Sunshine susan
Well-known member
Hi to whoever reads this! Hard to know where it fits. Been a member of Valve Replacement for a long time but had no problems for a loooong time. Had AOV in 1999 with St Judes. Take Coumadin and have cardio visits at least annually with Echo annually. Year ago Echo showed an aneurysm at ca 5.0 on aortic root. Saw surgeon and Echo redone 6 mos later with no change. Everyone relaxed a bit, was put on Atenolol. This year valve shows more leakage but no major change in aneurysm. Having cath and TEE at end of June to see if perhaps the aneurysm may be causing the valve leakage. If surgery imminent to correct aneurysm, cardio wants to change valve to tissue due to my age (a very young 66!). I have had symptoms of swollen ankles and feet and shortness of breath which has encouraged this closer look. So my last heart cath was a horrible experience...worse than the open heart! Major bleeding, etc. I am nervous about all of this! I am still working but plan to retire at end of year. Possible I will come home with more meds and. "See you next year" or like before with "we need to do this soon".
Any words of wisdom or thoughts of encouragement...experience?
Thanks!
Any words of wisdom or thoughts of encouragement...experience?
Thanks!