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laurad37

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 20, 2009
Messages
454
Location
Wisconsin
Hi everyone. I am new here and wanted to stop in an introduce myself. My name is Laura and I am from Wisconsin. I am the mother of 5 and am 37 (well, i will be in a couple of weeks). I recently found out I need my pulmonary valve replaced. My surgery is scheduled for March 23rd. Here is my short version of me.

I was born 37 years ago with Pulmonary Stenosis ( a narrowing of the Pulmonary valve in the heart). I had surgery at just a couple days of age. I again at age 6 had another open heart surgery to put a "patch" in the pulmonary valve.

I had a pretty normal childhood after that and did what all the other kids could do.

About 5 years ago, i started to have a lot of palpatations in the heart and pain in the chest. I saw my doctor and every time I saw him he would either say it was a pulled muscle, panic attacks, pinched nerve, etc.

In April of 2006 I was rushed to the emergency room with a heart rate of over 300bpm. After spending several days in the ICU, the doctors put in a Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.
My symptoms didn't subside and some got worse. I just learned to live with them.

In January of 2009, I started to swell everywhere. I did what most people do when they have swelling. I layed off salt, elevated my extrematies above my heart. This was not helping and so I decided to go to the doctor.

My family doctors office ordered an Echocardiogram, Chest x-ray, EKG, Venus Doppler Ultrasound on my legs to check for clots and lots of lab work. I had the Echo done the next morning and after that was in the room having the Ultrasound done when a woman came in and said are you Laura David. I said yes. She said, your Doctor is on the phone and needs to talk to you. It was during that conversation that I found out the Echo they had just finished showed something very wrong. It was with my valve.

So long story short, there were lots of other tests, doctors appts and such after that. I am now waiting for a heart valve replacement that will be done on March 23rd. I hope after this I can be active again and get back to being Mom.

I look forward to getting to know all of you. I'm sure I will have lots of questions. I have already learned so much from this site. Thank you!

Laura
 
Hi Laura, just wanted to say welcome, you have found the best place to be. Very best of luck with your surgery. 5 children you must be a very busy mum. All the best.
 
Welcome to VR, Laura. Sorry for the circumstances, but glad you found us. You've come to the right place for information, support, and friendship.
 
Hi, and welcome, Laura.:)
I'm a mother of five children, so I know how needing a valve replaced can affect your life.
You've come to the right place for questions and concerns; there's almost always someone who has been there, done that in regards to valve replacement.
I've put your surgical date on our calendar, and you will have our support and prayers when you have your vr.
Mary
 
Hi Laura, wanted to add my welcome. You will find good friendship here and lots of information and shared experiences. And some fun thrown in for good measure. :) Wishing you all the best and looking forward to hearing more from you progressing toward your surgery and afterwards.

Cheers...
 
Laura .... Welcome to the zoo:D ... I'm glad you found us .... VR.com is a wonderful place for information, support and friendship .... Wishing all the best:)
 
Laura,

Welcome to our wonderful world of VR! This is the place to be if you have any questions or concerns along the way. The first post is always the hardest, but if you spend some time looking around, you'll find that you fit right in. Like a good neighbor, sit down and stay a while, there's always something more to chat about.

Jane
 
Laura,welcome and hello,glad but sorry for reason you are here.
So happy to read you have a date,cus for me the wait was the
worse,keep busy and we are here for you and time will fly,and
it's over and your brand,spankin new:)

zipper2 (DEB)
 
Welcome Laura,
I'm sorry you had so many scary events over the years before your problem valve was fingered again. With so many symptoms, you're sure to feel better after the surgery--well, maybe not for a few weeks after. Read here and post questions, it really helps!
Best wishes,
Debby
 
Hi Laura,

You've come to the right place. We are one big loving family that is here for you when you need them.:) Just ask away and someone will come along to help you out with all the questions you will have. I think someone else already mentioned that the waiting will be the hardest for you but being a Mom of 5 those kids of yours will keep you busy and before you know it the date will be here and you will be relieved to get it over with.

Best wishes.
 
Hi Laura,

Welcome to the Forum. Sounds like you have had quite a journey! Good luck on your next phase coming up. Best wishes for a smooth procedure and speedy recovery.

Randy
 
Welcome! You will find a wealth of information here and a lot of great people. You have already been through a lot. I know 5 children keep you really busy. Looking forward to your posts. Best of luck to you.
 
Hi Laura. Welcome aboard. This really is a good bunch, and I suspect you'll find some answers, and comfort here in the next few weeks. Sounds like you and Mary may have a lot in common. All the best, Brian
 
Just wanted to add another 'warm' welcome, Laura. This is definitely the place for support and comfort. Don't be shy to ask any questions. We're here for you on this journey.
 
Hi Laura. Just another warm welcome. Another 37 year old here having AOR surgery March 16. This is an awesome site for any information that you are looking for.
 
Hi Laura, Glad you found this site i didnt till after my operation, sure wished i found it before, they are a great bunch of people who have all been through what you are, they can answer any questions, they are a brillant support so please use them, wishing you all the best with your operation, take care Jane
 

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