I'm 47yr old married female. Just found out about my aortic stenosis a little over two years ago. Been watching it by echo and now they say it's time to do something about it. I have to have AVR and tomorrow I'm going for the CT angio scan so they can check my aorta as it was enlarged some according to echo and also check to see if I have any blockages, etc. Surgery is scheduled for the end of this June. I have not made my final decision on what type valve to go with yet. It's so confusing and I cannot come to terms with which one to go with yet. I want the longevity of the mechanical but honestly I do not want to go on the blood thinner for the rest of my life, etc. I'm glad I found this site, as I have no one to talk to that really understands my thoughts and my feelings and knows exactly what I'm going through. I feel like I'm going to die. I've never had anything really wrong with me until this, other than some mild dysplasia in cervix 20 yrs ago. I don't take any med's. I've been so depressed and sad and my nerves are just shot because of all of this. I would appreciate any words you may have for me. I just feel like my life has been turned upside down by this. I'm scared to death. I'm petrified of waking up with that tube going down my throat and staying there for a while. I'm petrified of the pain I will have. I'm petrified to even go in the hospital! It's all horrifying to me. Its the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night and the first thing I think about when I wake up. I cry myself to sleep most nights and oftentimes during the day. It's such a hard thing for me to face up to, I don't know how I'm going to make it through this. I love my husband and my family so much I cannot begin to imagine that I've got to go through this. I'm just really down and needed to let some of this out to people that know where I'm coming from. Someone please help me if you can! Thank you and I pray for each of you here for your strength and for your lifelong healing!
Help! Beyond scared to DEATH!
- Thread starter Angel
- Start date
Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:
You've come to the right place. This forum is a true blessing. I don't know how I would have gotten through my surgery without it.
Ok, first of all. You're going to be fine. I know it's scary - we all do. But try to calm down, because honestly, it's most likely nowhere near as bad as you're thinking it is right now. The angio is a piece of cake. And even the surgery is most likely not going to be anywhere near as bad as you're thinking. It's obviously still a major surgery, but as far as pain, they teach you to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is almost none, and 10 is excrutiating. I was never above 4 or 5 through the whole thing, and even that was temporary. I was probably a 3 by the time I left the hospital 4 days after surgery, and I'm probably a 1 right now (3 weeks after surgery) which is amazing to me. That might be a little unusual, as others have had a little more pain (I don't want to downplay it too much) but just know that there's a chance (and I think it's a very good chance) that it's not going to hurt anywhere near as much as you think.
I was right where you're at just a few weeks ago. I'm 49 now (was 48 back then). Had my Angio around first part of April, and the surgery 3 weeks ago today. Like you, I'd never had any kind of serious health issues, and have been on zero meds my entire life (except for over the counter stuff for colds, headaches, etc.). You've got plenty of time to research the valve options - so don't panic. And this is the absolute best place to get your questions answered so you can be confident you're making the right choice. The best advice is to do your homework - knowledge is power. You'll hear both sides, and we'll have plenty of time to discuss the options after your angio. I was afraid of the blood thinner too (you'll learn they're not actually blood thinners, and they're nowhere near as bad as you're thinking), and didn't like some of the other associated things with the mechanical option, including I'm deathly afraid of needles. So was leaning heavily towards a tissue valve at first (see my original post on here, lol, it's titled something like "48 year-old newbie"). But after doing some research, and talking to my cardiologist and surgeon about the choices, I ended up going w/ mechanical, and am glad I did. But like I said, plenty of time to talk about that before you decide. For now, just get through the Angio tomorrow, and let us know what they find. But try to rest well, 'cause seriously, it's not as bad as you're afraid it is!!!
Ok, first of all. You're going to be fine. I know it's scary - we all do. But try to calm down, because honestly, it's most likely nowhere near as bad as you're thinking it is right now. The angio is a piece of cake. And even the surgery is most likely not going to be anywhere near as bad as you're thinking. It's obviously still a major surgery, but as far as pain, they teach you to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is almost none, and 10 is excrutiating. I was never above 4 or 5 through the whole thing, and even that was temporary. I was probably a 3 by the time I left the hospital 4 days after surgery, and I'm probably a 1 right now (3 weeks after surgery) which is amazing to me. That might be a little unusual, as others have had a little more pain (I don't want to downplay it too much) but just know that there's a chance (and I think it's a very good chance) that it's not going to hurt anywhere near as much as you think.
I was right where you're at just a few weeks ago. I'm 49 now (was 48 back then). Had my Angio around first part of April, and the surgery 3 weeks ago today. Like you, I'd never had any kind of serious health issues, and have been on zero meds my entire life (except for over the counter stuff for colds, headaches, etc.). You've got plenty of time to research the valve options - so don't panic. And this is the absolute best place to get your questions answered so you can be confident you're making the right choice. The best advice is to do your homework - knowledge is power. You'll hear both sides, and we'll have plenty of time to discuss the options after your angio. I was afraid of the blood thinner too (you'll learn they're not actually blood thinners, and they're nowhere near as bad as you're thinking), and didn't like some of the other associated things with the mechanical option, including I'm deathly afraid of needles. So was leaning heavily towards a tissue valve at first (see my original post on here, lol, it's titled something like "48 year-old newbie"). But after doing some research, and talking to my cardiologist and surgeon about the choices, I ended up going w/ mechanical, and am glad I did. But like I said, plenty of time to talk about that before you decide. For now, just get through the Angio tomorrow, and let us know what they find. But try to rest well, 'cause seriously, it's not as bad as you're afraid it is!!!
Take a deep breath.We know exactly how you feel.When you are first told you need ohs it shocks your system-it did me - it did all of us.you will get to feel better about it as the days go by.remember this is going to save your life! just take it one step at a time.it wont be as bad as you are thinking it will be right now.yea it is tough and alot to swallow right now.they will take care of your pain with meds but, it is not as painful as you are thinking.After the first 3 days it gets alot better.you can do this and you will be much better off in the long run.hang in there!
Philip B
Well-known member
Scared?
Scared?
Being scared when OHS becomes a reality is pretty normal. I was utterly terrified even though I had known about my defective valve since I was a teenager. It's fairly normal to imagine worse case senarios, despite the fact that the success rate for valve replacement surgery is outstanding. OHS is a big deal and is a life changing event for many who deal with it.
Personally, I really struggled with the reality of needing surgery right up to the moment they wheeled me into the operating room and knocked me out. Like many others, I experienced a good outcome. My AVR surgery was really about simply getting a defective valve and aorta replaced so I could get on with my life.
We often hear from folks who struggle with valve choice. Your concerns about coumadin are nothing new here; we hear concerns like yours frequently. Reality often conflicts with the misconceptions many people have about coumadin. For many of us managing coumadin is simply a routine thing and is no big deal. Valve choice really is a personal thing. Others may disagree, but I believe any choice which allows one to live and move along with his/her life is a good one.
So, how do you get through what you're dealing with now? You take it a step at a time and focus on what you need to do day-by-day. Make a real effort spend as little time on the "dark side" of things as possible. Stay busy and focus on positive stuff as much as you can.
-Philip
Scared?
Being scared when OHS becomes a reality is pretty normal. I was utterly terrified even though I had known about my defective valve since I was a teenager. It's fairly normal to imagine worse case senarios, despite the fact that the success rate for valve replacement surgery is outstanding. OHS is a big deal and is a life changing event for many who deal with it.
Personally, I really struggled with the reality of needing surgery right up to the moment they wheeled me into the operating room and knocked me out. Like many others, I experienced a good outcome. My AVR surgery was really about simply getting a defective valve and aorta replaced so I could get on with my life.
We often hear from folks who struggle with valve choice. Your concerns about coumadin are nothing new here; we hear concerns like yours frequently. Reality often conflicts with the misconceptions many people have about coumadin. For many of us managing coumadin is simply a routine thing and is no big deal. Valve choice really is a personal thing. Others may disagree, but I believe any choice which allows one to live and move along with his/her life is a good one.
So, how do you get through what you're dealing with now? You take it a step at a time and focus on what you need to do day-by-day. Make a real effort spend as little time on the "dark side" of things as possible. Stay busy and focus on positive stuff as much as you can.
-Philip
Hey there Angel Welcome to the forum. There's not much I can add that hasn't already been said except for get a copy of all your test results what ever they may be. It may seem worthless to you now but it's a good thing to have and if you have any questions about the results there a few of us who can answer them.
Take a deep breath, think positive on how much better you will feel. Chances are you'll be too drugged up to feel the breathing tube, yes, you'll may notice it, but since you know it's going to be there you can calm yourself down if and when you do notice it.
Right now try to focus on making some frozen dinners - that is if your hubby doesn't cook. Maybe do some baking, cause if hubby doesn't cook you don't want him to live on take-out, plus you'll have something ready when you come home.
Take care
Take a deep breath, think positive on how much better you will feel. Chances are you'll be too drugged up to feel the breathing tube, yes, you'll may notice it, but since you know it's going to be there you can calm yourself down if and when you do notice it.
Right now try to focus on making some frozen dinners - that is if your hubby doesn't cook. Maybe do some baking, cause if hubby doesn't cook you don't want him to live on take-out, plus you'll have something ready when you come home.
Take care
ALCapshaw2
Well-known member
Welcome to our World Angel !
You may want to read some of the posts (starting with the Stickies at the top of the forum listings) in the AntiCoagulation Forum to learn the Reality of Living with / on Anti-Coagulation / Coumadin / Warfarin. It's really not as bad as many in the medical field like to claim it is. The Key is Proper Management from a Knowledgable manager. FYI the Best Results come from Home Testing and Managing. AL Lodwick (and others) have fairly straight-forward Dosing Guides that work well.
Your comment about an enlarged Aorta caught my eye. Your CT should give a better assessment of your Aorta to determine if you have an Aneurism. Do you have a Bi-Cuspid Aortic Valve as well? If so, you can learn more about this condition in the BiCuspid Aortic Valve and Connective Tissue Disorder Forum.
IF you have an aneurism and/or BAV, it is in your Best Interest to find a Surgeon with considerable experience treating those issues which are a step up from what most Heart Surgeons deal with on a regular basis. Such surgeons are typically found at the Major Heart Hospitals (as opposed to local / regional hospitals which deal mostly with ByPass Surgery and occassional first-time basic valve replacements). What part of the country do you live in? The Major Heart Hospitals in most regions are pretty well represented amoung our members.
You need to know that Heart Surgery is a Highly Refined Art with extremely good results (1% risk of morbidity, 1% risk of mortality on a National Basis... even lower with the Top Rated Surgeons at the Major Hospitals).
You also need to know that most patients report various degrees of "Discomfort" as opposed to PAIN from their incisions.
Muscle Pain (from how you are positioned during surgery) can be "uncomfortable" but is typically relieved Faster and Better with Massage. Doctors and Nurses want to keep you as pain-free as possible to facilitate healing and will encourage you to 'stay ahead' of the pain with your pain medications.
At age 47, you would likely need one or more repeat surgeries if you choose a Tissue Valve as they tend to wear out, especially in younger patients. Mechanical Valves are designed to operate for Several Lifetimes and only rarely need to be replaced (typically due to Pannus Tissue Growth which has nothing to do with the valve itself). As an Engineer, I am impressed with the technological advancements in the On-X Valves (see www.HeartValveChoice.com and www.onxvalves.com for more information).
OK, take a Deep Breath, try to Relax, and just take it one step at a time.
Remember, every member here has either Lived Through OHS, or is a family member of someone who has.
If we can do it, SO CAN YOU !
'AL Capshaw'
You may want to read some of the posts (starting with the Stickies at the top of the forum listings) in the AntiCoagulation Forum to learn the Reality of Living with / on Anti-Coagulation / Coumadin / Warfarin. It's really not as bad as many in the medical field like to claim it is. The Key is Proper Management from a Knowledgable manager. FYI the Best Results come from Home Testing and Managing. AL Lodwick (and others) have fairly straight-forward Dosing Guides that work well.
Your comment about an enlarged Aorta caught my eye. Your CT should give a better assessment of your Aorta to determine if you have an Aneurism. Do you have a Bi-Cuspid Aortic Valve as well? If so, you can learn more about this condition in the BiCuspid Aortic Valve and Connective Tissue Disorder Forum.
IF you have an aneurism and/or BAV, it is in your Best Interest to find a Surgeon with considerable experience treating those issues which are a step up from what most Heart Surgeons deal with on a regular basis. Such surgeons are typically found at the Major Heart Hospitals (as opposed to local / regional hospitals which deal mostly with ByPass Surgery and occassional first-time basic valve replacements). What part of the country do you live in? The Major Heart Hospitals in most regions are pretty well represented amoung our members.
You need to know that Heart Surgery is a Highly Refined Art with extremely good results (1% risk of morbidity, 1% risk of mortality on a National Basis... even lower with the Top Rated Surgeons at the Major Hospitals).
You also need to know that most patients report various degrees of "Discomfort" as opposed to PAIN from their incisions.
Muscle Pain (from how you are positioned during surgery) can be "uncomfortable" but is typically relieved Faster and Better with Massage. Doctors and Nurses want to keep you as pain-free as possible to facilitate healing and will encourage you to 'stay ahead' of the pain with your pain medications.
At age 47, you would likely need one or more repeat surgeries if you choose a Tissue Valve as they tend to wear out, especially in younger patients. Mechanical Valves are designed to operate for Several Lifetimes and only rarely need to be replaced (typically due to Pannus Tissue Growth which has nothing to do with the valve itself). As an Engineer, I am impressed with the technological advancements in the On-X Valves (see www.HeartValveChoice.com and www.onxvalves.com for more information).
OK, take a Deep Breath, try to Relax, and just take it one step at a time.
Remember, every member here has either Lived Through OHS, or is a family member of someone who has.
If we can do it, SO CAN YOU !
'AL Capshaw'
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Woodbutcher
Well-known member
Crikey ! you poor thing, you're really going through the Mill aren't you ? Right now and the build up to your operation are going to be the worst part of your operation because you're imagination and fears are running riot ! The procedure you'll be having has been done thousands of times before and is totally routine and carried out by experts who'll care for you every step of the way. You'll be in a deep deep sleep for the operation and feel nothing and you'll know nothing of tubes down your throat or even care by the time you come round because you'll be totally spaced out and in the hands specialist nurses watching and caring for you every inch of the way.
You wont be comfortable for a few days even weeks afterwards, but discomfort is something that's easy to deal with with modern meds and a small price for having the rest of your life back ?
You'll receive boundless support from this forum, plenty of us can empathise, having been in exactly the same head space as you and knowing exactly how you feel. You'll be absolutely fine and mended in no time at all.
You wont be comfortable for a few days even weeks afterwards, but discomfort is something that's easy to deal with with modern meds and a small price for having the rest of your life back ?
You'll receive boundless support from this forum, plenty of us can empathise, having been in exactly the same head space as you and knowing exactly how you feel. You'll be absolutely fine and mended in no time at all.
Angel,
welcome to the forum, you will find much clarity on the information you may need and not readily available from the professional medical staff
fully understand much of your current fears, as had about the same amount of time pre op and am now about 10 days post op and in recovery.
ok, so it is not a picnic, (there is about 30-50 hours of major discomfort), much of which you will be on heavy meds to cope with and quite oblivious
your imagination is likely making it much worse than it actually is for most people, you are likely to be amazed at how quickly recovery.
We (in my area) are currently living a tremendous heat wave, but am already capable of 20+ minute walks, 1-2 KM in heavy heat, with no problem.
wires/staples securing the incision come off today, weather improves, so am hoping to increase activity and to keep building up on recovery to normal.
check the threads, ask the questions and prepare yourself for intelligent conversations with surgeon/med staff for valave selection etc...they all work, you just need to understand the pros and cons of choices, as with everything in life, there is some compromise...you will adjust
Gil
welcome to the forum, you will find much clarity on the information you may need and not readily available from the professional medical staff
fully understand much of your current fears, as had about the same amount of time pre op and am now about 10 days post op and in recovery.
ok, so it is not a picnic, (there is about 30-50 hours of major discomfort), much of which you will be on heavy meds to cope with and quite oblivious
your imagination is likely making it much worse than it actually is for most people, you are likely to be amazed at how quickly recovery.
We (in my area) are currently living a tremendous heat wave, but am already capable of 20+ minute walks, 1-2 KM in heavy heat, with no problem.
wires/staples securing the incision come off today, weather improves, so am hoping to increase activity and to keep building up on recovery to normal.
check the threads, ask the questions and prepare yourself for intelligent conversations with surgeon/med staff for valave selection etc...they all work, you just need to understand the pros and cons of choices, as with everything in life, there is some compromise...you will adjust
Gil
kfay
Well-known member
Angel, For a lot of us, this period leading up to the surgery is much, much worse than the event itself. I fell into that category. I about drove myself crazy with the what if's and I had been through it before so I knew what to expect! Listen, you really will be fine. The pain is not that bad for most people. I wouldn't even really discribe it as pain, more like a bad discomfort. And a lot of us had much more pain and spasms in our back and neck. They will offer you a lot of drugs, don't try and be a hero, take them if you need them.
If you are this worried and worked up about this surgery and you still have a month to go, you should call your Dr. and ask for some Xanax. It will help. I know, I took it before mine. There is no need for you to be this miserable for a whole month.
Hang around here. You'll get great support here and we have pretty much experienced everything, so ask any questions you may have.
Kim
If you are this worried and worked up about this surgery and you still have a month to go, you should call your Dr. and ask for some Xanax. It will help. I know, I took it before mine. There is no need for you to be this miserable for a whole month.
Hang around here. You'll get great support here and we have pretty much experienced everything, so ask any questions you may have.
Kim
Welcome aboard Angel. Being scared is normal. We all been through this before. Take a deep breath and relax.
Keep us posted.
Keep us posted.
Nancy
Well-known member
Hi Angel-
I helped my husband through so many thoracic surgeries and other things. Of course, you are scared out of your mind, who wouldn't be. So allow yourself that indulgence. It's a natural thing. Once you allow yourself that, then you can relax a little and not get all nervous because you are worrying too much, you will know that it part of life to be nervous about scary things.
You have been told that you have this problem, and you have also been told that there is a fix for it. You are lucky. Not every medical problem has a fix. It is sort of a plumbing problem within the body, and the fantastic surgeons can go in there and replace your faulty plumbing piece and make you better. That is terrific news! Celebrate this!
In your mind, jump over the bad things, the surgery itself, the vent, etc. For most of this, you will not be awake and it will all be in the hands of the surgical staff. Concentrate instead in the recovery phase and after that the part where you will be feeling better than you do now. Shower all your energy on your family, tell them how much you love them and that you are going to go to the hospital and get all fixed up because you love them and want to have a much better quality of life with them and be able to participate fully in their lives.
Remember that the surgeons who do this are experts. They are in and out of people's hearts almost every day, sometimes more than once a day. They have terrific staff personnel. They anticipate everything that could happen during and after surgery and will be right there for you every step of the way.
The machinery, medications and all that other stuff are really your friends. The vent, especially, is your friend. It will assist you in your breathing until your own body can do the job on its own. So just go with the flow of that machine and work with it, not against it. Chances are that you will hardly remember being on it.
Expect that you will have some pain. But also know that each day after surgery, your own body is working very hard to heal itself, and gradually, the pain will subside and you will recover.
Think of this as a new birthday for you and your heart. You will do fine.
Just surrender yourself to the people who know all about this surgery, the surgeon and his/her staff, and if you are religious, God. They will get you through this.
Come here often and seek support or ask any questions you can think of. You will get answers.
As far as anti-coagulation, I have to say that Joe was on it for over 30 years. Coumadin had fewer side effects than ANY of his other medications. He took the proper dosage, got his testing when necessary and went on with his life. He didn't have to be on any strict diet like many believe, nor did it hamper his abilities to enjoy his life. If you like the fact that a mechanical valve has longevity, and don't want to have to face this operation in the future, Coumadin is something that is absolutely doable. Think this all through very carefully. The choice you make will be with you for a long time.
I helped my husband through so many thoracic surgeries and other things. Of course, you are scared out of your mind, who wouldn't be. So allow yourself that indulgence. It's a natural thing. Once you allow yourself that, then you can relax a little and not get all nervous because you are worrying too much, you will know that it part of life to be nervous about scary things.
You have been told that you have this problem, and you have also been told that there is a fix for it. You are lucky. Not every medical problem has a fix. It is sort of a plumbing problem within the body, and the fantastic surgeons can go in there and replace your faulty plumbing piece and make you better. That is terrific news! Celebrate this!
In your mind, jump over the bad things, the surgery itself, the vent, etc. For most of this, you will not be awake and it will all be in the hands of the surgical staff. Concentrate instead in the recovery phase and after that the part where you will be feeling better than you do now. Shower all your energy on your family, tell them how much you love them and that you are going to go to the hospital and get all fixed up because you love them and want to have a much better quality of life with them and be able to participate fully in their lives.
Remember that the surgeons who do this are experts. They are in and out of people's hearts almost every day, sometimes more than once a day. They have terrific staff personnel. They anticipate everything that could happen during and after surgery and will be right there for you every step of the way.
The machinery, medications and all that other stuff are really your friends. The vent, especially, is your friend. It will assist you in your breathing until your own body can do the job on its own. So just go with the flow of that machine and work with it, not against it. Chances are that you will hardly remember being on it.
Expect that you will have some pain. But also know that each day after surgery, your own body is working very hard to heal itself, and gradually, the pain will subside and you will recover.
Think of this as a new birthday for you and your heart. You will do fine.
Just surrender yourself to the people who know all about this surgery, the surgeon and his/her staff, and if you are religious, God. They will get you through this.
Come here often and seek support or ask any questions you can think of. You will get answers.
As far as anti-coagulation, I have to say that Joe was on it for over 30 years. Coumadin had fewer side effects than ANY of his other medications. He took the proper dosage, got his testing when necessary and went on with his life. He didn't have to be on any strict diet like many believe, nor did it hamper his abilities to enjoy his life. If you like the fact that a mechanical valve has longevity, and don't want to have to face this operation in the future, Coumadin is something that is absolutely doable. Think this all through very carefully. The choice you make will be with you for a long time.
Nancy,
your reply is so well written, concise and truthful and truly shows the advantage of this forum in having member experience, in understanding the trials and tribulations that all of us newbies face. ...thank you Nancy for that well written piece of advice
Angel, once again, good luck with your process, be worried and inquisitive yes, but do not make yourself sicker with worry, on those things you cannot control.
Let the pros fix you up and your focus should be on preparation for operation, (mindset and planning) and mostly on how you will assist yourself with recovery and a plan for those 1st weeks post op
good luck with the journey
Gil
your reply is so well written, concise and truthful and truly shows the advantage of this forum in having member experience, in understanding the trials and tribulations that all of us newbies face. ...thank you Nancy for that well written piece of advice
Angel, once again, good luck with your process, be worried and inquisitive yes, but do not make yourself sicker with worry, on those things you cannot control.
Let the pros fix you up and your focus should be on preparation for operation, (mindset and planning) and mostly on how you will assist yourself with recovery and a plan for those 1st weeks post op
good luck with the journey
Gil
What AL Capshaw said! "Remember, every member here has either Lived Through OHS, or is a family member of some who has.
If we can do it, SO CAN YOU !"
I was in such bad shape before surgery, by the time surgery date rolled around I was really psyched up and excited about it simply because I knew I would die for sure if I did not have the surgery. Try not to worry. The things we obsess about/think about often actually can affect our bodies. If you change your 'self-talk' into such as 'this surgery will save my life', 'the new valve will work so much better than what I have' and 'it is wonderful that Doctors can fix these things now' I think you will be amazed that telling yourself stuff like that actually will reduce your stress level. I too was worried about the Coumadin too, but it has turned out to be pretty much a non issue.
I also had post-op Reiki sessions, and I strongly encourage you to look at www.wingedhorsehealing.com and get in touch with Pam for both pre-op and post-op help. She is a master level practioner, meaning she does not have to be right there with you, can be done at a distance.
If we can do it, SO CAN YOU !"
I was in such bad shape before surgery, by the time surgery date rolled around I was really psyched up and excited about it simply because I knew I would die for sure if I did not have the surgery. Try not to worry. The things we obsess about/think about often actually can affect our bodies. If you change your 'self-talk' into such as 'this surgery will save my life', 'the new valve will work so much better than what I have' and 'it is wonderful that Doctors can fix these things now' I think you will be amazed that telling yourself stuff like that actually will reduce your stress level. I too was worried about the Coumadin too, but it has turned out to be pretty much a non issue.
I also had post-op Reiki sessions, and I strongly encourage you to look at www.wingedhorsehealing.com and get in touch with Pam for both pre-op and post-op help. She is a master level practioner, meaning she does not have to be right there with you, can be done at a distance.
Nancy, I love the way you described it, 'It is sort of a plumbing problem within the body, and the fantastic surgeons can go in there and replace your faulty plumbing piece and make you better. That is terrific news! Celebrate this!' That is so true! You said some other very wise and helpful things, repeating to make sure Angel did not skim over them <grin>, the 'Just surrender yourself to the people who know all about this surgery, the surgeon and his/her staff, and if you are religious, God. They will get you through this.
Come here often and seek support or ask any questions you can think of. You will get answers.'
My surgeon told me that my mechanical valve will outlast me, which is actually a cheery thought, no worries about it wearing out! I have an ATS AP360 open pivot and it seems to be working very well. I am 58 but feel as if I am a 20-something now, a fabulous transformation!
Come here often and seek support or ask any questions you can think of. You will get answers.'
My surgeon told me that my mechanical valve will outlast me, which is actually a cheery thought, no worries about it wearing out! I have an ATS AP360 open pivot and it seems to be working very well. I am 58 but feel as if I am a 20-something now, a fabulous transformation!
Hi Angel & welcome to this forum. And you're not alone in how you are feeling right now! We've all been there & done that, some of us, even multiple times; but the main thing is, "that we are still here!"
I hope that you are reading as many posts from some of our newest members, like Malibu82, who just had her surgery on 5/21 & 3 days later she was already posting!!!! And too, I hope you are reading posts from some of us that are long-time survivors of OHS & have been on coumadin for many, many years so there is no need for you to worry about what your life will be if you choose a mechanical valve. The choice is clearly yours but get informed first and then make your selection!
So hang in there & try to calm yourself down. Think positive thoughts & come to the realization that you need to have this surgery to go on with your life!
Godspeed!
I hope that you are reading as many posts from some of our newest members, like Malibu82, who just had her surgery on 5/21 & 3 days later she was already posting!!!! And too, I hope you are reading posts from some of us that are long-time survivors of OHS & have been on coumadin for many, many years so there is no need for you to worry about what your life will be if you choose a mechanical valve. The choice is clearly yours but get informed first and then make your selection!
So hang in there & try to calm yourself down. Think positive thoughts & come to the realization that you need to have this surgery to go on with your life!
Godspeed!
AgilityDog
Well-known member
Hi Angel.
I'm exactly where you are, with the advantage/disadvantage of having been through this before. In 2006 I had to have my mitral valve replaced - I was so ill I would have been dead in 3 months if I hadn't been referred to a wonderful cardiologist. Needless to say, my surgery and recovery were rough.
Because of the collateral damage, I am now looking at having my aortic valve replaced, maybe as early as this summer based on the latest echo. I've been through this before, and fully expect this surgery to go much better than the last, because I'm healthier now. But I'm still scared/nervous/obsessing/lacking focus - witness I'm on this board instead of working!!!
You are normal. I am normal. We'll both get through it with the love and support of our families, friends, and the fabulous VR members!
Slap me and send me back to work now.
I'm exactly where you are, with the advantage/disadvantage of having been through this before. In 2006 I had to have my mitral valve replaced - I was so ill I would have been dead in 3 months if I hadn't been referred to a wonderful cardiologist. Needless to say, my surgery and recovery were rough.
Because of the collateral damage, I am now looking at having my aortic valve replaced, maybe as early as this summer based on the latest echo. I've been through this before, and fully expect this surgery to go much better than the last, because I'm healthier now. But I'm still scared/nervous/obsessing/lacking focus - witness I'm on this board instead of working!!!
You are normal. I am normal. We'll both get through it with the love and support of our families, friends, and the fabulous VR members!
Slap me and send me back to work now.
ARGREENMN Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my plea here. It helps so much just to be able to communicate with people that are having the same type of experiences as you are. They can truly give you insight and make you feel so much better. My angio is in just a little bit, and I'll let everyone know what happens. I think it will be about 3 bus. days before I know the results from what I've read. Thanks a million. Glad to hear you're doing so well. Brighter days ahead!
Philip B Thank you so very much for your reply. Yes, it truly is terrifying. I may be just like you, as far as struggling with the reality of needing surgery right up to when they wheel me into the OR. Yes, I can picture that as being me! It's unreal how you can get on here and read what other people are saying and thinking because I have the exact same thoughts and feelings as they do and all along I had been feeling so alone in this, like it was just me. Thanks again for all of your words and your advice and I pray that you will continue to do well! Blessings to you.
Thanks so much for your welcome. I'm just about to go have my angio in a few min. but I'm looking on here and reading my responses and it's just overwhelming, the outpouring of care and concern here. It's truly some wonderful people here, I can tell already. I'm so thankful I found this site just last night. I'm glad you're doing well and I truly appreciate all of your words for me. May you be blessed!
