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Interesting thread, and a bit sobering. To each their own. I wonder if you would make the same decision if you didn't suffer depression ? Probably not. I didn't read through the entire thread, but there is hope in God if you put your faith in him!
he doesn't ... he suffers from narcissism (well, as an outcome we do too)
 
I hope you dont joke like this often, a lot of people come to this forum for support to overcome the surgery
Many people do come here for support. Those people actually want support and guidance and will benefit from the experience and information long time participants have to offer.

The person that started this thread doesn’t want support. They want attention. It’s been going on for years. This is far from the first thread they’ve started. There’s a lot of fatigue with that individual.
 
Came onto this forum about 13 years ago for advice ,expecting imminent AVR due to moderate to severe regurgitation ( bicuspid valve). Did some research and queried surgery.

I have since had 6 monthly ECHOs and occasional MRIs.
Although borderline on distolic and systolic measurements,they have remained fairly stable. A good preserved Ejection Fraction, no left ventricle dystrophy, good aortic root diameter, good overall LV function. Asymptomatic.

I am 62, 5' 11", 75kg .work 12 hr shifts, 50 hr + weeks, on my feet all day.

Used to run 6 to 8 km 3 times a week, surf, cycle and swim up until 2 yrs ago due to dodgy hip (hip replacement due in Jan).

Fitness ( in particular running ) was my best gauge for deteriation or sign of symptoms. So in its absence they stuck me on bike at NHS for fitness/heart function test earlier this year.. =better than average for age.

Bottom line... I fear surgery, ! ..and feel while I have a good quality of life now why take the risk of such intrusive surgery and something going wrong.

I have been told that AVR is a matter of when and not if..and the risk of surgery increases with age. But i have had a happy and productive 13 years and hope to have a few more.
I am continuing my Regular ECHOS, got an MRI early next year. But I will not be having surgery until I hit the measurement criteria or show first sign of any symptoms,....or hit 70 yr old .

Dont 't be rushed into surgery but when it is needed, it is needed. Be aware, keep up observations, research and make your own decisions.
 
I have lifelong severe treatment resistant depression and do not want to live nor do I want to go through the surgery. I want to die so doing the surgery would be a waste for all involved. I am afraid that death from heart failure would be painful so I am scrambling for ways to terminate my existence before my valve gets worse. I wish I could get euthanized like they do in Holland for things like tinnitus (which I have had for 33 years and drives me crazy). I am 61 intelligent and am dead set on driving my life to a conclusion ASAP as I am suffering too much from depression and medical issues and have no interest in continuing on.......Plus my family is dead, don't have family of my own, other medical issues and limitations that torment me daily...etc etc
 
I have lifelong severe treatment resistant depression and do not want to live nor do I want to go through the surgery. I want to die so doing the surgery would be a waste for all involved. I am afraid that death from heart failure would be painful so I am scrambling for ways to terminate my existence before my valve gets worse. I wish I could get euthanized like they do in Holland for things like tinnitus (which I have had for 33 years and drives me crazy). I am 61 intelligent and am dead set on driving my life to a conclusion ASAP as I am suffering too much from depression and medical issues and have no interest in continuing on.......Plus my family is dead, don't have family of my own, other medical issues and limitations that torment me daily...etc etc
Please get help:

Suicide prevention resources:

https://focus.senate.ca.gov/mentalhealth/suicide
 
I have lifelong severe treatment resistant depression and do not want to live nor do I want to go through the surgery. I want to die so doing the surgery would be a waste for all involved. I am afraid that death from heart failure would be painful so I am scrambling for ways to terminate my existence before my valve gets worse. I wish I could get euthanized like they do in Holland for things like tinnitus (which I have had for 33 years and drives me crazy). I am 61 intelligent and am dead set on driving my life to a conclusion ASAP as I am suffering too much from depression and medical issues and have no interest in continuing on.......Plus my family is dead, don't have family of my own, other medical issues and limitations that torment me daily...etc etc

You need to get in touch with whomever is treating your depression As Soon As Possible. Try to remember that life is a gift and seeing the sun rise or set is a pleasure given only to the living.
 
I have been in therapy 36 years--Many meds many psychiatrists and psychologists..I want to die 100% clear about this. I have no family no reason to stay alive. I plan to skip surgery and die of heart failure.
 
I've been in counseling since 1988. I've been on medications for decades.. I had dozens of therapists I tried everything other than electroconvulsive therapy I want out of this life as rapidly as possible. I never wanted to be born I've never been happy for any length of time I'm 61 years old and all I want is to non-exist. It's all I've ever wanted my whole life. That's all I've ever dreamed of was to be dead. Having to go through valve surgery at some point is the final straw. I've had it. I'm out. I think it's barbaric that I can't go back to America and get euthanized. I've gotten other medical issues I'm never married no children no career no home I've utterly failed in life I'm ready to be dead. As Napoleon Hill said I Think and Grow rich. What's death but a long sleep and what's the fear of regarding sleep?
 
I've been in counseling since 1988. I've been on medications for decades.. I had dozens of therapists I tried everything other than electroconvulsive therapy I want out of this life as rapidly as possible. I never wanted to be born I've never been happy for any length of time I'm 61 years old and all I want is to non-exist. It's all I've ever wanted my whole life. That's all I've ever dreamed of was to be dead. Having to go through valve surgery at some point is the final straw. I've had it. I'm out. I think it's barbaric that I can't go back to America and get euthanized. I've gotten other medical issues I'm never married no children no career no home I've utterly failed in life I'm ready to be dead. As Napoleon Hill said I Think and Grow rich. What's death but a long sleep and what's the fear of regarding sleep?
I've called that hotline numerous times fucking useless.
 
I have lifelong severe treatment resistant depression and do not want to live nor do I want to go through the surgery. I want to die so doing the surgery would be a waste for all involved. I am afraid that death from heart failure would be painful so I am scrambling for ways to terminate my existence before my valve gets worse. I wish I could get euthanized like they do in Holland for things like tinnitus (which I have had for 33 years and drives me crazy). I am 61 intelligent and am dead set on driving my life to a conclusion ASAP as I am suffering too much from depression and medical issues and have no interest in continuing on.......Plus my family is dead, don't have family of my own, other medical issues and limitations that torment me daily...etc etc
 
You need to get in touch with whomever is treating your depression As Soon As Possible. Try to remember that life is a gift and seeing the sun rise or set is a pleasure given only to the living.
They are not able to assist me. I have treatment resistant depression. I will be happy when I am dead.
 
I am so sorry that you feel so hopeless about the possibility of getting any enjoyment out of life, but understand that more than 60 years of being depressed seems like enough to know. I think it is important to explore all options so when you make a final decision you will have shown yourself the compassion of having learned and tried all you can.

I am not depressed always, but do also have concerns about going through heart valve replacement either through TAVR or open heart. If I am one of the people who ends up with a disabling stroke, to me it would be the worst way to have my life end up if unable to live independently and in control at home of my life. I am a very private and sensitive person and would rather die than be in a nursing home with no control over anything that happens to me. For this reason, I do consider the option to avoid valve replacement and you are the first other person I have heard utter these words.

In terms of a painful death from heart failure, if you are in a US state that does have legal medical aid in dying, once declared terminal, you can get legal access to the drugs to choose die peacefully after assessment by doctors that you are not having the decision on depression. Or can have hospice with comfort meds.

I am going to explore legal options for ensuring I am not put in nursing home to deal with my concerns first. Would prefer to have life saving TAVR if can be sure will not lose ability to get home.

Wishing you the best as you move through your journey.
 
Came onto this forum about 13 years ago for advice ,expecting imminent AVR due to moderate to severe regurgitation ( bicuspid valve). Did some research and queried surgery.

I have since had 6 monthly ECHOs and occasional MRIs.
Although borderline on distolic and systolic measurements,they have remained fairly stable. A good preserved Ejection Fraction, no left ventricle dystrophy, good aortic root diameter, good overall LV function. Asymptomatic.

I am 62, 5' 11", 75kg .work 12 hr shifts, 50 hr + weeks, on my feet all day.

Used to run 6 to 8 km 3 times a week, surf, cycle and swim up until 2 yrs ago due to dodgy hip (hip replacement due in Jan).

Fitness ( in particular running ) was my best gauge for deteriation or sign of symptoms. So in its absence they stuck me on bike at NHS for fitness/heart function test earlier this year.. =better than average for age.

Bottom line... I fear surgery, ! ..and feel while I have a good quality of life now why take the risk of such intrusive surgery and something going wrong.

I have been told that AVR is a matter of when and not if..and the risk of surgery increases with age. But i have had a happy and productive 13 years and hope to have a few more.
I am continuing my Regular ECHOS, got an MRI early next year. But I will not be having surgery until I hit the measurement criteria or show first sign of any symptoms,....or hit 70 yr old .

Dont 't be rushed into surgery but when it is needed, it is needed. Be aware, keep up observations, research and make your own decisions.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is amazing to know that you have gone 13 years without progressing to point of needing surgery You have regurgitation but is there also stenosis?
 
I've been in counseling for 34 years I've tried numerous medications therapies etc etc. I've got what's known as treatment resistant depression.
Yeah, that's a tough one. I had a very good friend who suffered greatly. The only thing she found that helped was electro shock therapy, but after doing that so many times the memory loss was starting to effect her.

Death by heart failure really doesn't sound like a fast, painless or easy death. Just sayin'. Maybe getting your valve fixed will give you a new outlook on life, you never know...
 
Death by heart failure really doesn't sound like a fast, painless or easy death. Just sayin'. Maybe getting your valve fixed will give you a new outlook on life, you never know...
Many get a new perspective and renewed appreciation for life after valve surgery. I know that I did. I'm grateful for every day I'm here. Would not be alive right now if not for valve surgery.
 
Many get a new perspective and renewed appreciation for life after valve surgery. I know that I did. I'm grateful for every day I'm here. Would not be alive right now if not for valve surgery.
Exactly. I was basing my reply on what I have read here. I have to say, this forum has been so informative. I went to the Reddit valve replacement forum and it has nothing on this place. People here seem far more educated on everything that goes with their respective heart issues, and their valve replacements. I love the perspective I get here.
 

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