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Guest
Hi everyone. I've been lurking around this site for years, only posted a few times but come here often. For those who don't remember, I'm 27, was diagnosed as having a BAV with regurgitation about 4-5 years ago. Since then I've seen the cardiologist every 6 months, and it's always been a given that I would need to have the valve replacement surgery someday. 2 weeks ago at my regular appointment I was told 'it's time'. This is based on the fact that my regurgitation is now severe, my heart is starting to enlarge (still within normal range but the shape is changing, apparently), and I have noticed a change in my overall energy level over a 2-3 year period, along with longer and more frequent bouts of palpitations and shortness of breath. They want to get this done while I'm young and otherwise healthy, and I agree. I thought I'd be a lot more stressed out about the surgery, but I actually just feel ready to get it over with. When the cardiologist told me the news, I skipped right over the shock and went right to my questions. She said she'd never had a patient ask those questions right away before... that's the benefit of doing your research! I already decided that I'll be getting a mechanical valve because of my age, and I have specifically requested an Onyx valve for the possibility of having a lower INR range in the future. My understanding is that Onyx valves have less of a guarantee of longevity, in comparison to St Jude or other valves that have been around longer, does anyone know if that's the case? In any event it's a gamble I would be willing to take, since if all goes well I will only need 1 surgery in my life, and I can live with the possibility of one more. The only thing I refuse to give up is snowboarding a few times a year, which I know is a risk being on Coumadin. But I've decided that as long as I minimize the risks by wearing a helmet and not going off jumps or through the trees it's a risk I'm willing to take. I already got a call from the surgeon's office, once I have my paperwork in order I will go on the cancellations list, so my surgery will likely be happening sometime between the middle of January and the end of March. I have been extremely happy with the University of Alberta hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, where I will be having my surgery - every single staff member I have met there has been friendly, caring and informative, so I feel like I'm in good hands. I'm lucky that this is actually a great time in my life to be doing this, I have benefits and disability coverage at work, a great support network of people to take care of me, no dependents or mortgage to worry about.
Anyway I just wanted to reintroduce myself since I might be on here more now that things are moving forward. A couple of random questions:
I normally wear contact lenses, but I'm assuming that's a no-no for being under anesthesia? At what point can I start wearing them again, or do I need to stick with glasses for awhile? Will they give me my glasses right away when I wake up in the ICU? I'm very near-sighted so I'm worried about lying there without being able to see for an extended period of time.
I also want to say a big thank you to those who continue to come here and post after their surgery to provide information and support to others. This site is a huge part of why I am so prepared to get this surgery over with.
Anyway I just wanted to reintroduce myself since I might be on here more now that things are moving forward. A couple of random questions:
I normally wear contact lenses, but I'm assuming that's a no-no for being under anesthesia? At what point can I start wearing them again, or do I need to stick with glasses for awhile? Will they give me my glasses right away when I wake up in the ICU? I'm very near-sighted so I'm worried about lying there without being able to see for an extended period of time.
I also want to say a big thank you to those who continue to come here and post after their surgery to provide information and support to others. This site is a huge part of why I am so prepared to get this surgery over with.