Hi, I am a new member having joined the forum earlier this week and one of the senior members Bina (fellow Canuck) suggested that I start a new thread to properly introduce myself to the group...thanks for the encouragement Bina.
Am 56 male and about to undergo replacement of my bicuspid aortic valve as well as repair/replacement of the mitral valve (mitral correction will be fully determined at surgery).
About 4 years ago at 52, during annual exam, my GP picked up regurgitation sounds and referred me to cardiologist Dr. Mayer and echo test revealed bicuspid aortic valve with likely some mitral valve damage.
Gradual deterioration over the 4 years, with cardiologist expressing acceleration in past 6 months and some urgency for surgery and prompting to get an angiogram test.
Feeling fine, i was skeptical of the cardiologist's expressed urgency with echo done in March and a result of .5cm or 25 % effciency, so I agreed to further tests.
My expressed sentiment was "Why would he want to hurt me so bad, when i feel fine, am not sick enough for OHS
"
Angiogram with Dr Beaudry in early April , quickly followed by meeting with surgeon Dr Lachapelle, confirmed that aortic valve is classified as severe stenosis and that surgery should not be postponed.
Good news from angiogram is that pump and arteries are very good, although heart oversized , so diagnosis is I just a requirement for a lil' valve job.
Was surprised at the urgency for surgery expressed by caridologist, confirmed by angiogram doctor and further confirmed by surgeon.
Felt/experienced no symptoms, yet 3 very accomplished professionals could not be wrong in their diagnostic and all encouraged getting it done soon, whereby May 17th was set as the date for surgery. No symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, but am now judging that being aware of the consequences i had likely adjusted activities/lifestyle to pace myself and pospone the outcome of surgery.
At 56 years of age, the valve decision is not as easy as it may have been for some others , initial choice was mechanical, then porcine for no meds and now coming full circle back to mechanical, as have received the education that the hassle and risks of anti-coagulant, likely outweigh the stong probability of a 2nd OHS in my liefetime, with a tissue valve.
Am very encouraged by what am reading on St-Jude Regent and On-X and looking forward to meeting with Surgeon this Wednesday for further discussion on his valve preferences and why.
So an 8 day coutdown to surgery begins and i would like to thank Ross and members of the forum who have already helped me tremendously in understanding the process and some of what i can do to prepare for pre-op and some post op knowledge as well.
I did know that many had preceded me in the process of AVR and this forum is strong documentation to assist newbies like myself in clarifying many unknowns.
Fear yes, but less so that a short week ago, as i have the power, leverage and experience of the forum members and pioneers.
Thank you to the founders, administrators and contributing members
Gil
Am 56 male and about to undergo replacement of my bicuspid aortic valve as well as repair/replacement of the mitral valve (mitral correction will be fully determined at surgery).
About 4 years ago at 52, during annual exam, my GP picked up regurgitation sounds and referred me to cardiologist Dr. Mayer and echo test revealed bicuspid aortic valve with likely some mitral valve damage.
Gradual deterioration over the 4 years, with cardiologist expressing acceleration in past 6 months and some urgency for surgery and prompting to get an angiogram test.
Feeling fine, i was skeptical of the cardiologist's expressed urgency with echo done in March and a result of .5cm or 25 % effciency, so I agreed to further tests.
My expressed sentiment was "Why would he want to hurt me so bad, when i feel fine, am not sick enough for OHS
"Angiogram with Dr Beaudry in early April , quickly followed by meeting with surgeon Dr Lachapelle, confirmed that aortic valve is classified as severe stenosis and that surgery should not be postponed.
Good news from angiogram is that pump and arteries are very good, although heart oversized , so diagnosis is I just a requirement for a lil' valve job.
Was surprised at the urgency for surgery expressed by caridologist, confirmed by angiogram doctor and further confirmed by surgeon.
Felt/experienced no symptoms, yet 3 very accomplished professionals could not be wrong in their diagnostic and all encouraged getting it done soon, whereby May 17th was set as the date for surgery. No symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, but am now judging that being aware of the consequences i had likely adjusted activities/lifestyle to pace myself and pospone the outcome of surgery.
At 56 years of age, the valve decision is not as easy as it may have been for some others , initial choice was mechanical, then porcine for no meds and now coming full circle back to mechanical, as have received the education that the hassle and risks of anti-coagulant, likely outweigh the stong probability of a 2nd OHS in my liefetime, with a tissue valve.
Am very encouraged by what am reading on St-Jude Regent and On-X and looking forward to meeting with Surgeon this Wednesday for further discussion on his valve preferences and why.
So an 8 day coutdown to surgery begins and i would like to thank Ross and members of the forum who have already helped me tremendously in understanding the process and some of what i can do to prepare for pre-op and some post op knowledge as well.
I did know that many had preceded me in the process of AVR and this forum is strong documentation to assist newbies like myself in clarifying many unknowns.
Fear yes, but less so that a short week ago, as i have the power, leverage and experience of the forum members and pioneers.
Thank you to the founders, administrators and contributing members
Gil
