So im pretty much set for operation in the next few months (avr and getting My 4.8 aorta fixed) ive sorta Come to terms with it, but f💢ck me im scared, not so much for the recovery, but for the chance i May never wake up once they put me under anesthesia.
Or the chance for clots to form and hit me with a strokes.. Not the Thing Any 25year old wants to deal with.. Pyuh
Civita Fahey your feelings are very normal. We have all been there and felt that. But, trust in your surgical team and that this to them is a routine surgery. I know its ... Read more
Civita Fahey your feelings are very normal. We have all been there and felt that. But, trust in your surgical team and that this to them is a routine surgery. I know its sounds crazy, that they will open you up and cut into your heart etc and its routine, but, they have been doing this type of surgery for over 60 years and they have it down pat. that's what got me through and of course had trust that the Lord would watch over me. Best of luck and I know you will do just great!
Civita Fahey Let all of us who have come through it be your guide. You're young and that's a huge plus! The nerves will get to you, but, try to relax and focus on recovery. ... Read more
Civita Fahey Let all of us who have come through it be your guide. You're young and that's a huge plus! The nerves will get to you, but, try to relax and focus on recovery. Let me know if you have any questions, would be happy to answer.
Marie Myers Totally agree with what Civita says. I am sorry you have to go through this surgery at such a young age. But, your body is more resilient and will heal quickly. ... Read more
Marie Myers Totally agree with what Civita says. I am sorry you have to go through this surgery at such a young age. But, your body is more resilient and will heal quickly. I was totally surprised to find out that my surgery ( AVR, aortic root and ascending aneurysm resection) is considered a routine procedure! Try to focus on the recovery, not the “what-ifs “ that your thinking/ worrying brain throws out at you. Wishing you a smooth trip through surgery and recovery!
Steven Methot I just had my CT scan today to compare with last year's, then it was 5 or 5.1. So I may be joining you soon.
Jim Archer Patrick, it sounds like Marie and I had similar procedures, just the same as many others on this site, Mine was last April for the AVR and of repair the 6.8 ... Read more
Jim Archer Patrick, it sounds like Marie and I had similar procedures, just the same as many others on this site, Mine was last April for the AVR and of repair the 6.8 cm dilatation of the ascending aorta. Just a bit of Dacron to replace the root, a Dacron sheath above that, and a new bovine valve from Edwards.
Going in to the 8 hour procedure I was very relaxed, maybe being 71 and knowing the odds were 20 to 1 in my favor helped. Even though I felt fine, knowing there was a high probability of an aorta rupture certainly influenced my attitude. Your trepidation is normal, but if some old(er) dude like me can do it, so can you. Just so you know, I am off most meds now, and working out for 90 minutes a day. Good Luck! You will be fine.
You can see my story on my journal here.
Chris Hall Anyone who tells you not to worry has never been through what you are going through. Everyone of us has thought about our mortality as we navigated through ... Read more
Chris Hall Anyone who tells you not to worry has never been through what you are going through. Everyone of us has thought about our mortality as we navigated through this. With that said trust your doctors, research research research, lean on this community and plan your recovery. Plan your recovery. 8 weeks ago I had the same thoughts. 7 weeks ago I had surgery. 7 weeks later I can't believe how good I feel. Good luck!
might have a unicuspid aortic valve and not a bicuspid.
Journal posted on September 9, 2020
so doc told me i might have this. so far this heart thing isnt going all that well.
Marie Myers I think there have been a couple people on here who had a unicuspid valve. Hopefully they will see this and relate their stories. I totally understand your ... Read more
Marie Myers I think there have been a couple people on here who had a unicuspid valve. Hopefully they will see this and relate their stories. I totally understand your feeling of overwhelm at your newly diagnosed condition. Take 1 day at a time, 1 doctor visit at a time. Try not to worry about the “what-if’s”. And write down your feelings and questions in this forum. Be easy on yourself, it is a tough, but doable journey.
Lorraine Willmann I put my comment and link in the wrong place below. Just don't want you to miss it in case it could be helpful. Marie, Thank you for saying what I was feeling but couldn't put into words.
Charles P Hello. Hang in there! I've still got my unicuspid aortic valve, but will need it replaced soon. Had my ascending aorta replaced with Dacron tube 7.5 years ago. ... Read more
Charles P Hello. Hang in there! I've still got my unicuspid aortic valve, but will need it replaced soon. Had my ascending aorta replaced with Dacron tube 7.5 years ago. Best thing for you to do is stay healthy and exercise (safely) as much as possible. The better shape you are going in, will help recovery and success. Try to stay positive!
Update posted on...
September 4, 2020
been at my cardiologist yesterday and and after a cyckle test,echo and a scan through my throat ive been told that it has calcified alot since 14, and i should expect to have my aorta valve replaced soon.
im terrified and scared
Susan Lynn Welcome, Patrick! You've come to the right place. There are lots of aortic valve heart warriors on this site just waiting to answer any questions you have! ... Read more
Susan Lynn Welcome, Patrick! You've come to the right place. There are lots of aortic valve heart warriors on this site just waiting to answer any questions you have! Being terrified and scared is perfectly normal. You'll feel ready to get it done by the time your surgery date arrives. It's a definitely an emotional process, but you'll get there! ❤
Pat Bluemel I wish there was an easy way to let you know it all works out and not to worry but it's a process. One we've all gone through. You've found a good group for questions and support.
Meredith Bray Hi Patrick, glad you found this site. If you're terrified and scared, you are normal - we have all been there at some point. Please look around and read other's ... Read more
Meredith Bray Hi Patrick, glad you found this site. If you're terrified and scared, you are normal - we have all been there at some point. Please look around and read other's journals, and ask any questions you want. Every single person on this site is either waiting for surgery, or has had surgery. Some are near their surgical date, and some are quite distant. It'll be 7 years for me in March! Let us know what questions you have!
Meredith
Clearwater, Florida
USA
Lorraine Willmann Patrick, I found out I needed a replacement a few months ago and been delaying. Not the smartest thing, I know. I'm getting braver, or smarter, and plan to ... Read more
Lorraine Willmann Patrick, I found out I needed a replacement a few months ago and been delaying. Not the smartest thing, I know. I'm getting braver, or smarter, and plan to call surgeon next week to set a date. Just curious, when you mentioned your valve had calcified a lot since "14". What date does the 14 refer to?
patrick frømling @meredith how do you deal with the feeling or rather fear, that you wont wake up from the surgery? im terrified of them putting me to sleep and never waking up again.
Rose Madura Hi Patro I, try to remind yourself that these operations are done every day and the doctors know what they are doing. The mortality rate is very low so the ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Patro I, try to remind yourself that these operations are done every day and the doctors know what they are doing. The mortality rate is very low so the odds are definitely in your favor. Trust the doctors.
Pat Bluemel @Patrick - put the alternative (not waking up) out of your mind, that's what I've done. Don't even think about it. If it's not an option, it won't happen. Easier ... Read more
Pat Bluemel @Patrick - put the alternative (not waking up) out of your mind, that's what I've done. Don't even think about it. If it's not an option, it won't happen. Easier said than done but wire your brain to default to waking up as the only option for you. As Rose said, these surgeries happen every day, everything works out, you'll be ok.
patrick frømling @rose @pat yes the mortality rate is on the low end, but shaking the fear is hard, i cant stop thinking about leaving behind those i love should i pass
Susan Lynn Patrick - It's so admirable that your concern is for your family. As we always say, do your research and select an experienced surgeon, team, and facility. ... Read more
Susan Lynn Patrick - It's so admirable that your concern is for your family. As we always say, do your research and select an experienced surgeon, team, and facility. They want a successful procedure as much as you do! Your procedure will feel like a one minute nap and it will be behind you. The most important part of getting through this is staying positive - you can do this! ❤
patrick frømling @Susan im not sure if thats an option where im from, denmark is rather small with a limited number of hospitals that deals with such
Lorraine Willmann 2014, tx. you were so young. Patrick, I don't worry much about the not waking up because it's something you can worry about but do nothing and if it doesn't ... Read more
Lorraine Willmann 2014, tx. you were so young. Patrick, I don't worry much about the not waking up because it's something you can worry about but do nothing and if it doesn't happen, which chances are it will not, all that worry and wear on your mind is for nothing.
Lorraine Willmann Patrick, I found this website that has a name and number of a person in charge at the end. It also has links you can click on to email some people to find ... Read more
Lorraine Willmann Patrick, I found this website that has a name and number of a person in charge at the end. It also has links you can click on to email some people to find qualified hospitals and doctors
https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Member-National-Cardiac-Societies/Danish-Society-of-Cardiology
October 8, 2020
Or the chance for clots to form and hit me with a strokes.. Not the Thing Any 25year old wants to deal with.. Pyuh
Going in to the 8 hour procedure I was very relaxed, maybe being 71 and knowing the odds were 20 to 1 in my favor helped. Even though I felt fine, knowing there was a high probability of an aorta rupture certainly influenced my attitude. Your trepidation is normal, but if some old(er) dude like me can do it, so can you. Just so you know, I am off most meds now, and working out for 90 minutes a day. Good Luck! You will be fine.
You can see my story on my journal here.