Told I need Urgent AVR

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Gee, if I have to pay for a pig do you think I could get the rest of it smoked to take home? (Seriously, some poor pig having to die is what bothers me most.)
 
Having a Positive Attitude going into Surgery is a Big Help in achieving a Good Outcome. It sounds like you are there and are feeling Good about your decision.

Bon Voyage!

'AL Capshaw'

p.s. You know where to find us if you need us.
 
justme said:
I saw the surgeon today. I'm scheduled for surgery on 11/19. He'd prefer to do it sooner but I need some time to adjust mentally and get some things straighten out at home. I just spent 3 months finding a nursing home for my mom and cleaning out her place.

Ok, I'll have a tissue replacement valve and the surgeon answered my questions to my satisfaction. Didn't have many after reading most of the posts here. He gave me a book and a video and said to call if there are any questions I want answered. I did ask about the repair being made between the ribs instead of opening the chest. I liked his answers and think I'm Ok with this.

I'm glad I found this forum and so much information. I was really stunned on Friday. One day I'm fine and the next boom! Could be a lot worse, I know. At least I had some warning. Thank you all for positive support.

I'll be back... :)
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Just curious. Where are you having the surgery? Who is the surgeon? Marty
 
Hey "JustMe"....I'll welcome you here just as so many wonderful members welcomed me 3 months ago. Your concerns sound just like the ones I was having. I think those of us in Northern Virginia are already more stressed than most! As you've already read, the sternum procedure is nowhere near what you might expect. Everyone differs in how they need to manage pain, but I was off the strong stuff on day 5. I honestly think I could have stopped it a day sooner. And I'm a big baby when it comes to pain and discomfort. My back muscles actually hurt more than my sternum. The waiting can be awful. What really helped me was focusing on activities I had planned for after the surgery, pondering and reading about (especially in this forum) how my recovery would go, getting a good night's rest, doing things I found relaxing and really looking forward to the surgery so I could move forward and heal.

At what hospital are you expecting to have your surgery? Which surgeon?
 
There was a murmur that showed up about 5 or 6years ago and my primary care physician referred me to the Arlington Cardiovascular Group, then. I've been seeing Dr Marshall there. My annual checkup was scheduled with him on the 23 and he did not like the changes he saw. So, he scheduled me for the angiogram Friday. I saw Dr Garrett, the surgeon, on Monday and here I am. I'll be going to Arlington Hospital Center.
 
justme said:
Gee, if I have to pay for a pig do you think I could get the rest of it smoked to take home? (Seriously, some poor pig having to die is what bothers me most.)
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:D heh heh... glad I'm not the only one thinking this! I'll be out of hospital a week before Christmas and thought if I could use my little piggy for Christmas ham, that would be just fine :D :D ('cause the rest of the season is looking to be a bit miserable otherwise!)

My BP is low. today it was 117/68
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Heck, I would have thought this was ideal! What was it when it was lower and were you having problems with it (dizzy spells, etc) because I wouldn't think that was something they'd recommend upping your salt intake on. Mine was in 90's/50's before they suggested I try increasing my salt to help boost numbers (which didn't really help a great deal anyway).

Meanwhile I hope the surgery all goes well and you feel much better afterward. It seems that tissue valves also last longer these days, especially in older patients, so hopefully you'll get a really good run out of this one.

All the best,


A : )
 
The only symptoms I've had has been tiredness and shortness of breath. I really thought I needed to get more exercise and lose some weight. I don't sleep well and had 2 sleep studies done earlier this year. I just hadn't had time to follow up on it.

It's been a rough year. I spent 3 1/2 months with my mother, finding a nursing facility, emptying her place. Did I already say that? She has early stage vascular dementia. I feel like I've been in a whirlwind and just being lazy.
 
I feel for you -- it is sure quite a shock to the system and your idea about where you stand in life. I had a terrible time absorbing the news, but it gets easier. I can relate to your situation with your mom. My mother had the same thing and I had to empty the house too. After that it was palliative care for my dad, then I looked after my 92 yr old aunt and am still settling her estate. I was thinking it was time to have some fun when I got the news about my deteriorating aorta. Hang in -- everything passes!
 
My BP was 99/70. When I first saw Dr Marshall told me to eat more salt. I made him write a prescription for stating so since I knew my daughter would bug me about that. She doesn't eat red meat and is sort of a health nut.
 
justme said:
My BP was 99/70. When I first saw Dr Marshall told me to eat more salt. I made him write a prescription for stating so since I knew my daughter would bug me about that. She doesn't eat red meat and is sort of a health nut.
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Yeah.. that's certainly getting down there. It is funny though when everyone is SO vigilant about not eating too much salt and I'm there slathering it over everything - especially when I'm a HEART PATIENT!!! :eek: :eek: There's really not much public knowledge about the ramifications of BP that is too low... which can be every bit as problematic as high BP.
 
I got my hair cut yesterday and have the Christas shopping done. Need to restock the freezer tho. I don't trust anything in it since I was out of state so long. I need to turn the outside water faucets off and do all those dumb things. Guess it might pay to change a few overhead lights too.

I never thought I'd be grateful my mom is forgetful. One of my brothers lives close to her so sees her frequently and I do talk with her every few days.

Well, I'm going to check the electon returns and read for a while.
 
Yes, abba, everyone warns you about salt w/o knowing the ins and outs.

Llght headedness is some thing that's been getting worse. I haven't fainted but sure have come close.

Sure hope I don't have to give up salt.
 
justme said:
Ever feel like you're squeezed between to generations? :)
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YES!! Our 3 children are in their 20's. They are always telling my husband and I what we should be doing!! Thank heaven's this week, we all agree on the same candidate! ;)

My father just passed away last May, 88, Alzheimer's, probably vascular dementia, too. It was pretty dreadful for the last 6 months as there were so many issues for me, the only child, to deal with. It was so much work and so constantly a thing on my mind. I miss him terribly, tho, even though he was barely recognizable when he died. So be gentle with yourself. You have gone through a loss of sorts with your mother's "new personality". Now you must confront another emotional event. You sound very good!!!!

It is wonderful that you have a daughter there with you? You haven't spoken of a spouse, but someone should be available for you the first week out of the hospital, to help you.

Keep posting if you have time and questions.

Best wishes.

Marguerite
 
Virginia Hospital Center, Dr. Marshal, and Dr. Garrett are tops. Have no fear you are in great hands. Let us know the details when you get to the "other side". Marty
 
We all survived even though we were scared too

We all survived even though we were scared too

I guess everybody here understands how you feel. You may need valve replacement, might want to get a second opinion. If you do need it, find out as much as you can through this site and elsewhere. We all started out scared and then got the surgery and survived. You are in good company here.
Keep us posted as you go through it all, and good luck.
Laura
 
I like my doctors and trust them. That's a big part of it. I've gotten second opinions before but won't this time. I've seen the pictures and understand what they are talking about.
 
Justme:
Your symptoms mirror mine almost exactly.
Good luck on your upcoming treatment, you'll do just fine. My bovine implant has left me with a passion to graze every time I see an open field. Luckily, in Florida the grass stays green year 'round. Enjoy your smoked hog.
 
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