T
tym
Hello All,
I have been lurking on this board for about a month and a half, soon after I learned I would need my aortic valve replaced. The board has been an invaluable source of information as I have waded through my options. I have been reluctant to share my story as it would have been another acknowledgement that I would be going through the procedure.
In terms of background, I am 37, fairly active most of my life and in pretty good shape. I had never suspected any problem and was never told by a doctor that I had even a heart murmur. I went for a regular checkup in February and was told by my doctor that he heard what sounded like regurgitation when listening to my heart. He sent me for an echo a week later which I soon forgot about. He called with the results which he labeled as "disturbing". Off to the cardiologist and more tests a week later which confirmed my worst fear. My aortic valve was experiencing significant regurgitation, and my heart was enlarged and working too hard. I was not a walking time bomb but would need the surgery in short order. Here is where my luck began. I recently moved back to my home town of Chicago after 6 years in Montreal. Most of my experiences with the Canadian medical system have been positive but I have never had to deal with anything this significant. The thought of waiting lists for tests and surgery by who knows who and who knows what time would have added a great deal to my stress. More significantly I was able to go to Northwestern Hospital and be treated by Patrick McCarthy as have others on this board. He is a master technician and brilliant surgeon. We talked about the possibilities including tissue vs. mechanical and even repair. Repair sounded like the best to me but seem remote. Again this board has been a great source to make informed choices and ask informed questions.
Long story short I had the surgery 4/20. Dr. McCarthy was able to repair my valve as opposed to replace it. This has many advantages that mitigate weaknesses in both replacement types. I will not have to take coumadin and the chance that this will last much longer than a tissue valve are significant. I cant believe how good I feel not 6 days later. I have pain issues and some sleeplessness but I know these will pass. I was treated well by competent staff at a really nice hospital. I expect to have most of my life back within 6 weeks and have a full recovery after that.
Thanks again for your help, if there is anyway who is looking for information regarding replacement let me know.
I have been lurking on this board for about a month and a half, soon after I learned I would need my aortic valve replaced. The board has been an invaluable source of information as I have waded through my options. I have been reluctant to share my story as it would have been another acknowledgement that I would be going through the procedure.
In terms of background, I am 37, fairly active most of my life and in pretty good shape. I had never suspected any problem and was never told by a doctor that I had even a heart murmur. I went for a regular checkup in February and was told by my doctor that he heard what sounded like regurgitation when listening to my heart. He sent me for an echo a week later which I soon forgot about. He called with the results which he labeled as "disturbing". Off to the cardiologist and more tests a week later which confirmed my worst fear. My aortic valve was experiencing significant regurgitation, and my heart was enlarged and working too hard. I was not a walking time bomb but would need the surgery in short order. Here is where my luck began. I recently moved back to my home town of Chicago after 6 years in Montreal. Most of my experiences with the Canadian medical system have been positive but I have never had to deal with anything this significant. The thought of waiting lists for tests and surgery by who knows who and who knows what time would have added a great deal to my stress. More significantly I was able to go to Northwestern Hospital and be treated by Patrick McCarthy as have others on this board. He is a master technician and brilliant surgeon. We talked about the possibilities including tissue vs. mechanical and even repair. Repair sounded like the best to me but seem remote. Again this board has been a great source to make informed choices and ask informed questions.
Long story short I had the surgery 4/20. Dr. McCarthy was able to repair my valve as opposed to replace it. This has many advantages that mitigate weaknesses in both replacement types. I will not have to take coumadin and the chance that this will last much longer than a tissue valve are significant. I cant believe how good I feel not 6 days later. I have pain issues and some sleeplessness but I know these will pass. I was treated well by competent staff at a really nice hospital. I expect to have most of my life back within 6 weeks and have a full recovery after that.
Thanks again for your help, if there is anyway who is looking for information regarding replacement let me know.
