Braveheart
Well-known member
As I have mentioned in the past, I have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis. the area is .96 and the gradient is 31. I don't have any frank symptoms, but I am beginning to realize that I am tiring more than usual, although I am able to walk 4 1/2 miles (but then I have to lie around the rest of the day).
Six months ago, my cardio told me that I had at least three years before I would need an AVR. This did not satisfy me, and when I found that the area went from .99 to .96 in 6 months on the echo, I decided that I wanted to get the whole thing over with.
This week, at my insistance, I am going in for a heart cath., and will have more information.
My question is: Just how stenotic was your valve, before you had it replaced?
Am I "jumping the gun" or am I right in wanting the surgery now, before my heart is damaged? (It is fine, now). If you have had the surgery, were their any neurological complications?
I am 69. The doctor claims that if I wait a few years, chances are that a valve will last for the rest of my life. If I have the operation earlier, I might need another surgery when I am elderly.
As people who have followed my posts can see, I am vaccillating. I want to make sure that I make the right decision.
Six months ago, my cardio told me that I had at least three years before I would need an AVR. This did not satisfy me, and when I found that the area went from .99 to .96 in 6 months on the echo, I decided that I wanted to get the whole thing over with.
This week, at my insistance, I am going in for a heart cath., and will have more information.
My question is: Just how stenotic was your valve, before you had it replaced?
Am I "jumping the gun" or am I right in wanting the surgery now, before my heart is damaged? (It is fine, now). If you have had the surgery, were their any neurological complications?
I am 69. The doctor claims that if I wait a few years, chances are that a valve will last for the rest of my life. If I have the operation earlier, I might need another surgery when I am elderly.
As people who have followed my posts can see, I am vaccillating. I want to make sure that I make the right decision.