- Joined
- Dec 2, 2022
- Messages
- 105
I’ve had a whirlwind of an experience. Thought I’d introduce myself. I was very sick a month ago and had crazy high BP with ambulance calls. The ER was no help really, but my doctor was incredible. She heard the murmur, saw the hammer pulse and had me get an echo. I was at a point where I couldn’t get out of bed without feeling like I was going to pass out. I. Her office my BP was 230/120. The echo showed severe regurgitation. Praise God she connected me to a good cardiologist who put me in the icu to figure out next steps and have tests (my cardiologist had wanted me to wait 2 weeks just to see him). Anyways, they got the BP regulated and the regurgitation lowered some to moderate. So no emergency surgery. I have clear arteries no dissection. My symptoms are what is driving me to get it done now. The palpitations, shortness of breath and bicuspid valve. my surgeon and I decided on an ON-X valve. I am a runner. (Needless to say this all explains why every time I ran a half marathon I ended up in a tent or hospital feeling like I was going to pass out). I am 48 with a 5 year old and 2 older boys and a granddaughter so I’m praying I’ll be around for a long time after. It just seemed to make sense to have it done while my heart is healthy rather than wait for it to just get worse bc it would definitely need to be replaced anyways. This is a bit of my story.
I’d love to hear how people prepared for this surgery. What things I might need at home to aid I recovery. I’m nervous about the INR but I’ll take it as it comes. And of course the pain is scary but I’m sure meds will help with that!
I’d love to hear how people prepared for this surgery. What things I might need at home to aid I recovery. I’m nervous about the INR but I’ll take it as it comes. And of course the pain is scary but I’m sure meds will help with that!