Tony's Journal

Andrea Smith  Hi Tony. I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve when I was 50. It was discovered by chance and I had my replacement two months later., even though my only symptoms were tiredness and slight dizziness. I know how you're feeling. It's such an enormous thing to go through. You're scared to have the operation but you're scared not to. I can only say that my recovery was really quite quick and then it's alll behind you. Having said that, I opted for a tissue valve which now needs replacing after 12 years- and I've got the wobbles about it! I think we all feel the same, but I'm sure you won't regret having it done. You need to be around to see your daughter graduate! My surgeon told me to put my life on hold for a few months, and unfortunately that's what you need to do. It's worth it in the end. I'm having to tell myself this again!

Civita Fahey  HI Tony welcome to this amazing site.. we are all in the same boat.. I was diagnosed with BAV at 50 also and now at 55 its time to replace.. I have chosen late April in the hopes of having some good weather here in the Northeast.. this site has been a tremendous help in alleviating the fears of having OHS.. there are so many successful stories and such wonderful people that are willing to share their experience and knowledge.. I hope that some of your fears will be alleviated as mine have.. they aren't totally gone as I havent gone through it yet, but I feel much much better.

Cathleen Weed  Hi Tony, My surgeon once told me "the only minor surgery is the one being done to someone else". Surgery is no fun but you'll surprise yourself with how well you do. Lots of people on here to help answer questions for you. The best part is how GREAT you are going to feel when you can lead a normal, active life again. Start now by doing the things you can do like eating a heart healthy diet and reducing stress. Start losing the excess weight you are talking about before you go into surgery. That can be done through proper nutrition. This will help you with your overall recovery. The stronger you go in, the stronger you come out. Focus on that for now. After surgery, there are cardiac rehab programs that are amazing and will literally get you into the best shape of your life if you are dedicated. This is a whole new beginning. What an inspiration you will be to your 14 year old daughter. I'm 44 and was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. I've been through 4 aortic tissue valve replacements since age 19 and honestly I'm in awesome shape, super active, and totally normal. You wouldn't look at me and think I've ever been through anything. Attitude is half the battle. The definition of courage isn't the lack of fear but instead the willingness to do something anyway even though you are afraid. You'll be a warrior when this is all done. Life goes on...and it can go on better than you ever imagined possible. It's a new lease on life. No more pain, shortness of breath, or exhaustion. You won't miss as much work as you think either. Maybe 8-12 weeks depending on the type of work you do. Also, new technology is amazing and if you decide on a tissue valve then the next surgery in 15 years or so will most likely be a minimally invasive procedure like TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement). I qualified for it for my most recent surgery in August 2015 and it was AMAZING! I went home the next day. Anyway, you'll do great if you get yourself prepped and use this time (that a lot of people don't get) to get as healthy as possible. I authored a recipe and fitness book (Heart Healthy for Life) which I can send you for free or you can look up other Mediterranean diets and just go for it! You won't regret it!

Cathleen Weed  Hi Jane ❤️ You can send your address to
Hearthealthylifecoach@gmail.com and I'll send you a copy 💛

Tony Little  It has been awhile since I've posted. I managed to put this off for another year. But now is the time. I go in next Monday for an angiogram to see what is really in there. I am planning on replacement ohs for this june when my wife get out of school... she's a teacher. The doc is telling me that I need a mechanical valve. But I really dont like the idea of blood thinners for the rest of my life. My oldest daughter will be a senior next year at Pacific Lutheran university. She is 18. My 15 yoa daughter is a sophomore in high school. How long can I expect the recovery to take? I understand that I will not be driving for about 6 weeks. I really dont want to be off work for 6 months. I am in charge of a small team of 8 people that I do not want to leave for that long. We have a good thing going and a replacement Sgt could really mess things up. .my wife bought me a PS4 for the summer so that I can sit and play video games.. did I mention that I am 51? I like video games but not for 6 months. I also have a huge "to read" pile of books and a couple of dozen audio books. But the putting my life on hold will get old fast. My wife is a chronic worrier and is really freaking out about my OHS. I have to admit that I am relieved that I am finally getting it done and am looking forward to feeling better.

Tony Little  The angiogram went well. Surgery is the end of june. Replacing the aortic valve. Now to decide on the type of valve. Mechanized or bio. Since I really dont want blood thinners, bio seems like the o ly option.