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Hi all, Here are my Echo report from December 2011. I would appreciate if somebody could explain the results in layman's terms. For example I would love to know how my heart is physically, where the changes are physically etc. I have also posted 2008 and 2009 results. By the way my...

I just thought I'd share my experience with caffeine and palpitations. Over the last 2 years I was getting palpitations on a daily basis. 5 days ago I completed stopped drinking tea (I used to drink about 5 to 7 cups a day) and the number of palpitations I get has decreased dramtically. My...

As some of you know I cancelled my surgery last March because of extreme anxiety so I was expecting a tough meeting with my cardiologist today. Another worry was that the condition had progressed. Anyway an echo was carried out today and it appears my left ventricle has decreased in size and...

While reading about Aortic Valve Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic website today I came across interesting data. They state that the mortality rate for minimally invasive isolated AVR is 0%. How is this possible? http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/valve/aorticvalvesurgery.aspx What is...

Some of you may know that I discharged myself from hospital the night before aortic valve replacement surgery earlier this year. Since then I have done alot of work with my fears and I feel I am ready to have surgery. What scared me the most were the following, the mention of the mortality...

Hi all, It's been a while since I've been on this website because it was easier for me to put my 'head in the sand' but I had an independent echocardiograph last month and received the results today. I'm comparing the results to the echo before that which was last September 2008 and I haven't...

Hi, Just wondering if anybody has ever experienced throat flutters? I just got an episode of it a few minutes ago. It only lasted for about 30 secs. I actually try to physically shake it away and that usually works. I've had palps in the past and they usually last for 2 weeks and then go away...

Hi, I'm just wondering if there's anybody on VR.com who's had an aortic valve replacement carried out through an endovascular procedure. It sounds like an exciting approach. I believe some patients who've had this procedure were only sedated and not fully asleep! That's amazing. I was talking...

I was talking to a medical friend of mine who suggested that in as little as 10 years time stem cell technology is the future for AVR. How cool would that be, growing your own valve!

Hi, my twin brother is having a trans-oesophageal echo this week. Like me is very nervous and I told him I'd post a question on VR.com for him. The TOE is to investigate his bicuspid valve (just like mine). He went for this procedure a few months ago but backed out last minute because he felt a...

I was thinking about getting a second opinion on my aortic valve leak i.e. I will get an independent echo. My lastest echo was last September and from those results the hospital thought it was time I should get a valve replacement. I thought it was strange that they base this decision on one...

Has anybody heard of mitochondrial disorder? My sister died from this disorder 8 years ago, she was only 28, it all happened very suddenly. Anyway I was wondering if anybody knew if mitochondrial was linked to valve disease in anyway or if surgical complications could arise from this disorder...

It is 7pm local time as I write this, I was supposed to have surgery 7:30 this morning for a mechanical aortic valve replacement. I've been on the waiting list since January and I got a call 2 days ago to say there was a bed available If I wanted to come in for surgery. When I heard this news I...

This is difficult to describe but I think the best description is a strong pulse on the right side of my chest. Sometimes we all get this pulsing feeling in different parts of our bodies, for me it's happens between the thumb and index finger or under the eyelids. Anyway I woke up during the...

Before I start I just want to say to Ross (admin) you can delete this thread in a day or so because I know I'll probably be feeling better as my emotions are a rollercoaster :o, I just need to vent my emotions now. I'm pre-surgery and I just wanted to say that I'm currently feeling a little...

Having been on this website for a few months now one thing has struck me is the difference in the health systems in Europe and North America. In Europe it appears to me that your surgeon is chosen for you, your type of valve is also chosen as were in North America you need to do alot of...

Just received results of my CT Angiogram ahead of my aortic heart valve replacement. The cardiologist said he is happy with everything i.e. there's nothing extra needs to be done only the aortic valve replacement itself. Just curious if anyone can answer this but when he said nothing extra needs...

I'm having a CT Scan next week and I'm curious as to why a CT Scan is needed? What information does the CT Scan give? My bicuspid aortic regurg showed up on my echo so what extra info will the CT give? Gerard

Why is it easier to be pessimistic rather than optimistic? I don't know about you folks but it's like I'm just a natural pessimist. Is it me or does anyone else worry all the time?

I'm pre-op and just tried my first bit of cardio exercise in 3 months. I did 10 mins on the bike, Imust admit feel as fit as ever. However immeditately after finishing I felt pins & needles in my hands. This lasted for about 3 mins. Anybody know why this is? Gerard