Hi, My name is Mary and I am 65 years old. All of my life I have had a heart murmur and it was treated as mitral valve prolapse but not sure how that came about. ...Read more
Hi, My name is Mary and I am 65 years old. All of my life I have had a heart murmur and it was treated as mitral valve prolapse but not sure how that came about. At 56 after some extensive heart tests it was found I have a bis-cuspid aortic valve. My cardiologist has seen me every year for the last 9 years and also ordered and echo-cardiogram every year prior to my visit. The last 2 years it was moderate to severe and this year became severe. I knew something was different with my shortness of breath and not being able to walk as I like too. I had some chest tightness and light headiness. I am scheduled for surgery on June 15, 2017. I am so nervous and so scared about this open heart surgery. I saw my brother go through 2 of them and he was in such pain. I know I have to have it done and I am trying to be positive. Have you any advice for me? I also have an aneurysm on the aortic wall but the surgeon says it is only at 4.1. This really scares me. My Dad had an aortic aneurysm that had burst when he was 75. He did live. My brother also had one and is still with us. I can't help but be scared.
Marie Myers You have come to the right place for support and information. I had an aortic valve replacement and a ... Read more
Marie Myers You have come to the right place for support and information. I had an aortic valve replacement and aneurysm resection 9 weeks ago. I can honestly say pain was not a big factor. Fatigue and upper back ache was worse for me. I started cardiac rehab several weeks ago, and have already started back to work part time. If you take it step by step, and read a lot of these stories, you will realize that many people get through this surgery, and you will also!
Vicki Woschnick Hi Mary! Two weeks ago, I had an aortic valve replacement with the possibility of an ascending aorta ... Read more
Vicki Woschnick Hi Mary! Two weeks ago, I had an aortic valve replacement with the possibility of an ascending aorta aneurysm fix (the surgeon ultimately determined I did not need the latter once he was able to physically asses it). Like you, I was plenty nervous, especially about the post-op "unknowns" like pain, healing, rehab, etc. It is perfectly normal, and once I acknowledged these feelings (with the help of this community) they were easier to deal with, and knowing I'm not alone made it much less scary. You've already made progress by reaching out for help! Good for you! Two weeks post-op, I can say my pain remains more "discomfort" than "pain" and I'm moving well, and feeling well (with expected tiredness). The key for me, and what I encourage you to do, is listen to your body, don't hesitate to appropriately medicate and abide by your doctor's orders. I feel these steps have been very beneficial to me. Plus, if you have a faith base, lean on God. He brought you to it and he'll bring you through it. You can do this Mary! I know it!
Jennifer McInerney Hi Mary, my bicuspid aortic valve is also moving from moderate to severe. Im going for more tests ... Read more
Jennifer McInerney Hi Mary, my bicuspid aortic valve is also moving from moderate to severe. Im going for more tests to confirm the number my Cardiologist saw on my last echo. Im anxious and also scared of the surgery but reading everyones posts has reallybeen helpful. Keepingyou in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!
Barbara Wood Mary & Jennifer- I know the feeling of being in the waiting room- you can do this! I'm with Marie & V ... Read more
Barbara Wood Mary & Jennifer- I know the feeling of being in the waiting room- you can do this! I'm with Marie & Vicki, there is more discomfort & fatigue than pain. Positive thoughts sent your way:)
Mary Brink I am so glad that I came on here. Thank you all for the support. The closer it gets the more anxiety ... Read more
Mary Brink I am so glad that I came on here. Thank you all for the support. The closer it gets the more anxiety I have but this site is helping me so much. Good luck and best wishes to all who will be going through this and thank God for all who have already had it done and are doing so well.
