R
ricks399
I've lurked here a few times but registered today. I'm scheduled for aortic valve replacement and double bypass on July 21. I'm 58 and have decided on a bovine valve. My surgeon said that they are now treating valves and given the results from studies with sheep, he feels 20 years is a possibility but that 15 is certainly reasonable before a replacement is needed. So I'll take my chances that in 15 years, if replacement is needed, it can be done by robotics through an artery.
I find that I became aware that the surgery was really going to happen maybe a week ago or less. Before that it was an event somewhere in the future. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on how the anxiety builds as you approach the date for surgery. I'm scheduled for 7:00 a.m. and need to be there at 5:00 a.m. so I don't anticipate much sleep that Sunday night.
Also, how do you tell the people you work with without them thinking you are a dead man walking? My neighbor, for example, told me "you don't look like you need a valve replacement". I started by telling one fellow employee in a different section whom I consider a great friend and she kept the secret. I've recently told some of the people I work with but asked them not to share with anyone quite yet. I suppose in the overall scheme of things this may be a minor issue but I feel at peace with having the surgery itself and with all the possible outcomes.
Anyway, it's great to see a supportive community of people who will or have undergone a common experience. I would certainly like to here from you.
I find that I became aware that the surgery was really going to happen maybe a week ago or less. Before that it was an event somewhere in the future. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on how the anxiety builds as you approach the date for surgery. I'm scheduled for 7:00 a.m. and need to be there at 5:00 a.m. so I don't anticipate much sleep that Sunday night.
Also, how do you tell the people you work with without them thinking you are a dead man walking? My neighbor, for example, told me "you don't look like you need a valve replacement". I started by telling one fellow employee in a different section whom I consider a great friend and she kept the secret. I've recently told some of the people I work with but asked them not to share with anyone quite yet. I suppose in the overall scheme of things this may be a minor issue but I feel at peace with having the surgery itself and with all the possible outcomes.
Anyway, it's great to see a supportive community of people who will or have undergone a common experience. I would certainly like to here from you.