Marion's Journal

Back in 2009 I was referred to a cardiologist merely because I was a bit tired. At the age of 65 he soon told me that I had a bicuspid valve and complications from it calcifying were the cause of my troubles. I knew from a young age that I had a heart murmur but had always led an extremely active life with no repercussions from this condition. Then suddenly I am told, after an echo that the valve was dangerous calcified and that surgery was recommended to have a new valve as soon as possible. Within a couple of weeks I was being operated on and had a tissue valve replacement. Everything went fine even though I had been a type one diabetic on insulin for 45 years. Anesthetics are always difficult for insulin dependants but the surgery was fine and although painful and uncomfortable for a while I made a speedy recovery. We even moved house some 3 months later when I felt totally fine again. My scar was a problem to me but that in itself put me on a new path for which I am grateful. Being an interior Designer all my life I decided to retire from the strenuous life and took to designing jewelry to cover my scar and now have a thriving internet business with necklaces to cover throat and neck scars. But I digress. Although my cardiologist sees me regularly at yearly intervals after my echo this January it was another shock. The surgeon had told me I could hopefully expect 12 - 15 years out of the tissue valve he replaced in 2009, but this echo done in January showed signs of deterioration of the valve and he said I must prepare myself to go through the whole process again in about a years time and have another valve, dependant on the current progress, maybe earlier. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I am still reeling several weeks later. Apparently this diagnosis has been made by the pressure of the valve going from 28 last year to 18 this year. Not sure at all what that means in simple terms other than the pressure of the valve is decreasing. I questioned and question both the cardiologist and my own GP and really want someone else to independently read the echo to make sure that the measurements are correct. As it stands at the moment they are going to do tests again in April. Not sure I want to be in limbo for that long. My main question is about the calcification of my original bicuspid valve which I had for 65 years. I fully take that old age could have caused a gradual build up of the calcium, BUT I do not understand how my new tissue valve could be going the same way after only 5 years. Or perhaps it is not calcium this time - they haven't told me. Anyway I thought I would keep this journal of what happens to me. I bought Adams book back in 2009 and that was invaluable to get me through all my questions and fears. You do amazing work Adam. This time I cant say I know it all, but I do not what to expect with the surgery. Or I think I do.