but also see how fast recovery can be. I also believe that being positive and looking forward to recovery can make a hige difference.
All the best and welcome

Jennifer McInerney  Hi Mae ann, I think it varies. I have been in severe stage for months. I'm seeing Cardiologist in two weeks but he told me you can be asymptomatic in severe stage for even years. However, you need to be closely monitored once you are at severe. I have an echo every three months now. The best way to combat fear is be on this site and read Adams book. Reach out to this community and you will receive amazing support.

Mae Ann  Wow thanks everyone! I am a patient at the hospital of university of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. My doctor is amazing. She treats me like her child because I am congenital and grew up with this problem. I am 31 and was really hoping to at least wait till I was 40 for valve replacement but if I have to accept my fate then that is what I have to do. I'm glad I am at a great hospital (just voted number 8 in the country for cardiology) and I'm glad I found this site!

Civita Fahey  Welcome Mae. Like Jennifer said it varies on how long it is before surgery. I was at moderate to severe for about a year, but started to have some mild symptoms so I scheduled my surgery. I was told 3-6 months was a good time frame last November and I had it in April of this year.. this is a great site for comfort and information. We have all been through this and are here . Ask any questions if you need to.

Rose Madura  I was given the news in early April. Then I got a 2nd opinion and switched cardiologists. By the time all the tests were done and we were able to meet with the surgeon, the surgery was scheduled for May 31 so mine was about 2 months. I agree with others, each case is different. Best wishes and as Civita said, let us know if you have any questions.

Bob Fessler  I was diagnosed severe Dec 2015 but I was without symptoms. When symptoms started I had surgery within the month in July 2017. Now 6 weeks later, I'm glad I did it and yes Gerald I will say it, it is not as bad you think. Any pain I had was more of a discomfort.

Phyllis Petersen  On the plus side, you're in a great location for getting quality help. It took months of tests, etc. before the actual surgery. I was diagnosed severe when I went for cardiac clearance for a knee replacement. They let me get the new knee, then came the TEE, MRA, CTA ... It'll probably depend on how severe it is, which is why they do the TEE, how symptomatic you are, and the schedule of the surgeon. You've come to the right place for the emotional support side of this, and, believe me, we all needed it. All the best!

Cathy Zuber  Hi...hang in there!! Breathe!! I found out I needed OHS after a TEE in late Dec. 2016, and I had my surgery mid-March. I could have had it a week or two earlier, but Dr. Said it was ok for March so I could . Take a class with a great needlepoint designer before the surgery(driving, energy concerns), then it was time. Breathe!! I know I had then "deer in headlines" look for awhile. Now I'm almost 6 months out, and back to gardening, etc!!

Laura Jacobs  Hi Mae Ann, I had an echocardiogram in mid-May that showed severe stenosis and an aneurysm. I was also symptomatic. I saw a cardiologist two weeks later, and my surgery was four weeks after that.

Barbra Allen  HI Mae, my problem started in Jan. Went from moderate to severe. By the time I finished all the test,TEE,lt&rt cardiac cath,EKG,ECO.. I had my surgery in July. This community is very good with information and encouragement. I started cardiovascular rehab. Walk, hydrate and keep the community posted. They are inspiring.