I have it.........

[strickrb]

The date that is. First of all, I need to apologize for not formally introducing myself. This site is amazing. I have been watching and reading for several weeks, and y'all have be a tremendous help in answering questions that I've had. I was born with a BAV, always been told that I had a heart murmor. Over the years, a cardiologist has been watching it every few years. About five years ago they started watching it every six monthes, echos, and stress tests. I had an exam in March 08, and it was starting to get worse. I went back in July, and it had gotten even worse, so my cardiologist sad that it was time for the AVR. He wanted me to have a cath to make sure that there were no blockages before surgery. I had that done yesterday at MUSC in Charleston, SC, everthing looked good. I meet my surgeon, picked my valve, had all the blood typing done, so that all I have to do is show up for the surgery. I am 36 years old, and don't want to do this again, so I picked the mechanical valve. My surgery is set for September the 2nd at MUSC. Again I want to thank all of y'all, especially the special people that I've meet through PM. I promise I will keep in touch, before, and after.

Thanks again,
Brett

 

[SHEEPDOG]

I totally understand...

I totally understand...

... not wanting to do this again. I too knew about my "someday" AVR for a long time. I never thought I was symptomatic and never gave it a thought. I just kept on pushing through. Early 08, I was NOT passed for a pre employment physical for a sheriff's dept I was trying to lateral to. The Doc just couldn't overlook the murmur he was hearing. That pissed me off but probably saved my life. The SOMEDAY had become VERY SOON if not NOW! I went mechanical for the same reasons as you. NOT AGAIN!. My surg was on 07-09. Now at 6 weeks out, I feel great! I could have put it off but wanted to get it over with. Glad i can get on with life now.
What mech did you choose. I got ON-X. There were many reasons but the lowered Coumadin numbers were a biggie.
Good luck. if you tell the date, it can be put on the calendar. We love to get to know a new VALVER.

 

[Cooker]

Godspeed and best wishes for a smooth ride up and over the mountain!!! Keep us posted

 

[Phyllis]

It's official, Brett- I put you on the calendar!

 

[netmiff]

welcome, Brett. We'll all be in OR and ICU holding your hand (it gets pretty crowded, but somehow the surgeons still manage to work ) as you go up and over the mountain.

 

[Illinois Al]

Good luck, Brett! I just had my surgery two weeks ago tommorrow so fresh in my memory is what the waiting time is like. Mentally it was the worst part of the whole experience! Don't let it get you down. Like everyone else, I'm pulling for you.

 

[skeptic49]

Welcome, Brett! Looks like you've got everything well under control. Congratulations on picking the date and on the valve type decision.

Best wishes,

Jim

 

[hall]

Hi and Welcome Brett. Sounds like you have everything ready. Like everyone said We're with you! Prayers.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to VR, and congratulations on setting the date. Best wishes for a smooth journey over the mountain.

 

[DebbyA]

Brett,
It sounds like you have a good attitude going in. Best wishes for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. Surgery at this time means you'll probably be feeling pretty good for the holidays. People really do look for those post-op posts.

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi Brett ~ Welcome to VR. My best wishes and prayers are with you on September 2nd. I hope you have a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
Take care, Dawn-Marie