Hello all: Just wanted to introduce myself.

[DebbyA]

Welcome Alistair!

What kind of valve are you getting, and what hospital and surgeon?

I had my aortic valve replaced 6 months ago. My symptoms were not as apparent as yours, but I have realized that I did have a sort pinching feeling in the upper chest with exercise before surgery, and it's GONE! Every time I walk up a hill, I celebrate.

Good luck, and keep us informed of your progress.

 

[aussigal]

Hi Alistair and welcome...
glad you found us.... just in time hey!...

Best wishes for a smooth and successful operation on Friday.

 

[Alistair]

What type of heart valve? I know only that it will be mechanical.

I am having this done here in Charleston (CAMC Memorial). The Surgeon's name is Dr. Lee. He is from Korea, fantastic guy. Many Doctors over the years let me listen to their heart and then mine for comparison as my heart murmur has always been a source of fascination but I could never really tell the difference. Dr Lee did likewise only this time it was quite prominent. His little heart just made faint thumps whereas mine was very loud swishing sounds. You can see my heart beat on my upper chest area from across the room. I have allowed people (family/friends) to put their hands just under my collarbone and they freak out. Astonishinly, my blood pressure has always been normal, in fact, on the low side of the scale.

Now everyone is anxious to hear the "clicking" valve. Just my luck, I'll get the quite one ergo disapointment. Thanks again for all the positive feedback. If God has an in-box, it should be quite full. I am both grateful and blessed.

 

[netmiff]

Welcome Alistair - a good Scottish name for a German guy - you have found a good bunch of people here.

My DH says my heart went from thump-shoosh to thump-click overnight! He thinks it is quite funny. I even told my family doc on my last visit to him post-surgery, next time you see me, I'll be a-clicking! docs and nurses, even ones involved in cardio care, loved my pre-surgery murmur, it was apparently quite musical. Now I only hear it when things are really quiet, or I am in a small powder room with not a lot of soft furnishings.