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I knew about my "innocent" heart murmur since I was 45 (dad had one also but never had any problem until he was 89). Was told I would probably face surgery at 60, so I blew it off since I was/am a very high energy/active person. Then after echos every 3 years, I found out it was an aneuryism on...

I really have no desire to live forever here on planet Earth but definitely believe in eternal life in heaven with my maker plus all my loved ones already there. I don't fear death but am hopeful my departure from here will not be a prolonged painful journey so my faith to see beyond...

My BC/BS insurance allowed me to go to UAB(which the surgeon and hospital were "in network" so less deductable and no copay) and they didn't have any imput about valve choice. The total cost was over 100k but due to using the prearranged agreement between BC/BS and UAB, the final charge for...

Aortic valve replaced along with an aorta graft due to aneuryisms( caused by the narrowing valve). Heart murmur identified at age 45 via echo showed the aneuryism, and by age 58.5 I had a significantly narrowed aortic valve opening. Was told it could possibly be bicuspid or just a fused leaflet...

I had mega sleep issues since I was awoken so often for blood testing, weighing, chest x-rays(had to go in the middle of the night in a wheel chair via elevator and at least 1/2 mile of hallways), bp/ etc measurements,and other stuff. I attribute my post op A-Fib to not getting any rest...

I had pretty much the same surreal scenario. I had the echo done repeatedly over the years since I was 45..like every 3/4 years for a heart murmur that was identified as an "innocent thoratic aneuryism". I maintained riding a bike long distances(50 mi.) and worked out to elevate my heart rate to...

Glad you are on the otherside of the cardiac ohs mountain. I agree with the many posts about prior anixety as I prayed for direction since I had to make decisions about where to have surgery and what valve. God led me to the exact best place, gave me strength to go through the surgery and not...

I have been to rehab for 4 sessions now and I am 11 weeks out from my surgery. I have gained confidence through the exercise since I am still dealing with PVC's and a "loud" heart that makes it difficult to sleep at night. Rehab has helped me to embrace/believe I am going to be better than...

I have the same book and would also gladly send to whomever would like it. AVR 3/11/09 UAB Dacron aorta graft Dr. McGiffin

I am now on anantidepressant to help anixety go down to help bp. Then probably will have to be hospitalized according to doc to change meds but am encouraged by your results and know the surgery was the biggie and these A-fib and PVC'S lord willing will go away.

They upted my warfarin 2.5 mg per week so I should be in my range then. It's the pounding that has me worried, comes and goes and happened just recently. I am taking 3 multi/calcium vitamins daily and wait the 2 hrs after taking the sotalol. ..maybe I am not getting enough rest since I seem to...

I am now 9 weeks post op(AVR/ aneurysm repair surgery 3/11). Had A-Fib 2x on 3/17 and was put on warfarin (5mg)and betapace(Sotalol) 80mg 2x a day. All has been good until I had a 24 hour halter monitor 2 weeks ago. Last night my heart was really pounding and then had some irregular beats so I...

I totally relate to you although I was 58 when they cut on me 3/11/09 AVR for BAV, with few noticeable symptoms. I compared my journey to grief stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. Giving it all to God helped remove the decision making and He lead me to the...

Answers Answers Al Capshaw asked me some questions for a survey so here goes the answers: I went to UAB because my local surgeon was not familiar with the repair of the aorta and felt I needed someone who had more experience. My thoratic aorta aneuryism was identified via my nurse practioner...

I am now 8 weeks post AVR/aorta repair and walking for 1 hour a day (3.5mi.) and doing the upperbody arm movements as recommended by the UAB Heart booklet. However, I have yet to start cardiac rehab, was put on warfarin for A-Fib 6 days post op,randomly have a strange heavy sensation that...

You look pretty happy! My husband said I looked younger after the surgery in recovery I guess since I had more blood circulating. I rarely slept my entire time at UAB due to tests/meds (even had chest x-rays in the middle of the night on another floor) which I believe tired me out and led to my...

My surgery: the AV medtronic freestyle with a vascular graft for the aortic root on 3/11/09.I went to the company's web sight to research and later looked elsewhere, ran across info about the medtronic being superior (i.e. the "cadillac" of valves was one opinion). I believe it depends on what...

I am so thankful for my surgery. I was asymptomatic so I went thru a lot of denial, then several definitive tests, and then acceptance. I was healthy going into OHS for AVR (BAV) and as it turned out my aorta needed repair also due to extremely thin tissue. Had the freestyle aorta repair that...

Good luck Tom! My husband and pastor said that when they saw me in the CICU post surgery, I had a host of angels surrounding me and they knew beyond human comprehension that God was protecting me and bringing about my full recovery. I had a few bumps in the road upon returning to Gulf Breeze(I...

Sorry for the delayed response. My doc at UAB said to call 911 if anything happened traveling home. My Afib happened at home so may husband drove me both times, although the first time a cop pulled him over at 12:00AM AND TOLD HIM TO GO 45 mph. My local er/hospital is 7 miles from my home; since...