F
fireftr
Thanks so much for providing such an informative and supportive site! Here is a little about my situation:
Went to my annual physical for work which is usually just quick 10 minute formality for my job as a Firefighter/Paramedic. The doctor heard a murmur and what he thought were carotid bruits. He encouraged me to follow up with a cardiologist. I was sent for an echo and appointment with the cardiologist. I assumed it was all going to be a waste of time and money as I had always been healthy; and besides, wouldn't they have noticed something on a past physical if there was really something going on? My echo revealed a bicuspid aortic valve with moderate to severe aortic insufficiency. Luckily there is no stenosis yet and other values such as LV internal diameter are within normal limits including an EF of 65-75%. After comparing some of the numbers to normal values I have found on the internet, it looks to me like I am in the upper ranges of normal though. My cardiologist didn't spend a lot of time with me and didn't seem too concerned though didn't deny the fact that AVR was inevitable. I think he could tell I was very nervous so he didn't want to make a big deal out of the situation as it is a very common defect and sudden death probably won't happen tomorow.There was never an EKG run so out of curiosity I ran one on myself at work and I'm showing many signs of LV hypertrophy which concerned me a little. I'm sure the echo is much more sensitive so it is nothing to worry about but I will be bringing my EKG strip in with me to my next appointment. I'm sure he must have some concern though as he set me up for a follow up at two months. He never really gave me an indication of how long I could go on my current valve. I am having trouble figuring out if I am mildly symptomatic. I've experienced a couple of episodes of "lightheadedness" and shortness of breath while lifting heavy people and lifting weights in the gym. I can't figure out if it's all in my head. I think the doctor thinks it is all in my head as my EF is still more than normal. Part of me wishes I could just go in and get it replaced so I could move on with my life. The waiting game really messes with your head. I know deciding when surgery is appropriate isn't black and white but I'm the type of person that wants to make a plan and it's hard to do when you don't know if it could happen within a year or 20 years.
I am a little freaked out. I'm 30 y/o with two young daughters and a wife. I love my job and fear I won't be able to do it after surgery (especially if I am required to be on Coumadin for life). I know that there are several options for surgery that wouldn't require anticoagulation though I also fear being back under the knife in 10 years. I just really appreciate the site. You are all an incredibly strong and supportive group of people! I've learned a lot by just browsing around the site the last couple of weeks. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of it.
Eric
Went to my annual physical for work which is usually just quick 10 minute formality for my job as a Firefighter/Paramedic. The doctor heard a murmur and what he thought were carotid bruits. He encouraged me to follow up with a cardiologist. I was sent for an echo and appointment with the cardiologist. I assumed it was all going to be a waste of time and money as I had always been healthy; and besides, wouldn't they have noticed something on a past physical if there was really something going on? My echo revealed a bicuspid aortic valve with moderate to severe aortic insufficiency. Luckily there is no stenosis yet and other values such as LV internal diameter are within normal limits including an EF of 65-75%. After comparing some of the numbers to normal values I have found on the internet, it looks to me like I am in the upper ranges of normal though. My cardiologist didn't spend a lot of time with me and didn't seem too concerned though didn't deny the fact that AVR was inevitable. I think he could tell I was very nervous so he didn't want to make a big deal out of the situation as it is a very common defect and sudden death probably won't happen tomorow.There was never an EKG run so out of curiosity I ran one on myself at work and I'm showing many signs of LV hypertrophy which concerned me a little. I'm sure the echo is much more sensitive so it is nothing to worry about but I will be bringing my EKG strip in with me to my next appointment. I'm sure he must have some concern though as he set me up for a follow up at two months. He never really gave me an indication of how long I could go on my current valve. I am having trouble figuring out if I am mildly symptomatic. I've experienced a couple of episodes of "lightheadedness" and shortness of breath while lifting heavy people and lifting weights in the gym. I can't figure out if it's all in my head. I think the doctor thinks it is all in my head as my EF is still more than normal. Part of me wishes I could just go in and get it replaced so I could move on with my life. The waiting game really messes with your head. I know deciding when surgery is appropriate isn't black and white but I'm the type of person that wants to make a plan and it's hard to do when you don't know if it could happen within a year or 20 years.
I am a little freaked out. I'm 30 y/o with two young daughters and a wife. I love my job and fear I won't be able to do it after surgery (especially if I am required to be on Coumadin for life). I know that there are several options for surgery that wouldn't require anticoagulation though I also fear being back under the knife in 10 years. I just really appreciate the site. You are all an incredibly strong and supportive group of people! I've learned a lot by just browsing around the site the last couple of weeks. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of it.
Eric